John & Brittany

May 6–13, 2024 • Ocho Rios, Jamaica

John & Brittany

May 6–13, 2024 • Ocho Rios, Jamaica

FAQs

What day is your actual wedding on?

Our wedding is scheduled for Saturday, May 11, 2024, starting at 4:00 p.m. Please note that this is different than the date on your printed invite. Sandals resort team required the date change.


Your dates say May 6 - May 13, do I have to stay the whole time?

No. You can book a room for any number of nights (3 night minimum), any time within the date window. You can also come earlier or stay later, depending on room availability at the resort. We wanted you to know:


1. John and I will be at the resort, ready to hang out with you from May 6 - 13, and

2. there will be a block of discounted rooms held for our party during those dates, and

3. please keep in mind that the welcome reception is on May 9 and the wedding ceremony/reception are on May 11.


How much will this cost?

Please review the room rates and payment schedule page for total cost information. Any additional questions should be directed to Active Travel, Jeannie Gualtieri.


How do I pay?

Please review the room rates and payment schedule page for payment information. Any additional questions should be directed to Active Travel, Jeannie Gualtieri.


Do I have to book with your travel agent?

No. However, booking via Active Travel ensures you a few things:

1. Your room will be located near the wedding party

2. You will receive a group rate discount

3. Your reservation will automatically be added into our room block. This helps us with event planning and the more people we bring, the better the discounts are!


Is there a minimum number of nights required?

Yes. Sandals requires all guests to stay a minimum of three nights.


Do I need a passport?

Yes. U.S. Citizens traveling to and from Jamaica must present a valid passport when leaving and or re-entering the United States. See how to apply or renew your passport here.


Is my passport expired?

Jamaica requires 6 months of validity on a passport before allowing entry. If your passport is going to expire November 2024 or earlier you need to renew it.


When do I need to submit my RSVP?

All attendees need to confirm their RSVP and pay an initial deposit by July 8, 2023. Please see the room rates and payment schedule page for details and direct any questions to Active Travel, Jeannie Gualtieri.


What if I miss the July 8 RSVP deadline?

You can still attend the wedding! Please reach out to Active Travel, Jeannie Gualtieri, she will assist you in booking and if possible she will include you in the room block. Note that your room location/price may be different than the majority of guests.


I need help booking my flights, is there someone available to help me?

See our Travel Tips & Tricks page for our thoughts on the best websites to book flights. If you don't feel comfortable booking a flight online, feel free to reach out to Brittany or John for assistance.


What airport should I fly into?

It is recommended that you fly into the Montego Bay, Sangster International Airport (MBJ).


Sandals Ochi is a 61-mile drive from the Montego Bay, Sangster International Airport (MBJ), a 66-mile drive from the Kingston, Norman Manley International Airport (KIN), or a 9-mile drive from Ian Fleming International Airport (OCJ).


Your transfers between Sandals Ochi and the airport are complimentary, no matter which room category you book. Private transfers can be arranged at additional cost.


How will I get from the airport to the resort?

Your all–inclusive package includes roundtrip airport transfers and arrangements are made by Sandals – no action on your part is required. Immediately outside of customs at the airport, you will find a Sandals Desk. A representative will lead you to an air–conditioned shuttle bus that will take you to the resort.


What time is check-in-check-out?

Check-in is at 3:00PM. If you arrive prior to check-in, Sandals staff will safely secure your luggage and inform you when your room is ready. While waiting, you can freely enjoy the property's amenities, as your all-inclusive vacation has already begun!


All resorts require guests to complete and sign registration card at check-in, and provide a credit card imprint or cash deposit for incidental charges.


Check-out is at 11:00AM, so if your flight departs later, you can easily secure your luggage with us and still enjoy the amenities, like grabbing a bite to eat or sitting by the sea while you wait.


Can I upgrade my room?

You can book any level of room that is available at the resort. Our room block includes only basic rooms, but you can book a nicer room with Active Travel and it will be added to our group contract.


Are children allowed to attend?

Sandals Resorts are exclusively for guests 18 years and older.


I’d like to bring my adult children, how will that work?

If included in your invite, your adult children, over the age of 18 are welcome to join you! Things to consider if you’re bringing a plus one with you who falls into this category: 1.) Each room is meant for a two-person occupancy, and is equipped with one king size bed; there are no rooms with multiple bed setups. 2.) The legal drinking age in Jamaica is 18.


I’m traveling solo, how will that work?

Everyone on our guest list is welcome, plus one or not! However, please know that Sandals resorts charge per room, not per person. If you're traveling solo and have questions, please reach out to Brittany or John.


What should I bring?

Packing is a very individual process, but here are a few things we recommend:

- Passport

- Sunscreen

- Bug Spray

- Swimwear

- A few outfit options that adhere to the Resort Casual and Resort Evening dress code requirements spelled out in the dress code Q&A below


What is the weather like?

We encourage you to look at the weather in real time prior to packing!


Jamaica has a tropical climate which varies in temperature from warm to hot. Central areas with a higher elevation tend to have cooler temperatures. In winter, travelers can expect cooler temperatures in the morning and evening. But, it is still hot. May through November are wetter months where short showers occur often. June through September is hurricane season.


What should I wear to the wedding?

We are requesting that our guests dress in Beach Semi-Formal attire. Please make sure your outfit of choice follows the Resort Evening dress code, explained below.


We are also encouraging our guests to wear COLOR! Come in your boldest and brightest. :)


What should I wear to the Welcome Reception?

We recommend you wear something that fits in the Resort Evening dress code, explained below, in case we go somewhere after this event for dinner.


We are encouraging our guests to wear white to this event.


Is there a dress code anywhere on the resort?

Yes. There is a dress code for restaurants in the evening and the golf course. These will apply as posted.


Resort Casual: Shorts or jeans, t–shirts or polo shirts. Swimwear must be covered. Shirts and footwear required.


Resort Evening: Dress pants or jeans for men, long or short sleeve dress shirts (with or without collar). Dress shoes or sandals. No shorts, t–shirts, sleeveless shirts, sneakers, flip flops or slippers. No hats or caps.


Is there anything that isn’t included once I’m on the resort?

The following, optional activities are not included in your booking fee.

- Spa Treatments

- Optional Tours

- Golf Caddies (mandatory for golfers)

- Medical Assistance*

- Gift Shop Items

- Phone Calls

- Scuba Certification or Refresher Courses


*The resident nurse's services are complimentary but there is a charge for medication and doctor's consultations should those be necessary.


What is there to do?

One of the reasons we chose Sandals is because of the extensive list of included activities! Check them out here.


I don’t drink, how will that work?

We will likely have several guests who won't partake in any drinking during their stay. While there is no discount for non-alcoholic bookings, there are plenty of non-alcoholic drink options available at restaurants and bars.


I have a food allergy, can Sandals accommodate me?

From the Sandals FAQ page: you can rest assured that we will work very closely with you and our chef can ensure that the appropriate meals are available. Please provide us with your arrival date and booking number as well as your name and the resort at which you will be vacationing so that arrangements can be made for you to speak with the chef on arrival.


What if I have a medical emergency while in Jamaica?

There is a Registered Nurse on the premises at every Sandals with daily office hours. Nurse services are complimentary but there is a charge for medication and/or Doctor consultations should these be necessary.


Will I need Jamaican dollars?

No. At the resort you will be able to pay with international credit cards and U.S. dollars. If you plan to leave the resort you may want to have a few Jamaican dollars. You should also plan to bring some U.S. small bills for tipping.


How does tipping work?

Tips on the resort are not accepted, with exceptions of the Spa and Butler services. Tipping outside of the resort, including your Sandals provided airport transit service, is at your discretion.


Do I need any vaccinations to enter Jamaica?

The CDC and WHO recommend, but do not require, the following vaccinations for Jamaica: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, yellow fever, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia, COVID-19 and influenza.


Do I need a COVID-19 vaccine or negative test?

You do not need a negative COVID-19 test or proof of vaccine to enter Jamaica. You do not need a negative COVID-19 test or proof of vaccine to return to the U.S. Find information about the latest travel requirements here. Masks are no longer required, but it may be a good idea to pack a couple just in case.


Is the water safe to drink?

Tap water at the Beaches and Sandals resorts in Jamaica is filtered by the resort and is safe to drink. Outside of the resort, tap water in Jamaica is mostly safe to drink. If you leave the resort, you may want to bring bottled water in an abundance of caution.


Is Jamaica LGBTQ-friendly?

Sandals Resorts welcomes all guests, regardless of sexual orientation. However, please be aware that we have read that Jamaica as a country is not very LGBTQ friendly. If you have further questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We want every one of our guests to feel warmly welcomed to celebrate all love with us this week.

Additional questions? Take a look at the Sandals FAQ page, and the Sandals Ochi resort page.