Destination Weddings and Honeymoons

Atlantis in Paradise Island, Bahamas

The Sure Thing

One of the biggest worries for destination brides is whether they will still have access to everything they need for their big day. This is especially true for couples who want a big wedding with all the trimmings, be it quality filet mignon for dinner, the perfect replica of a five-tier cake from a magazine or a dozen roses in the exact same hue of lavender as the ’maids gowns.

If it’s a complicated vision you’re trying to achieve, look to a destination that can execute it. Our five picks are classic Caribbean isles with a strong history of tourism: the places we vacation when we want a sure thing, the kinds of islands to which we’d happily send our parents and grandparents — and isn’t that what we’re talking about here? Yes, they have the dreamed-of brilliant bougainvillea, the palm-studded beaches, the cerulean seas — and they have good golf courses, state-of-the-art spas and fine restaurants (along with some funky ones too). Most importantly, they have well-established resorts and high-quality vendors accustomed to dealing with American brides and fully capable of operating at the same level you’d expect on your home turf.

THE BAHAMAS The beautiful thing about The Bahamas, besides its proximity to the U.S. mainland (the closest island, Grand Bahama, is only 55 miles from the Florida coast), is its variety. Its hub, Nassau and Paradise Island, offers the most choices in terms of accommodations and activities, and it has a thriving wedding industry. Atlantis, with its Vegas-worthy casino and water park, is virtually a destination unto itself, but that’s only the tip of the iceberg; there are accommodations and venues to suit any event size and style. The less-populated Out Islands — such as Harbour Island and the Exumas — are easily accessible via puddle jumper and great for a wedding-honeymoon combo.

BARBADOS The British West Indies have always been among the staunchest upholders of tradition, and Barbados follows the standard, with venerable parish churches, plantation great houses and high-tea service. Platinum Coast hotels, such as celeb favorite Sandy Lane, do things on a grand scale, while multiple boutique inns provide similar services on a more intimate level. And it’s not all prim and proper here — far from it! When it’s time to let loose, take your party for a tasting at a rum distillery (or a shack), to a Friday-night fish fry in the town of Oistins or on a private bus tour of the island’s best beaches.

GRAND CAYMAN, CAYMAN ISLANDS If you’re looking for fun and something a little different, Grand Cayman has plenty to offer. The East End is laid-back and timeless; the west side is where the action is. Here you’ll find one of the Caribbean’s finest strands: Seven Mile Beach, lined with hotels catering to beach brides and with ballrooms for those who don’t want sand in their shoes. Hotels here are top-notch, with a mix of  established brands (think Westin and The Ritz-Carlton), plus a great array of private condo-style resorts like The Reef and Caribbean Club. The vendors, from florists to photographers to caterers, are some of the best in the region. Create indelible memories with a group snorkel trip to Stingray City.

JAMAICA For generations, this island has been closely tied to American visitors; its hospitality sector has grown up around how we travel. The Montego Bay area is home to one of the two international airports, plus large traditional resorts, such as Half Moon. Ocho Rios, a thriving tourist center, has easy-access all-inclusive resorts and crowd-pleasing attractions like Dunn’s River Falls. But it’s not all about big brands: Find Jamaican ambience (without sacrificing convenience) among the smaller properties that line the cliffs of Negril and the hip South Coast, or head inland to the Blue Mountains. No matter where you go, music is a key ingredient; start with a reggae band during cocktail hour, and transition to an American-style DJ spinning stateside hits (Lady Gaga, anyone?) for the reception.

USVI For the best of both worlds — West Indian locales with American ease of access — look to St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix. No passport requirement for U.S. citizens and a variety of flights from major U.S. cities mean you can invite whomever you want. There’s even a Kmart on St. Thomas for last-minute gift-bag items! St. Thomas is the hub; set up camp here for the most direct access and big-island convenience. Or go beachier in St. John’s Cruz Bay, where the vibe says expat but the quality of restaurants, vendors and accommodations says home. Enchanting Christiansted will be your home base on St. Croix; gift your attendants traditional Crucian hook bracelets as an island souvenir.