Home | Bridal Shows

Caribbean Style “I Do”

Are you having a difficult time finding that perfect location for a wedding? Destination weddings have increased in popularity, offering an affordable alternative to expensive reception halls and traditional wedding ceremonies. Approximately 16% of weddings are destination weddings and that is a 400% increase over the past ten years.

Can you imagine the romance of a picturesque Caribbean backdrop while saying, “I do?” The Caribbean and Mexico offer endless possibilities for beautiful, romantic locations for a wedding or vow renewal ceremony. Not only can you have a choice of locations but also a variety of venues and themes. There is something for every budget and individual taste. Many resorts offer a variety of on-property settings for the weddings. Your vows can be said during an informal, barefoot ceremony on a white sandy beach with turquoise water as the backdrop, or a more formal, tradition wedding in a flower drenched gazebo in a garden setting.

Several resorts will handle all of the wedding arrangements. Packages include performance of the ceremony, tax, and special requests suck as wedding cake, refreshments, music, photography, etc. A wedding planner is assigned to the client to assist with the above arrangements as well as the legal requirements. Specific rules and regulations are always subject to change and always should be knowledgeable of the requirements for marriage in the Caribbean. The four main topics to discuss are documents required, blood test, cost, and the waiting period. The waiting period is very critical since most destinations do not count weekends as part of the required days on the island. If there is any question then you should contact the Tourist Board for the destination.

The Cayman Islands is one of the easiest of destinations with absolutely no waiting period to be married. Most of the islands require at least two days present, some even three. All destinations require a proof of citizenship, which will be a mandatory passport for everyone in the United States as of December 31, 2006. Currently, most islands require a birth certificate and driver’s license with a photo.

Destination weddings can be a memorable experience for not only the bride and groom but also for family members and friends. Guests often combine the attendance of the wedding with their personal vacation. Just keep in mind that during the months of May and June destination weddings are in high demand. Now is the time to begin planning your dream wedding in the Caribbean.

Rhonda Sims is President of Around the World Travel Agency, Inc. and is a Destination Wedding Specialist. Around the World Travel Agency is located in the King Plaza, 885 Woodstock Rd; Roswell, GA 30075. (770) 650-8033