Are you planning a Jamaica destination wedding? With a vibrant culture, one of the most spectacular sunsets in the world, miles of unspoiled beaches, waterfalls, and a variety of different venues, it’s no wonder Jamaica has become a top wedding destination. So if you’re planning to tie the knot on this gorgeous island paradise, but don’t know where to start, this post is for you. I caught up with the team at Vacationeeze, to help answer all the questions you have about planning a destination wedding in Jamaica.
Jamaica Destination Wedding Planning Q&A
Q. Do I or my guests need a passport or Visa to go to Jamaica?
A. Travelers from the US and Canada need a passport to travel to Jamaica, but a visa is not required. The majority of travelers from other countries will also need a passport but it is best to check with your home country’s website and Jamaica’s government website.
Q. Do I need any shots or to take any medication prior to going to Jamaica?
A. No
Q. How far is Jamaica?
A. Jamaica is a 3.5 hour flight from most cities on the East Coast of the US. It is 2 hours from Miami and 2.5 hours from Texas.
Q. Are there all-inclusive resorts in Jamaica?
A. Yes, the Majority of resorts in Jamaica are all-inclusive. In fact, in 1950 Jamaica was one of the first destinations to embrace the All-inclusive concept.
Q. Which airport should we fly into?
A. If you are hosting a destination wedding in Montego Bay, Negril, or Ocho Rios then we suggest flying into Montego Bay Airport which is known as MBJ. If you are hosting in Ocho Rios you can also fly into Kingston airport. It is important to check with your travel professional to determine if their transfer provider will provide transportation from Kingston.
Q. Can we have an LGBTQ destination wedding in Jamaica?
A. Same-sex weddings have not been legalized in Jamaica. Some resorts will perform a symbolic wedding but typically it must be on the resort grounds, not on a public beach. For other wedding destinations that are LGBT friendly, contact Vacationeeze.
Q. What are popular adults-only resorts for a destination wedding in Jamaica?
A. There are many options but some of the adults-only all-inclusive resorts include Secrets Wild Orchid, Secrets St. James, Breathless Montego Bay, Sandals Royal Caribbean, and the Hyatt Zilara. Here is a video with Vacationeeze’s top picks for the best adults-only wedding resorts in Jamaica.
Q. What are a few all-inclusive resorts for families?
A. Some family-friendly all-inclusive resorts in Jamaica include The Moon Palace Ocho Rios, Azul Sensatori Negril, The Hyatt Ziva, Beaches Negril, and The Royalton Whitesands. Check out this video with some great family-friendly wedding resorts in Jamaica.
Q. I hear that Ocho Rios and Negril are far from Montego Bay airport.
A. The ride to Ocho Rios is 1.5 to 2 hours. The ride to Negril is 1 to 1.5 hours.
Q. Do you have ideas for excursions or tours?
A. In Ocho Rios, we could suggest climbing Dunns River Falls and The Bobsled ride at Mystic mountain. In Negril, a trip to Ricks Bar is always fun as well as a trip to a local club to dance the night away. From Montego Bay, we suggest a rafting trip on the Martha Brea River.
Q. What are the requirements for a legal wedding in Jamaica?
A. Jamaica does not require any blood or medical test. You need the following paperwork:
- Proof of citizenship – certified copy of birth certificate, which includes the 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.
- For full marriage requirements check out the Jamaica tourist board site.
Q. I am going to have a large Indian wedding. Is there good Indian food that the resorts can provide?
A. Some of the resorts can provide Indian food for your private events. The food will be similar to what you have at home but not exactly the same. There are also restaurants that specialize in Indian cuisine that can cater to your wedding.
Q. We want to have some local Jamaican entertainment for our guests during our wedding events. Any ideas?
A. Yes! Some cool ideas include a Steel Drum band, Reggae bands, Pole dancers, fire dancers, or pirate-themed parties.
Contact Vacationeeze about your Jamaica Wedding
Still have questions? With over 25 years of destination wedding travel planning experience, Vacationeeze can help you plan your Jamaica Destination Wedding or just answer some of your initial questions. Fill out their contact form to get started.
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