The Best Caribbean Destination Wedding Spots

Get a taste of the tropics with a wedding at one of these nine sun-drenched Caribbean islands.

The Best Caribbean Destination Wedding Locations

Photo: Nathan Puhr/Getty Images

Updated Apr 01, 2024

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A Caribbean destination wedding has all the trimmings for a romantic, far-flung affair. With a sunny atmosphere, gorgeous backdrops and sand underneath your toes, what's not to love? Picture a shoes-optional wedding ceremony with toes in sugary-soft sands. Gin-clear waters provide a natural soundtrack to your nuptials. You and your guests — or simply you and yours, if you're planning a jet-setting elopement for two — then have dinner by the Sea or Ocean. Or, perhaps, you move to a tropical garden with swaying palm trees and poppy botanicals.

There's a reason (well, several) the Caribbean islands are considered one of the best destination wedding locations. But remember, islands are plural. The Caribbean is a bioregion — not a one-stop destination. It's comprised of about 700 islands, each with a different character. Do you crave quiet and a chance to go snorkeling or scuba diving in between welcome drinks and saying, "I do?" Turks and Caicos may be your speed. Want an area with ample nightlife for built-in afterparties? Allow the tide to take you toward Aruba.

Truly, you can't go wrong with any of the islands if you're thinking of having your destination wedding in the Caribbean. It's all about finding your perfect fit. This guide to the 11 best places for destination weddings in The Caribbean will help you dive into planning.

Antigua

Why: This idyllic island not only has a whopping 365 beautiful beaches, but it's also steeped in nautical history. In the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, Antigua was home to a huge British naval base and its harbor is still a popular yachting destination for the international jet-set. If you want to host your nuptials at a high-end all-inclusive resort, look no further -- many of the world's swankiest are here.

When to go: The high season runs from mid-December through April. After April, rates go down as much as 40 percent, but some places do close between August and October. The humidity and rainfall are low year-round, and hurricane season runs from June through November.

Guest activities: History buffs can tour Nelson's Dockyard National Park at historic English Harbor. Those up for some exercise can hike to the Megaliths of Greencastle Hill, with mysterious six-hundred-foot-high rock formations said to have been created by early inhabitants for better worshipping of the sun and moon. The uninhibited might want to hit the clothing-optional beach at Hawksbill. Even if you're camped at an all-inclusive, try to steal away for a few meals off property. Try some of the traditional West Indian dishes at the Home Restaurant in Gambles Terrace.

Best Antigua Wedding Venues

Jumby Bay: Situated on a private three-hundred-acre island two miles off the coast of Antigua, this elegant resort focuses on enhancing its lush natural surroundings and on fostering serene seclusion. Say your vows on one of the three sandy beaches or take the opportunity to reserve the entire resort for your celebration.

Jolly Beach Resort: Antigua's largest resort is a great way to stretch your dollar, offering all-inclusive stays on the beach. Huge pools and a wide range of activities keep guests busy day and night. The more guests you bring, the more the resort throws in for free.

The Bahamas

A stretch of white sandy beach with calm turquoise ocean waters.

Why: This collection of 700 islands has something for every taste—enjoy complete privacy by renting your own island, or host hundreds of your favorite people at a megaresort. Nassau and Paradise Island are two of the most visited and activity-packed destinations, while more remote areas such as Harbor Island and the Exumas tend to feel more laid-back. And since the Bahamas is just a 35-minute plane trip from Florida, it's an easy journey for guests.

When to go: The high season lasts from mid-December to mid-April, while summers are sleepier. Although hurricanes are infrequent, they can occur, so it's best to avoid the area from June through November.

Guest activities: Scuba dive around Andros Island (the third largest barrier reef in the world), stroll the white-sand beaches, tour the historic homes of Nassau, and sip Goombay Smashes while snacking on conch fritters.

Best Bahamas Wedding Venues

Coral Sands Hotel: This gorgeous boutique oceanfront hotel located on Harbour Island in the Bahamas (50 miles east of Nassau) has the type of charm where the staff knows your name, desert island-style privacy to make you feel completely at peace and a subtly luxurious vibe that's apparent from the elegant, airy rooms to the world-class amenities.

Pelican Bay at Lucaya, Grand Bahama Island: This beautiful boutique resort on Grand Bahama Island allows pairs to host beach ceremonies, and then head to the nearby Ferry House for a reception dinner.

Plan a Bahamas Wedding

Bermuda

Why: Though geographically removed from the Caribbean, Bermuda shares many of the traits of those beachy, beautiful islands. If you love the idea of a Caribbean destination wedding but also want something formal and elegant, consider Bermuda. Famous for its tranquil pink-sand beaches and proper British history, the island has no casinos and few fast-food restaurants. But perhaps its biggest selling point is that it takes just a couple of hours to fly there from the East Coast, and flights are often cheaper than those to Caribbean destinations.

When to go: May through early September. Bermuda is only 850 miles off the coast of North Carolina, so its weather resembles the coastal US more than it does the Caribbean islands to the south. Typical temperatures hover around 85 degrees in the summer and climb to only around 70 in the winter. Although hurricanes are infrequent, they can occur, so be aware of any warnings from June through November.

Guest activities: Spend days teeing off on one of the country's eight golf courses (this island is a links-lover's paradise), visiting the botanical garden or scuba diving among reefs and shipwrecks. Rent a scooter (lots of fun but also a practical necessity, as visitors aren't allowed to rent cars) to tour the island's iconic pastel-hued houses.

Best Bermuda Wedding Venues

The Hamilton Princess Hotel & Beach Club: Known as the iconic "Pink Palace," modern luxury is the name of the game here, with a spa, golf, tennis, pools, watersports and more at the ready. A culinary team treats couples like a director, allowing them to craft menus for cocktail receptions and gourmet meals with local and international flare.

The Reefs: An award-winning resort with one of the best spas in all of Bermuda, The Reefs is set on a beautiful stretch of private beach overlooking the Atlantic. Stay in an oceanview guest room (try to book the Point Suites), or reserve one of the cliff-hugging cottages spread out over the property.

Plan a Bermuda Wedding

Jamaica

Why: Jamaica offers much more than just beaches and palm trees—it's steeped in world-class culture: reggae, Rastafarianism, and indigenous spice. And glamorous globetrotters call it home (Ian Fleming wrote the first James Bond book, Casino Royale, from his seaside abode here). The site of many all-inclusive resorts, Jamaica can be one of the most affordable of the Caribbean islands, but it has super-posh options too, including private villas that come with their own chefs, housekeeping staff, and security.

When to go: Avoid March, aka spring break season, as well as the hurricane season, June through November.

Guest activities: See a live reggae performance, indulge in a spa treatment featuring indigenous ingredients and techniques, and absorb the local culinary culture by dining on jerk chicken, munching plantain chips, having an ackee and saltfish breakfast, or by sipping Jamaican rum.

Best Jamaica Wedding Venues

Half Moon: Rent out one or two of the royal villas (with up to seven bedrooms each) or put guests up in the many rooms and suites with ocean views at this Montego Bay beachfront resort. Couples can choose from beautiful beaches, gazebo or terrace settings for their ceremony location.

Strawberry Hill: Nestled in the lush Blue Mountains overlooking the bustling capital city of Kingston, this tranquil spot with jaw-dropping views is a destination full-service Aveda Concept Spa in the Caribbean that will delight couples and their guests alike (it's the only). Highlights include an amazing infinity pool, superb New Jamaican cuisine, and romantic four-poster mahogany wood beds.

Plan a Jamaica Wedding

Nevis

Why: Nature lovers, this is your island. Known as the Queen of the Caribees, Nevis has a high-end, posh pedigree and is home to some of the Caribbean's best-preserved beaches, rainforests, and reefs.

When to go: Nevis maintains temperatures averaging between 72 and 87 degrees year-round. Be aware of hurricane season, though, which lasts from June through November.

Guest activities: Experience the sights and sounds of exotic animals as you explore the rainforest -- or climb to the top of Nevis Peak (3,232 feet). Saddle-savvy guests will enjoy an equestrian outing (horseback riding is very popular here) along the pristine beaches, trails, and mountain slopes. For an educational tour, take a walk on the beach alongside a biologist and learn about sea turtle nesting—or check out night beach-walking tours where naturalists help guide as you observe and study the faraway stars.

Best Nevis Wedding Venues

Four Seasons Resort Nevis, West Indies: Palm trees flank the large glass doors, which open onto white sand and the Caribbean Sea beyond at this resort's ballroom entrance. Couples looking for an equally evocative but less formal setting can opt to exchange vows at the historic Sugar Mill Ruin or in the barefoot comfort of a ceremony in the sand.

Plan a St. Kitts & Nevis Wedding

Anguilla

Why: Tiny Anguilla, just 16 miles long and three miles wide, is one of the most exclusive spots in the Caribbean, and it is peppered with upscale resorts, four-star restaurants, unspoiled scenery, and pristine white beaches (no cruise ships, high-rises, or casinos allowed). You won't get a direct flight from the States (you'll have to take a boat from St. Martin), but you and your guests will consider the destination well worth the extra travel time. As a bonus, native Anguillans are known for their hospitality, and the island is virtually crime-free.

When to go: While you should be aware of hurricane season, which runs from June through November, temperatures are perfectly pleasant (highs in the low 80s and lows in the low 70s) year-round.

Guest activities: Any Anguillan agenda should include swimming, snorkeling, and savoring the chance to wear shoes as infrequently as possible. Guests who are less beach-focused will enjoy exploring the island's archaeological and cultural sites, such as the Heritage Collection Museum in East End, and taking a guided bird-watching tour. The island is known for its delicious food (some of the best in the Caribbean) at both beach shacks and elegant restaurants such as Blanchard's, which may be its most famous. For first-rate nightlife, send guests to Elio's, a small but stylish Valley bar that offers a selection of high-end sipping rums and two hundred brands of cigars.

Best Anguilla Wedding Venues

Cap Juluca: With 18 stark white, Moorish-style villas set against the bright blue sea, this resort looks like no other in the Caribbean. Its long list of celebrity guests guarantees it doesn't feel like anything else either. Choose from intimate villa ceremonies or beautiful vow exchanges right on the beach.

Carimar Beach Club: These seaside villas are each outfitted with outdoor grills and fully-equipped kitchens, making Carimar an excellent choice for couples inviting guests on a variety of budgets. The resort can accommodate weddings of all types, from casual lawn lunches to formal beach ceremonies.

Four Seasons in Anguilla: This luxury resort has jaw-dropping oceanfront views with beach weddings set against Barnes Bay Beach. Host your reception on the modern poolside terrace with a menu designed by their culinary team.

Puerto Rico

Why: Puerto Rico's got all the assets of the other Caribbean islands—gorgeous beaches, friendly locals, plush resorts—plus one big one that sets it apart: It's a US territory. That means you and your guests will have few if any of the hassles associated with travel abroad: no passports are required, you won't need to go through customs, phone service is excellent, and most people speak English.

When to go: As with the rest of the region, beware of hurricane season, which lasts from June through November.

Guest activities: Puerto Rico offers a blend of both traditional beachy relaxation and unique cultural and historic sights (your non-beach-going guests will appreciate the options). Consider suggesting this perfect day: Begin by sipping some of the country's famous locally grown coffee, move on to a beach outing (if you're staying in busy San Juan, it's worth the drive to Luquillo beach, a white-sand stretch with a coral reef), and cap off the afternoon with some sightseeing through the streets of Old San Juan, which look much as they did during the colonial era. Although American-style restaurants are everywhere, suggest that guests try dining at one of the many restaurants serving Criolla cuisine, which is a blend of Taino, Spanish, and African influences. Tostones (fried green plantains) are a staple.

Best Purto Rico Wedding Venues

The St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort, Puerto Rico: Gorgeous tropical gardens? Check. Glistening beach vistas? Also, check. This Marriott-run resort with postcard-perfect views can host grand galas and intimate weddings epitomizing Puerto Rican flare. Wedding planners offer bespoke support.

El Conquistador Resort & Golden Door Spa: For beautiful oceanside ceremonies with all the benefits of a big hotel wedding, El Conquistador, with its on-property spa makes a great location choice. Choose from outdoor settings such as the beach or gold course and Mirador Terrace, or grand indoor spaces like a waterfront ballroom.

Plan a Puerto Rico Wedding

Turks & Caicos

Why: Less developed and more upscale than much of the Caribbean, this collection of 40 islands, eight of which are inhabited, has an intimate feel. Many of the islands are surrounded by a natural reef, making the turquoise waters just offshore clean, calm, and full of sea life. The islands are also relatively easy to reach since you can fly direct from a number of US cities to Providenciales, the main island.

When to go: The climate is sunny and dry, with highs between 80 and 84 degrees from November to May. However, during the summer and early fall, daytime highs range from 85 to 90 degrees, sometimes reaching the mid-90s in late summer. Hurricane season also runs from June through November.

Guest activities: Snorkeling and scuba diving are great takes, since Turks and Caicos has some of the best underwater sightseeing around. Historic Cockburn Town on Grand Turk is also worth a visit for history buffs—some say it's the spot where Columbus first landed in 1492. Whale- and bird-watching are two other popular activities, and sunsets over Grace Bay are unforgettable.

Best Turks and Caicos Wedding Venues

Grace Bay Club: Small and elegant, this resort has adopted a Spanish architectural style with all suites leading out to oceanview terraces. The suites and penthouses have four-star amenities, including full kitchens, Egyptian cotton linens, and flat-screen TVs. The resort has developed a comprehensive kids' program, who can stay with their family in spacious villas.

The Ritz-Carlton, Turks & Caicos: Found on a white-sand beach, this gorgeous luxury resort has breezy, whitewashed rooms that invite pre and post-wedding bliss. Numerous packages make wedding planning easier, including decor, flowers and planning services.

Plan a Turks & Caicos Wedding

US Virgin Islands

Why: Along with Puerto Rico, The US Virgin Islands may be one of the most hassle-free places to have a Caribbean destination wedding. There are lots of direct flights to St. Thomas (and St. John is a short ferry ride away), airfare is usually competitive, the US dollar is the official currency, and you should have great cell phone service. St. Thomas can sometimes feel a bit crowded since it's a main stop on the itineraries of many cruise lines, and it's quite developed for the Caribbean. But it's nonetheless brimming over with natural beauty. St. John, while a bit harder to reach, is more rugged, unspoiled, and higher-end, with fewer big resorts.

When to go: Tourist season is at a high from mid-December through mid-April. Highs are in the mid-80s and lows are in the 70s year-round, though hurricane seasons runs from June through November.

Guest activities: In St. Thomas, visit the capital city of Charlotte Amalie to see historical sites such as For Christian, built in 1672, and for tons and tons of duty-free shopping. St. John is known for its plentiful and easily accessible snorkeling sites— especially Trunk Bay, which has underwater signs that identify the fish—as well as its national parks, which can be explored via one of the many hiking trails or by renting a jeep and driving through.

Best USVI Wedding Venues

Marriott's Frenchman's Cove, St. Thomas: Nestled on a quiet beach along Pacquereau Bay on the Caribbean coast, this posh resort is perfect for pairs seeking a beach wedding. Expert planners ensure couples tie up all loose ends on their way to tying the knot.

Gallows Point Resort, St. John: When guests arrive via ferry, they have a breezy five-minute stroll to Gallows Point Resort in St. John — they'll appreciate the straightforward route. Weddings can be intimate or mid-size — from beach weddings for up to 60 guests or on-site resort venues that can host up to 120 people.

Aruba

Why: A (typically) lighter hurricane season makes Aruba, all-inclusive resorts and frequent short(ish) flights of less than six hours from many locations make this island the most revisited in the Caribbean Sea. Logistics aside, beautiful beaches and calm waters invite relaxation — even for couples on their big day.

When to go: Locals like to say it's 82 degrees all year in Aruba. While sunshine and warm weather are a hallmark draw, the island does get some rain during hurricane season in the fall and winter, even if it doesn't bear the brunt of it. Couples hoping to avoid rain on their wedding day have their best chances of doing so in February and March. April through August offers the lowest rates on flights and hotels.

Guest activities: There's no shortage of beaches in Aruba. While your all-inclusive resort will likely offer direct access to one, you might also check out others, like Eagle Beach or Palm Beach. Baby Beach is a haven for snorkeling and scuba diving. The capital, Oranjestad, is home to Dutch architecture and bustling streets full of shops and restaurants. The caves and canti in Arikok National Park provide opportunities to explore non-beachy landscapes.

Best Aruba Wedding Venues

The Ritz-Carlton Aruba: A five-star luxury resort that can accommodate parties large or small, The Ritz-Carlton Aruba offers something for any jet-setting couple. Choose from venues right on the beach, by the pool or in a ballroom well equipped to host a fairytale-style soiree. Expert planners will help couples dot every I, and packages with vendors like ministers and photographers simplify planning further.

Hilton Aruba Caribbean Beach Resort & Casino: Guests will appreciate the seven-mile trip from the airport to Hilton Aruba Caribbean Beach Resort & Casino. Set on Palm Beach, the resort offers an array of venues like a tropical lawn, beach and ballroom — and pairs can mix and match. Think a ceremony on the beach followed by dinner and drinks in a well-appointed ballroom. An on-site spa, casino and dining offer plenty for couples and guests to do between parties.

Plan an Aruba Wedding

Barbados

Why: You mean, besides swaying palm trees and sparkling waters that epitomize a Caribbean destination wedding? For starters, the scenery gets a bit of intrigue courtesy of pastel-hued sands. Besides views, Barbados is a gem for foodies. Culinary delights include fried flying fish and an array of rum-infused beverages. All-inclusive resorts also offer afternoon tea, a built-in way to mix and mingle with guests (without having to plan a thing).

When to go: Barbados' weather is generally pleasant, and it's not prone to the worst of hurricane season. Couples seeking a quieter affair (and travel bargains) will prefer the price tags on weddings from July through November.

Guest activities: Relaxing on a pink-sand beach is a given, really. Barbados is also high on taste, so consider mixology classes (or perhaps a rum tasting?). A resort may offer one on-site or be able to help set you and your guests up with a tour. Liming (socializing with people as you eat and drink) is also popular in Barbados (and an easy "yes" during weddings). Adventurous types will enjoy scuba, snorkeling and other water sports.

Best Barbados Wedding Venues

Sandals Barbados: An adults-only retreat on white-sand Dover Beach, Sandals Barbados is beloved for its ceremony locations, including the aforementioned beach. But pairs have other elevated options, like a rooftop infinity pool and Sky Terrace. Packages can accommodate two-person elopements and larger affairs.

The Crane Resort: For a pink-sand experience, consider this iconic resort that's served jet-setters since 1887. The Crane Resort has 19th-century furnishings and architecture (think four-poster beds) and gorgeous views from its cliffside location. The resort offers numerous packages that come with wedding coordination and assistance securing must-haves like marriage licenses for couples hoping to legally wed in Barbados.

Plan a Barbados Wedding