Nine Destination Wedding Locations In Heaven & Documents Required

There are lots of easy decisions you can make in life, but choosing a destination wedding location isn't one of them. With so many incredible destinations to explore, you’ll want to invest some thought and care into finding the perfect spot. Beyond just a location, there’s the joy of planning and shaping the elements that make your dream wedding come to life.

But before even getting to the planning, location matters. Some of the top wedding destinations in the world include Mexico, Hawaii, and Caribbean islands like Jamaica and Saint Lucia. And couples sure can’t get enough of the Caribbean! Laid back and exotic with just the right sprinkling of luxury, these destinations make it easy to say yes to love. With all the sun, sea and peace you’ll need, it’s a chance to rediscover the true essence of love.

If you’re struggling to narrow your top 10 wedding locations down to just a few, we’ve got you covered. Here’s a list of Caribbean islands that are excellent picks for both weddings and honeymoons. The sooner you dive in, the closer you’ll be to finding your dream Caribbean ‘I do’ spot.

Expert tip: Check early which documents need notarization for your marriage license. Many destinations require you to stay a few days before the wedding.

Getting married at a Sandals or Beaches all-inclusive resort? Your personal wedding planner will help you with the documents and requirements! We do this all the time and know exactly how to make this process go smooth and worry-free.

1. Jamaica

The lure: Jamaica is at the top of the list for romantic and exciting island getaways, in the Caribbean. Much more than beaches and palm trees, Jamaica has a rich history and vibrant people. Reggae music is the heart and soul of this land, and these trends seem to add something laid back to the entire experience. Montego Bay is a great place to stay while in Jamaica, as is Negril and Ocho Rios.

Photos: The intimate wedding chapel at Sandals Montego Bay, where memorable moments begin. A serene setting for your special day, from every angle.

Flight duration from Miami: 1 hour, 45 minutes.
Flight duration from New York: 4 hours.

Best time for a wedding in Jamaica: December to April are good months to get married in Jamaica. Read ‘Best time to visit Jamaica’ to find out more.

Required Arrival Window: 48 hours (Two days, including day of arrival, weekends and public holidays). Wedding couples are required to arrive a minimum of 48 hours prior to the confirmed wedding date. This arrival window meets the minimum required time on the island prior to the wedding ceremony and allows time to attend the final walk through at the resort to confirm all preparations. For Jamaica, this 48-hour window can include the day of arrival, weekends and public holidays.

Marriage license and administrative fee: $250 USD

Documents you need to get married in Jamaica:

• Notarized copies of both the bride's and groom's long-form birth certificates.
• Notarized copies of both the bride's and groom's valid passport photo page, passport card, or driver's license.
• Notarized copies of all divorce decrees/final judgments for both parties, if applicable.
• Notarized copies of a former spouse's death certificate and related marriage certificate, if applicable.
• Notarized copies of legal adoption papers or legal name change documents, if applicable.
• Notarized English translations and notarized copies of original-language documents for any non-English documents. Translations must be on the translator's company letterhead and include the translator's signature and stamp/seal.
  

Picture: Honeymoons are a little more tropical and heartfelt with a stay in the Overwater Bungalows at Sandals Caribbean Cay.

See Sandals all-inclusive resorts in Jamaica. Sandals resorts are designed for couples and adults-only. Inviting families with children to your destination wedding? Check out one of the nearby all-inclusive Beaches resorts in Jamaica!

Also read: Getting Married In Jamaica: Insights From Wedding Planners.

2. Turks & Caicos

Picture: Beachfront vows at the all-inclusive Beaches Turks & Caicos.

The lure: The Turks & Caicos have a more high-end feel, with a sophisticated atmosphere, and elegant beachfront settings. Among the 40 beautiful islands, 8 of which are inhabited, life is beautiful in Turk & Caicos, just like your wedding will be, if you have it at this destination. Here you will also find what many call the most beautiful beach in the world: Grace Bay beach.

Flight duration from Miami: 1 hour, 45 minutes.
Flight duration from New York: 3 hours, 35 minutes.

Best time for a wedding in Turks & Caicos: December to April are good months to get married in Turks & Caicos.

Required Arrival Window: Required Arrival Window: 48 hours (Two full business days and cannot include day of arrival, weekends or holidays). Wedding couples are required to arrive a minimum of 48 business hours prior to the confirmed wedding date. This arrival window meets the minimum required time on the island prior to a wedding ceremony and allows time to attend the final walk through at the resort to confirm all preparations. For Turks & Caicos, this 48-hour window must include two full business days, and cannot include the day of arrival, weekends or public holidays.

Marriage license and administrative fee: $690 USD

Documents you need to get married in Turks & Caicos:

• Notarized copies of both parties' long-form birth certificates.
• Notarized copies of both parties' valid passports or driver's licenses (must remain valid after the wedding date).
• Notarized copies of all court-certified divorce decrees/final judgments with seal and signature (if applicable).
• Notarized copies of a deceased spouse's death certificate and related marriage certificate (if applicable).
• Notarized copies of legal name change or adoption documents (if applicable).
• Notarized Affidavit of Spinsterhood/Bachelorhood if never married (dated and notarized within 90 days of the wedding date).
• Original notarized sworn affidavit supporting document copies (if applicable).
• Original state-issued and court-certified documents with raised/embossed seals to be brought to the resort.
• Notarized parent/legal guardian affidavit if either party is under 21.
• Notarized English translations and notarized copies of original-language documents for any non-English documents; translations must be on company letterhead with translator signature and stamp/seal.
  

Your best option? The Beaches all-inclusive resort on Grace Bay Beach, Turks & Caicos. Inviting families with children to your destination wedding, or do you have children yourself? The kids will love the waterpark at this resort! It’s all included.

3. The Bahamas

The lure: The islands of the Bahamas have a charm that’s hard for any other island to emulate. It is one of the best locations for a destination wedding with powdery white sand beaches, exotic uninhabited islands, and great scuba diving. The Bahamas is also one of the closest Caribbean territories to the United States, which works out well when a majority of your guests are joining from the US.

Flight duration from Miami: 1 hour.
Flight duration from New York: 2 hours, 48 minutes.

Best time for a wedding in The Bahamas: December to April are good months to get married in the Bahamas. Read ‘Best time to visit the Bahamas’ to find out more.

Required Arrival Window: 48 hours (Two full business days and cannot include day of arrival, weekends or public holidays). Wedding couples are required to arrive a minimum of 48 business hours prior to the confirmed wedding date. This arrival window meets the minimum required time on the island prior to a wedding ceremony, allows time to obtain the marriage license and attend the final walk through at the resort to confirm all preparations. For the Bahamas, this 48-hour window must include two full business days, and cannot include the day of arrival, weekends or holidays.

Marriage license and administrative fee: $600 USD

Documents you need to get married in the Bahamas:

• Original valid passports and state-issued long-form birth certificates for both parties.
• Court-certified divorce decrees/final judgments, including all pages, for both parties (if applicable).
• Notarized copy of a former spouse's death certificate and related marriage certificate (if applicable).
• Notarized copies of legal adoption papers or legal name change documents (if applicable).
• Notarized English translations and copies of original-language documents for any non-English documents; translations must be on the translator's company letterhead and include the translator's signature and stamp/seal (if applicable).

From above: The all-inclusive Sandals Royal Bahamian, where oceanfront beauty and a private island offer just the right measure of serenity.

See Sandals all-inclusive resorts in The Bahamas.

4. Saint Lucia

The lure: Saint Lucia is becoming increasingly more popular for travelers to the Caribbean, especially destination wedding seekers and honeymooners. The island is a mix of luxury and simplicity, and these two concepts meet each other right in the middle in this romantic island nation.

Flight duration from Miami: 3 hours, 38 minutes.
Flight duration from New York: 4 hours, 31 minutes.

Best time for a wedding in Saint Lucia: December to April are good months to get married in Saint Lucia. Read ‘Best time to visit Saint Lucia’ to find out more.

Required Arrival Window: 72 hours (Three business days, cannot include day of arrival, weekends or holidays; No Sunday weddings). Wedding couples are required to arrive a minimum of 72 hours prior to the confirmed wedding date. This arrival window meets the minimum required time on the island prior to the wedding ceremony to obtain the marriage license and allows time to attend the final walk through at the resort to confirm all preparations. For Saint Lucia, this 72-hour window cannot include the day of arrival, weekends, and public holidays, and Sunday weddings are not permitted. An express application option is also available, reducing the required arrival window to 48 hours.

Marriage license and administrative fee: $495 USD and with the express option: $836 USD

Documents you need to get married in Saint Lucia:

• Original passports (valid through wedding date) and long-form birth certificates for both parties.
• Court-certified divorce decrees/final judgments for both parties, including all pages (if applicable).
• Notarized copy of former spouse's death certificate and related marriage certificate (if applicable).
• Notarized copies of legal adoption papers or legal name change documents (if applicable).
• Notarized English translations plus copies of original-language documents for any non-English documents (if applicable).

Picture: Set on its own penninsula, you can say yes to the enticement of a tropical wedding at the all-inclusive Sandals Grande St. Lucian.

See Sandals all-inclusive resorts in Saint Lucia.

Good to know: Guests of any of the three Sandals Resorts in Saint Lucia, can make use of all the amenities at the other two Sandals Resorts (this includes all the restaurants and bars - 27 in total!).

5. Barbados

The lure: Barbados is a festive and upbeat island where you’ll find the sort of beauty the Caribbean is known for, against a backdrop of music, culture and love. Here you’ll have options like getting wed on a boat, in a church, inside a plantation house, out in a beautiful garden, atop sea cliffs, or with your toes dipping into the sand. This island beckons all romantics for an experience you’ll always remember.

Flight duration from Miami: 3 hours, 42 minutes.
Flight duration from New York: 4 hours, 41 minutes.

Best time for a wedding in Barbados: December to April are good months to get married in Barbados. Read ‘Best time to visit Barbados’ to find out more.

Required Arrival Window: 48 hours (Two business days, including day of arrival and cannot include weekends and public holidays). Wedding couples are required to arrive a minimum of 48 business hours prior to the confirmed wedding date. This arrival window meets the minimum required time on the island prior to the wedding ceremony to obtain a marriage license and allows time to attend the final walk through at the resort to confirm all preparations. For Barbados, this 48‑hour window includes the day of arrival, must include two full business days, and does not include weekends or public holidays.

Marriage license and administrative fee: $440 USD

Documents you need to get married in Barbados:

• Original passports (valid through wedding date) and long-form birth certificates for both parties.
• Court-certified divorce decrees/final judgments for both parties, including all pages (if applicable).
• Former spouse's death certificate and related marriage certificate (if applicable).
• Legal adoption papers or legal name change documents (if applicable).
• Notarized English translations and copies of original-language documents for any non-English documents; translations must include translator letterhead, signature, and stamp/seal (if applicable).

Picture: An aerial view of Sandals Royal Barbados set along the bright blue Caribbean shore.

See Sandals all-inclusive resorts in Barbados. Guests of any of the two Sandals Resorts in Barbados, can make use of all the amenities at the other Sandals Resort (this includes all the restaurants and bars).

6. Antigua

The lure: You probably won’t get a chance to take in all 365 beaches in Antigua, but you will get a chance to explore at least a few. There are lots of fun places to tie the knot in Antigua, including at old forts, nature parks, and resorts like Sandals Grande Antigua for a more upscale experience.

Flight duration from Miami: 3 hours, 5 minutes.
Flight duration from New York: 3 hours, 57 minutes.

Best time for a wedding in Antigua: December to April are good months to get married in Antigua. Read ‘Best time to visit Antigua’ to find out more.

Required Arrival Window: 48 hours (Two days, must include one full business day and cannot include public holidays. No Sunday weddings). Wedding couples are required to arrive a minimum of 48 hours prior to the confirmed wedding date. This arrival window meets the minimum required time on the island prior to the wedding ceremony to obtain the marriage license and allows time to attend the final walk through at the resort to confirm all preparations. For Antigua, this 48-hour window must include one full business day, cannot include public holidays, and weddings are not permitted on Sundays.

Marriage license and administrative fee: $500 USD

Documents you need to get married in Antigua:

• Passports (valid through the wedding date) or long-form birth certificates for both parties.
• Notarized single status affidavit confirming no previous marriage (if applicable).
• Court-certified divorce decrees/final judgments for both parties, including all pages (if applicable).
• Former spouse's death certificate and related marriage certificate (if applicable).
• Legal adoption papers or legal name change documents (if applicable).
• Notarized English translations and notarized copies of original-language documents for any non-English documents; translations must include translator letterhead, signature, and stamp/seal (if applicable).

Picture: Located on Dickenson's Bay, Sandals Grande Antigua is just the right backdrop for your perfect island “I do.”

See Sandals all-inclusive resorts in Antigua.

7. Grenada

The lure: Grenada will forever be known as the spice isle, but this small island in the Caribbean is also known for its abundant greenery, gorgeous beaches, and friendly locals. There are over 50 beaches to choose from in Grenada and plenty to do on each one. Grenada is conservatively developed, with the environment in mind, allowing you to tune into your most natural self. This can be a great way to get in tune with your significant other on a deeper level.

Flight duration from Miami: 3 hours, 34 minutes.
Flight duration from New York: 4 hours, 43 minutes.

Best time for a wedding in Grenada: January to April are good months to get married in Grenada. Read ‘Best time to visit Grenada’ to find out more.

Express Required Arrival Window: 48 hours (Two days, must include one full business day, and includes day of arrival, weekends, and public holidays). No Sunday weddings. Wedding couples are required to arrive a minimum of 48 hours prior to the confirmed wedding date. This arrival window meets the minimum required time on the island prior to the wedding ceremony to obtain the express marriage license and allows time to attend the final walk through at the resort to confirm all preparations. For Grenada, this 48‑hour window must include one business day, and includes the day of arrival, weekends, and public holidays. This resort does not offer a standard (non‑express) processing option

Marriage license and administrative fee: $535 USD

Documents you need to get married in Grenada:

• Notarized copies of both parties' valid passports (valid through the wedding date). or state-issued long-form birth certificates.
• Notarized copies of all court-certified divorce decrees/final judgments, including all pages and court seal/signature, for both parties (if applicable).
• Notarized copies of a former spouse's death certificate and related marriage certificate (if applicable).
• Notarized copies of legal adoption papers or legal name change documents (if applicable).
• Notarized single status affidavit or letter from a Notary Public confirming no previous marriage (if applicable).
• Notarized application for a Special Marriage License.
• Notarized English translations and notarized copies of original-language documents for any non-English documents; translations must include translator letterhead, signature, and stamp/seal (if applicable).

Picture: Slow down and savor every moment at the all-inclusive Sandals Grenada.

See Sandals all-inclusive resort in Grenada.

8. Royal Curaçao

The lure: Sandals Royal Curaçao invites couples to discover a different side of the Caribbean, where vibrant Dutch charm meets crystal-clear turquoise waters and secluded coves. Curaçao’s colorful culture, warm hospitality, and year-round sunshine create the perfect backdrop for romance. Whether you're exploring hidden beaches, snorkeling in pristine waters, or simply enjoying a sunset together, Sandals Royal Curaçao makes it easy to reconnect and create unforgettable memories with the one you love.

Flight duration from Miami: 3 hours 15 minutes
Flight Duration from New York: 5 hours

Best time for a wedding in Curaçao: December through April is considered the ideal wedding season, offering sunny skies, low rainfall, comfortable temperatures, and steady trade winds. This period provides the most reliable weather for beachfront ceremonies and outdoor receptions. Read our 'Best time to visit Curaçao' for more.

Required arrival window: 72 hours (Three days, including day of arrival, weekends, and holidays – does not include day of wedding. No weddings on Sundays or public holidays). Wedding couples are required to arrive a minimum of 72 hours prior to the confirmed wedding date. This arrival window meets the minimum required time on the island prior to the wedding ceremony and allows time for the final walkthrough at the resort to confirm all preparations. For Curaçao, this 72‑hour window includes the day of arrival, weekends, and holidays, but does not include the wedding day itself, and weddings are not permitted on Sundays or public holidays.

Marriage License and administrative fee: $750 USD

Documents you need to get married in Curaçao:

• Wedding Information and Processing Form.
• Valid Notary Commission (must remain valid until after the wedding date).
• Letter of Authorization Form.
• Letter of Intent Form.
• Original Birth Certificate for both bride and groom.
• Notarized Copy of a Valid Government-Issued Passport for both bride and groom.
• Copies of Witness Passports (if applicable).
• Witness Request Form (if resort-provided witnesses are needed).
• Certified Translations of Documents.
• Apostille/Legalization for All Original Documents.

See Sandals all-inclusive resorts in Curaçao.

9. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

The lure: St. Vincent is a captivating island where soaring volcanic peaks, lush rainforests, secluded waterfalls, and pristine beaches create an unforgettable setting for a destination wedding. Whether you choose to exchange vows overlooking the Caribbean Sea or surrounded by the island’s natural beauty, St. Vincent offers the perfect blend of adventure, romance, and breathtaking scenery. Couples can say "I do" at Sandals Saint Vincent, the island's newest all-inclusive escape, set against those same volcanic peaks and turquoise waters.

Flight duration from Miami: 3 hours, 57 minutes
Flight Duration from New York: 4 hours, 50 minutes

Best time for a wedding in St. Vincent: December to April are ideal months to get married in St. Vincent, and knowing the best time to visit Saint Vincent can help you plan around warm temperatures, sunny days, and lower rainfall creating the perfect setting for an outdoor Caribbean celebration.

Required arrival window: 48 hours. Including day of arrival, weekends, and public holidays.

Marriage License and administrative fee: $485 USD

Documents you need to get married in St. Vincent:

• Notarized original state-issued birth certificate and passport.
• Court certified final divorce decree (if applicable).
• Legal name changes or legal adoption papers (if applicable).
• State issued death certificates with related marriage certificates (if applicable).
• Notarized copy valid government issued photo ID or driver’s license.
• All original documents, with certified court seals, must be hand-carried to the island.
• Color copies of both the bride's and groom's valid government-issued passports.
• Color copies of all previous court-certified divorce decrees, including all pages of the final judgment, with seal and signature from the issuing court (if applicable).
• Color copy of former spouse's state-issued death certificate and related marriage certificate (if applicable).
• Color copy of legal adoption papers or legal name change documents (if applicable).
• Color copy of legal translations to English for any documents not originally issued in English. All translations must be on the translator's company letterhead and include the translator's signature and stamp and/or seal (if applicable).
• Documents must be submitted at least 60 days prior to arrival for wedding confirmation.
• Original documents must be brought with you to the destination.

See Sandals all-inclusive resort in Saint Vincent.

Will my marriage be legal and recognized in the US?

Given all requirements are met, when you get married in Jamaica, the Bahamas, Turks & Caicos, Saint Lucia, Antigua, Barbados or Grenada your marriage will be recognized as legal in most places, including the US.

Note: In Turks & Caicos you’ll need to be of the legal age to marry or have consent from both parents if under the age of 21.

The Caribbean was made for love!

Picture: Overwater Chapel wedding at the all-inclusive Sandals Saint Vincent.

One of the things you’ll be most convinced of during your Caribbean destination wedding is that the islands were made for love. With every intricate detail, weddings here remind you that your match was made in heaven, from the waves kissing the shore and birds gliding gracefully overhead to the unmatched beauty of the tropical landscapes. It might even seem as if nature itself applauds your love.

Disclaimer: All information on this article was correct at the time of publishing and may change at any time without prior notice. Sandals is not affiliated with the relevant authorities or their application centres and will not be liable for loss or inconvenience arising from the use of this volatile information. Please double-check all information provided with the relevant application centres, before making any final decisions.