With more and more people choosing destination weddings, the options for creating your dream wedding are endless. You can pick from a wide range of destinations, create an itinerary consistent with a save-the-date, choose the location, and get every detail right. The Caribbean Islands offer stunning natural beauty with their pristine white-sand beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and lush tropical landscapes. If you would like to have a legal destination wedding, check out these 7 amazing Caribbean destinations that are easy & uncomplicated to have a legal destination wedding.

The Caribbean islands are the top choice for weddings, as couples can enjoy a warm and tropical climate year-round. They can enjoy various outdoor activities, such as beach parties, sunset ceremonies, and water sports, to add an element of excitement and fun to the wedding festivities. They provide the perfect wedding backdrop guaranteed to provide a memorable experience for couples and their guests.

WHY CONSIDER THE CARIBBEAN?

On top of the fact that these 7 destinations are going to be helpful for an expedited legal wedding, here are a few more reasons to consider the Caribbean for your destination wedding.

Range Of Venues

The Caribbean has a diverse range of wedding venues to match couples’ varying
preferences and budgets. You can host your wedding in any of the luxurious resorts
and private villas or choose the charming beachfront gazebos.

Many All-Inclusive Resort Options

The Caribbean offers numerous resort options that offer all-inclusive wedding
packages. They include accommodation, meals, beverages, and wedding management
services, and some even offer extra perks like spa treatments or day trips. [Link to May
2023 Content Hero Blog on Benefits of Having a Destination Wedding at an
All-Inclusive Resort]

Amazing Local Hospitality

Above all, the Caribbean is known for its wonderful hospitality, vibrant culture, and
friendly community. Couples can mingle with the locals and immerse themselves in the
islands’ unique traditions, music, and cuisine, creating a truly memorable and authentic
wedding experience.

NOTE: If you aren’t sure whether or not to have a legal destination wedding, you
should read my article on The Difference Between Having a Legal vs. Symbolic
Ceremony. [Link to March 2023 Content Hero Blog on Difference Between a Legal &
Symbolic Ceremony Blog Post]

Here Are The Top 7 Caribbean Islands For a More Stress-Free And Easy Legal Destination Wedding

The Islands of Bahamas

The Bahamas is unmatched for its allure, making it an exceptional choice for a
destination wedding. With its powdery white sand beaches, secluded uninhabited
islands, and incredible scuba diving opportunities, the islands possess a charm that is
difficult for any other destination to match. It is also one of the nearest Caribbean
territories to the United States, and hence convenient for guests to join the wedding.

Best Time: December to April.

Legal Wedding Requirements:
Residency Period: 48 hours. It doesn’t take into account the day of arrival, holidays, and
weekends. This means you will need to be in the Bahamas for two full business days
first before you can get legally married. Many couples will fly in on a Tuesday or
Wednesday, as they enjoy the resort and make final wedding prep with the onsite
team Thursday and Friday, and then have their legal ceremony on Saturday. Most of
the Bahamian islands do not allow Sunday weddings.

Applying For a Marriage License

The following fee and documents will be required to apply for your marriage license in
the Bahamas.

Marriage License And Administrative Fee: 310 USD

Documents Needed:

• Original birth certificate and passport.
• The court issued concluding divorce rulings (if applicable).
• Legal name changes or legal adoption papers (if applicable).
• Death certificates with related marriage certificates.

Working with a state-side destination wedding consultant is a huge help, when it
comes to getting everything you need turned in ahead of time so that when you arrive,
the process of getting married is smooth and pretty much effortless. I always make
sure my destination wedding couples know what they need to submit, and when they
need to submit it so that their destination wedding will go off without a hitch.

Jamaica

Jamaica offers a thrilling island retreat in the Caribbean. Beyond its pristine beaches
and swaying palm trees, this country has a deep-rooted history and a vibrant
population. At the core of Jamaican magic is its soul-stirring reggae music, which
pervades every corner of the land and creates a highly relaxed atmosphere. For an
exceptional wedding experience, Montego Bay, Negril, and Ocho Rios are highly
recommended.

Best Time: December to April.

Legal Wedding Requirements

Residency Period: 48 hours. But unlike the Bahamas, your day of arrival does count
toward your residency requirement so you can arrive on Friday and get married on
Sunday.

Applying For a Marriage License

The following fee and documents will be required to apply for your marriage license in
Jamaica.

Marriage License And Administrative Fee: 95 USD

Documents Needed:

• Validated original birth certificate and passport.
• Court-issued concluding divorce ruling (if applicable).
• Legal name changes documents (if applicable).
• Death certificates with linked marriage certificates (if applicable).
• Validated copy of photo ID or driver’s license issued by the government.

Turks & Caicos

The Turks & Caicos Islands present an upscale ambiance distinct from other Caribbean
destinations. The place comprises 40 stunning islands, including 8 inhabited ones. The
Turks & Caicos epitomizes beauty and elegance—features couples look for while
planning a destination wedding. Among these islands lies a true gem called the Grace
Bay beach, which ranks among the best in the world.

Best Time: December to April.

Legal Wedding Requirements

Residency Period: 48 hours. Does not include the day of arrival, weekend, or holidays.
So in this case, you will need to be in Turks & Caicos for two full business days, before
you can get married legally. If you arrive on a Saturday or Sunday, your first residency
day will start on Monday, which means you could get legally married as soon as the
Wednesday of that week or later.

Applying For a Marriage License

The following fee and documents will be required to apply for your marriage license in
Turks & Caicos.

Marriage License And Administrative Fee: 400 USD

Documents Needed:

• Original birth certificate
• A valid passport or driver’s license.
• Court-issued concluding divorce rulings (if applicable).
• Death certificates with corresponding marriage certificates.
• 21 years is the legal age to get married.
• Couples less than 21 years of age must have written consent from both parents.

St. Lucia

Saint Lucia is gaining popularity among those seeking destination weddings and
honeymoons in the Caribbean Islands. This enchanting place offers a perfect balance of
luxury and serenity, and breathtaking backdrops that are ideal for couples looking for
both a stunningly beautiful and romantic wedding.

Best Time: December to April.

Legal Wedding Requirements

Residency Period: 72 hours (must be business day). No Weddings on Sundays. You can
pay to expedite this and get married in 48 hours (of course you can show them the
money LOL) with one of those days being a business day.

Applying For a Marriage License

The following fee and documents will be required to apply for your marriage license in
St. Lucia.

Marriage License And Administrative Fee: 270 USD
Marriage License And Administrative Fee with Expedited Services: 341 USD

Documents Needed:

• Copies of birth certificate and passport.
• Court-issued concluding divorce rulings (if applicable).
• Legal name changes documents (if applicable).
• State-issued death certificates with related marriage certificates.

Antigua

Antigua has 365 beaches! It may be challenging to visit all, but you must not miss the
key ones. Antigua offers a variety of delightful locations for weddings, such as historic
forts, natural parks, and upscale resorts. You can visit places of historical importance or
choose a luxurious setting to spend time with your loved one. Numerous options are
available to make your wedding memorable on this island.

Best Time: December to April

Legal Wedding Requirements

Residency Period: 48 hours, must include one business day, which includes the day of
arrival. No wedding on Sundays and holidays.

Applying For a Marriage License

The following fee and documents will be required to apply for your marriage license in
Antigua.

Marriage License And Administrative Fee: 288 USD

Documents Needed:

• Original birth certificate and passport.
• Court-issued concluding divorce ruling (if applicable).
• State-issued death certificates with related marriage certificates.
• Legal name changes documents (if applicable).

Aruba

Aruba is one of the most sought-after wedding spots in the Caribbean. It has stunning
coastlines, intriguing heritage and customs, and delectable food. The beaches are
breathtaking, and the weather is enjoyable. Couples can engage in various activities,
making it ideal for those who enjoy adventure.

Best Time: Mid-December to April

Legal Wedding Requirements

Residency Period: None. Civil Ceremonies take place in the City Hall Monday, Tuesday,
Thursday, and Friday with Saturdays available for an extra fee.

Applying For a Marriage License

The following fee and documents will be required to apply for your marriage license in
Aruba.

Marriage License And Administrative Fees: USD 284

Documents Needed:

• State-certified copies of birth certificates for bride and groom
• Valid passport for Bride and Groom.
• Witness (18 years up) with a valid passport.
• Certificate of no impediment for bride and groom
• Declaration of Intent Form
• Single Status Form
• Final Divorce Decree or Death Certificate with Apostille (if applicable)

Barbados

Barbados is a lively and vibrant island representing the typical Caribbean charm. It
offers a blend of natural beauty, upbeat music, rich cultural experiences, and a truly
romantic atmosphere. You can enjoy your time on a boat, in a church, within a historic
plantation house, amidst a stunning garden, overlooking dramatic sea cliffs, or with
your feet in the sand. Those seeking a romantic adventure will leave the island with a
lasting impression.
Best Time: December to April

Legal Wedding Requirements

Residency Period: 48 hours. Does not include weekends or holidays.

Applying For a Marriage License

The following fee and documents will be required to apply for your marriage license in
Barbados.

Marriage License And Administrative Fee: 325 USD

Documents Needed:

• Original state-issued birth certificate and passport
• Court-issued concluding divorce ruling (if applicable)
• Legal name changes documents (if needed)
• Death certificates with related marriage certificates

I hope that this list of the top 7 locations for a legal destination wedding has helped you move a little closer to deciding where to have your destination wedding. Choosing the perfect destination wedding spot that will give you an easy or simple legal ceremony, while also finding that sweet spot where you, your family, and your friends can all celebrate together without being too complicated and stressful can be tricky.

If you have the time, you may want to visit some of these locations as a wedding preview spot before settling on which one best suits you and your desires. But, before you spend another dime on your destination wedding, or lose another hour of sleep on your phone searching for the perfect spot, I encourage you to schedule a free 30-Minute destination wedding consultation with me today, so that you can make the best decision for you and your wedding. Click Here to Schedule Your Free 30-Minute Consultation Now!