A warm breeze blows off the sea, and the brilliant blue water is fringed by gently crashing waves. Barefoot, sand between your toes, you gaze into the eyes of your beloved, and say “I do.” Your friends and family cheer, the rum punch starts to flow, and you dance the night away under a canopy of tropical stars.
It may sound too good to be true, but here in the Caribbean, it’s not. Wedding tourism is growing across the islands, and sometimes locals also want the full-blown romantic experience of reciting their vows against the backdrop of the glittering Caribbean Sea.
Luckily, there’s any number of hotels and resorts that can throw you a dream wedding, professional planners who can create your own unique special day, designers to provide dresses and suits — or bikinis and trunks, if you take a less formal route — and caterers to keep you fed and watered, island style.
Then when the big day — and the big night! — are over, you have your pick of honeymoon experiences. Maybe you want to explore a historic city full of music and art, or get out into nature, or snuggle into an island cruise. Or maybe you just want to lock yourself away in your cabana, answering the door only for room service. There are so many ways to make your romantic dream come true.
Most Caribbean countries welcome wedding tourists, but as you plan your big day, make sure you investigate the formal requirements to be legally wed, which vary from country to country. Your travel agent or the local tourist board should be able to provide all the information you need, including necessary documents.
