The Complete Guide to Planning a Destination Wedding in St. Lucia

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A St. Lucia destination wedding comes with so much more than standard, stunning views of the Caribbean Sea. Perks of a St. Lucia wedding include tying the knot on an island renowned for its scenery, relatively good weather (especially for the Caribbean) and pristine beaches.

The golden sands, turquoise seas and upmarket digs found in St. Lucia all-inclusive resorts make it one of the best Caribbean islands. As dreamy as a tropical soiree may sound, a ton of planning and logistics go into getting wed at the best destination wedding locations. Getting married in St. Lucia will require navigating the local vendor scene and potentially securing legal documents. St. Lucia destination wedding planners can help, and so can we. If you're wondering how to find the best wedding location, how to book a great wedding coordinator or what steps to take to obtain your marriage license, we cover everything you need to know in this guide. Your St. Lucia destination wedding planning starts now.

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St. Lucia Wedding Planning in this Article:

• Why Couples and Guests Love St. Lucia Weddings
• The Best Places to Get Married in St. Lucia
• The Top St. Lucia Wedding Venues and Resorts
• St. Lucia Wedding Legal Requirements
• St. Lucia Wedding Planning Tips

Why Couples and Guests Love St. Lucia Weddings

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Famous for its beautiful Piton Mountains, idyllic weather and fantastic snorkeling, St. Lucia is the perfect Caribbean destination for your upcoming nuptials. JoAnn Gregoli, a wedding planner with expertise in destination weddings in the Caribbean, says the location of St. Lucia is the point for most couples. "What draws people to St. Lucia is that it's off the beaten path for hurricanes," she says. "Because you're sitting below the line of hurricanes, you're far enough south [to avoid inclement weather]."

St. Lucia is also the farthest point east in the Caribbean, she says. While the island is not as flat as some of the other Caribbean islands, its mountains are gorgeous. If you're looking for beautiful backdrops for your special day, this is the spot for you. Saying "I do" on a beach with stunning mountains in the background is a bonus.

Pro tip: Invite a destination wedding travel expert to join your vendor team. Browse travel agents near you on The Knot Marketplace for St Lucia wedding expertise, group hotel blocks, flight arrangements and more.

The Best Places to Get Married in St. Lucia

Even though it's a smaller Caribbean island, St. Lucia is full of fantastic venues with desirable wedding packages. Whether you're looking for an elopement or a large wedding party, you'll be able to find the perfect spot for you and your partner.

West St. Lucia

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Home to the city of Soufriere, the Western part of the island is known for its cruise ship port and quaint downtown streets. Resorts give way to waterfront and towering Pitons vistas, offering an element of uniqueness. Others are close to downtown Soufrière, a quiet town with foods bursting with Caribbean flavors.

South St. Lucia

Looking for a convenient spot for your guests—and yourself? The southern part of Saint Lucia is home to the airport, as well as many historic spots, including Vieux Fort, a town with old canons and walkways. You and your guests will be charmed by the history of this part of the island, as well as the picturesque views.

North St. Lucia

Overlook Rodney Bay and peek out toward the island of Martinique on the northern part of this Caribbean island. A popular spot for tourists of St. Lucia to come and stay, there are tons of gorgeous wedding venues to choose from on this part of the island.

Pro tip: As you consider St. Lucia wedding locations, don't forget about your newlywed vacation. Plan an amazing St. Lucia honeymoon, too, with our complete guide.

The Top St. Lucia Wedding Venues and Resorts

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Wedding venues in St. Lucia offer gorgeous views of beaches and volcanoes, and many will set pairs up with an on-site wedding planner who can help them find local pros. St. Lucia wedding packages at the resort often include some decor and vendors, streamlining the process so pairs can focus on meaningful details like their vows. If you're ready to dive into planning, consider one of the spots Gregoli and The Knot editors recommended.

Coconut Bay Beach Resort & Spa

Set in South St. Lucia, Coconut Bay Beach Resort & Spa is an all-inclusive spot full of lush wildlife, giving your big day a gorgeous natural backdrop. The resort grounds span 85 acres along the shoreline, and the five-minute drive from the airport will be a win for jet-lagged guests. A full-service spa and salon is perfect for blissful pre-wedding priming and pampering. Wedding packages are designed for more intimate affairs of four to 24 guests, though more loved ones can be added to the list for an additional fee. Inclusions vary but generally involve a decorated wedding ceremony location, planning assistance, cake and some vendors like an officiant.

Sandals Grande St. Lucian

Found on a white-sand beach beside the calm waters of Rodney Bay, Sandals Grande St. Lucian is a five-star hotel. It offers close proximity to Pigeon Island National Park. Over-the-water bungalows and otherworldly vistas of volcanic mountains only add to the appeal of this luxury resort. Couples can exchange vows in an over-the-water chapel or open-air gazebo. Packages are designed to meet multiple visions and budgets, from quiet elopements to large parties with all your nearest and dearest. Planners will help you dot every I on your way to the altar (and beyond).

Windjammer Landing Villa Beach Resort

Nestled on a hillside in North St. Lucia, Windjammer Landing Villa Beach Resort is an all-inclusive spot on Labrellotte Bay. Its stunning vistas of crystal-clear Caribbean waters and charming Mediterranean architecture like tucked-away villas give it a remote appeal. Weddings here can accommodate large or small groups. Between parties, to-be-weds and their guests can enjoy spa treatments (there are even couples packages that include treatments and dinners for two). Complementary water sports equipment also turns destination weddings into vacations for couples and guests alike. Think snorkeling, wakeboarding and windsurfing equipment.

Jade Mountain Resort

If you're thinking about hosting your dream wedding in West St. Lucia, Gregoli and The Knot Editors recommend Jade Mountain Resort. This decadent waterfront resort has stunning views of both the Pitons. Wedding ceremonies can literally take place underwater. However, if you prefer not to get wet, plenty of beachy, toes-in-the-sand options exist. Boats, gardens and an intimate cottage with ocean vistas are also on the table. Some wedding packages include photography and sunset champagne cruises. Bonus: The staff will help you arrange all the legal logistics, so you can focus on your vows, partner and guests (if applicable).

Sugar Beach, a Viceroy Resort

With views of the Pitons and 100 acres of lush tropical rainforest, Sugar Beach, A Viceroy Resort, offers romance at every turn. Dedicated wedding specialists make planning from afar hassle-free. The sheer volume of indoor and outdoor venues is jaw-dropping in and of itself. But take a look at the beach, sunset deck, lawn, garden, restaurant and poolside spaces, and you'll fall head over heels. Packages offer food (including cake), flowers and a champagne toast — to name a few amenities. A spa with couples rituals that include a private pool, bubbly and a private lunch adds a relaxing and romantic touch.

St. Lucia Wedding Legal Requirements

Stressed about figuring out how to tie the knot in St. Lucia? You may be wondering precisely how to obtain a marriage license in St. Lucia if you have your heart set on a legally-binding ceremony there. It's possible to make your marriage legally and symbolically official in St. Lucia, but it'll require some careful planning. We have all of the information and resources you need, and a destination wedding planner in St. Lucia who is well-acquainted with the laws can be a valuable resource. From the legal documents to advanced preparations, here's everything you need to know about a wedding in St. Lucia.

Legal Weddings vs. Symbolic Weddings

If you're hoping to save some money on your destination wedding, consider tying the knot in the US in a small legal ceremony before hosting a symbolic wedding in St. Lucia. Gregoli says many couples pursue this option when they want to avoid St. Lucia's fees and requirements for a legal ceremony.

Required Legal Documents

In order to get married in St. Lucia, you'll need your passport and birth certificate. Additionally, if you or your partner has been divorced, you'll need to bring the divorce decree. If you or your partner has been widowed, you'll need the marriage certificate and the death certificate of the former spouse. The divorce decree, former marriage certificate and death certificate can be original or certified copies.

Legal Marriage Timeline

Since there is no residency requirement in St. Lucia, obtain your marriage license within 24 hours of arriving on the island. However, note that a same-day marriage license application has a higher fee than a regular marriage license. In order to obtain a regular marriage license, you and your partner must be in St. Lucia at least two days before your wedding ceremony.

Legal Marriage Cost

If you choose to apply for a regular marriage license, you'll need to pay 335 East Caribbean dollars (roughly $125 USD). However, a same-day marriage license will cost 540 East Caribbean dollars (approximately $200 USD). Additionally, you'll need to pay the small registrar fees and the marriage certificate fees. Some wedding packages will cover these fees for you.

Pro tip: Once you've decided on your St. Lucia wedding venue, send out destination wedding save-the-dates with important info so your guest can book the time off and start thinking about travel plans.

St. Lucia Wedding Planning Tips

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Planning a destination Caribbean wedding doesn't have to be difficult. With these expert tips, you'll be ready to have the big day of your dreams.

How to Get There

If you're traveling from the East Coast or the Midwest, getting to St. Lucia is relatively easy. Direct flights are available from Miami, Charlotte, Philadelphia, Newark, Chicago, New York, Boston, and Atlanta. Once on the island, many visitors opt to take taxis. You can also choose to rent a car or a scooter. However, if you choose to do this, note that you'll need to obtain a temporary driver's license.

St. Lucia Weather

Before booking your wedding, you'll want to take the time to understand the weather patterns of St. Lucia. Gregoli says the best time to "say I do" on this eastern Caribbean island is December through April. When looking at dates, she advises asking about the rainy season, especially if you're planning on hosting your wedding outdoors. Even if you're not particularly vulnerable to hurricanes in Saint Lucia, you'll still want to avoid those torrential Caribbean rain storms raining out your wedding ceremony.

Choosing Your St. Lucia Venue and Vendors

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When thinking about your venue and vendors, consider what's most important to you and your partner. Gregoli says it's important to consider the time restrictions for particular venues, as well as the particular season you're choosing to wed in. These factors will dictate what type of venue you're searching for and the vendors that can accommodate those needs.

St. Lucia Wedding Cost and Budgeting Tips

St. Lucia uses the East Caribbean dollar, which is equivalent to 37 cents in USD. While destination weddings can be a bit more costly for couples, there are ways to make your big day more affordable, including choosing an off-season date. Additionally, if you desire to host a more intimate affair, many resorts will offer you a less expensive rate than they would typically charge for a decadent grand wedding.

Pro tip: Set up a free destination wedding website on The Knot with all the event details including your St. Lucia wedding itinerary, things to do, guest travel information, RSVPs and more.

BethAnn Mayer contributed to this article.