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Writer's pictureJacqueline Cameron

5 Important Tips for an Amazing Destination Wedding in Jamaica

Updated: May 25, 2020

A destination wedding means getting away from it all; running away to an exotic location to celebrate with the one you love. Choosing Jamaica as your wedding location allows you to experience all that and more. After making the decision to say "I do" in Jamaica, it is time to begin planning your big day.


The key for a great Jamaican wedding is to begin your planning process as quickly as possible. A good system of time management should be developed because it allows you to save time when researching choices, making reservations, and coping with any difficulties that may arise. Beginning early also gives you time to take advantage of any possible deals that could become available.

Getting married in Jamaica has an advantage in that you can spend your honeymoon there too. There’s no need to visit another expensive destination.


1. How Much Does a Wedding in Jamaica Cost?

Developing a sensible budget is essential to any successful wedding. On average, couples in the United States spend between $20,000 and $30,000 on their big day, while a destination wedding in Jamaica can cost you as little as $2,000. Many major resorts and hotels have wedding planning services that can prepare your big event down to the very last detail, and charge a single set fee for the entire package. If you decide to arrange the entire wedding yourself, consider the expenses you may encounter.


Tying the knot with your loved one in Jamaica is one of the most exciting adventures of your life. The sooner you get started, the easier it will be. Give yourself plenty of time to carefully orchestrate the dream destination wedding of your lifetime. The average wedding takes between 13 - 18 months to plan. Your timeline can vary depending on several factors such as your guest list, the vendors you work with and the ambience you wish to create.

Wedding packages offered by local resorts are most common and often the most reliable. Accommodations, venue, officiant, catering, adornments, and more are usually included in one flat rate. Read the guide to Jamaica Wedding Locations and Venues for more information on resort weddings.


2. What Documents Do I Need to Get Married in Jamaica?

Getting married in Jamaica can be done as quickly as 24 hours after you arrive once you’ve taken care of all paperwork beforehand. Many wedding venues, resorts, and event planners will take care of these things for you to ensure your wedding is not only luxurious but legal too.

The required paperwork includes securing your marriage license. It’s a same-day process and will last for three months. All information on how to do this and how much it costs can be found on the Ministry of Justice website. Some of the things you’ll need include:

· Proof of citizenship - certified copy of your birth certificate, which includes father’s name

· Parent’s written consent if under 18 years of age

· Proof of divorce if applicable (original certificate of divorce)


· Certified copy of death certificate for widow or widower

· Processing fee JM$4000 (less than US$40)

If your documents aren’t in English, you’ll need to have them translated by an official translator and then certified by your local Ministry of Foreign Affairs as well as by your nearest Jamaican Mission or Honorary Consulate.

Once you’ve sorted the paperwork, then you can let your fantasies take over. Stumped for ideas? The I Do Jamaica Magazine is filled with imagery and inspiration for you to explore.



3. What are the Best Months to Get Married in Jamaica?

December to April are the best months to get married in Jamaica.This is also to avoid the hurricane season, which is from June – November.


4. Are You Legally Married if You Marry in Jamaica?

Marriages that take place according to Jamaican law are recognized in the United States as legal marriages. Persons getting married in Jamaica must be in the country for at least 24 hours before the ceremony can be performed. If either party was married before, certified final divorce papers or death certificate of deceased spouse are required.



5. Where are the Best Places to Get Married in Jamaica?

Negril

Montego Bay

Negril

Ocho Rios

Ocho RIos

Negril

Mammee Bay

· Jakes

Treasure Beach

Negril

Ocho Rios...


Conclusion

If you are getting married in Jamaica, the key is to start planning early. To help with planning, choose a destination wedding planner or a wedding planner at the resort you will be staying. This will ease the burden on the bride and ensure that she has the wedding of her dreams.


References


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Jacqueline Cameron is an editor/writer with years of writing experience running the gamut from blogging to reporting. She lives in Kingston, Jamaica and is the chief writer for the Jamaica So Nice Blog. She is a trained engineer and musician and loves to see people transformed through her work.



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