Images and Text by Emma Bowers (Jamaica Tourist Board)

Dare to dream about a beautiful destination wedding on a lively Caribbean island! Come to Jamaica; it’s just what you’re looking for. The diverse natural attractions, from jungle mountaintops to beaches bathed in the island sun, make Jamaica a destination that appeals to visitors from around the globe and makes this the ideal tropical paradise to say “I Do.” Jamaica’s tropical climate remains blissfully the same from season to season, so planning a wedding or honeymoon anytime from May to December can save couples up to 40% on hotels and other costs.

With so many beautiful locations all over the island, you’ll have a difficult time deciding on the perfect spot to celebrate the biggest day of your lives! You can choose an intimate wedding in a botanical garden, where you will exchange vows under a gazebo with the sound of rushing water in the background. Hold your ceremony at an island estate house, with a sweeping lawn that is ideal for your reception under the stars. One such destination is Rose Hall Great House, the most famous great house in Jamaica. Built in the Georgian style architecture, the three-story home was built in 1770’s by a rich plantation owner named John Palmer. Rose Hall sits upon the hill overlooking the Rose Hall area and blue sea surrounded by lush green flora and fauna.

Or consider Lover’s Leap on the South Coast of Jamaica. The dramatic name says it all about this unique place to exchange vows. Lover’s Leap is a sheer 1,700-foot cliff overhanging the sea and Cutlass Beach. Legend has it that two young slaves leaped to their deaths rather than be separated by their jealous plantation owner. However, modern couples can use this spot to exchange vows and enjoy the spectacular views. Active brides and grooms may hike down from Lover’s Leap onto a secluded beach. In addition to beautiful landscape, Lover’s Leap almost guarantees good weather.

If you’re imagining waves crashing, sand under your feet, and the sun shining brightly overhead, you can exchange your vows of love on one of the island’s beautiful beaches. If you are celebrating your day in Jamaica, why not do it the Jamaican way? From a reggae style steel drum band to traditional island wedding cuisine, start your new life as husband and wife, Jamaican style!

No matter what your wedding dreams may be, we can arrange a perfect event you’ll always remember. Resorts, small inns and villas across the island offer endless options to help you design your perfect wedding day, many offering a wedding planner to coordinate every last detail. Visitors can be married just 24 hours after arriving in Jamaica providing a prior application has been made for a marriage license.

For more information please go to visitjamaica.com or call 1-800-465-2624.

The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge is an enchanting place where wedding dreams really do come true. Stunning vistas, pristine lakes and the magnificent Rocky Mountains make it the perfect destination for a magical wedding.

Their talented team including event coordinators and world-class chefs cater to all of your needs, whether it is a small, intimate gathering, or a grand and extravagant celebration. The outdoor venues, banquet facilities, golf course (the JPL was rated the #1 golf resort in Canada!) and Signature Cabins provide endless options for your ceremony and reception.

The resort is situated in the heart of the largest national park in the magnificent Canadian Rockies. It offers a wealth of accommodation options, from charming rooms and spacious suites to magnificent private cabins. It is renowned for its exquisite personal comfort, serenity and privacy. Every window in this mountain paradise frames views of endless forests, turquoise lakes, majestic mountains, and wildlife.

The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge is your every-season dream-wedding destination. Whether you are looking for a winter wonderland or vibrant summer wedding, you can promise your guests an experience they won’t soon forget. With over 700 acres of wilderness and adventure opportunities, not to mention a world class golf course, the JPL will take your memorable day to an unprecedented level.

Their Wedding Specialists are ready to help you plan your special day at The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge. You can contact them at jplweddinginquiries@fairmont.com or by calling 780.852.3301.

Magical weddings, magical settings. Let them make your special day unforgettable!

Destination weddings are becoming increasingly popular. With sun, sand and surf available, who wouldn’t love to get married in a destination location? Whether it’s in the blue Carribean, historic Mexico or sunny Jamaica, a destination wedding has all the great elements of a wonderful holiday to celebrate your wedding day.

Check out RIU Bambu Hotel in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. With an on-site wedding coordinator, décor and set, flowers, music and so much more included with your package, the only thing you have to worry about is keeping your tan even.

Or you could try RIU Ochos Rios in Jamaica – they include spa packages and breakfast in bed for the bride and groom. In Cabo San Luca, the RIU Palace offers three different wedding day packages and a wide variety of amenities for you and your guests. Cuba is less than a two-hour drive from Havana, and the world-famous Varadero beach stretches over 20 kilometres along a narrow peninsula on the north coast of the island. Amazing sites and fabulous views are a perfect backdrop to your wedding day.

Thinking about Hawaii? The culture adds a little something to the traditional wedding. Each island has its own identity, from the commercial to the small and intimate, each supplying a little something special. Visit Haleakala National Park or Diamondhead Mountian. Both of these locations offer breathtaking views. A wedding in Hawaii can range from a quiet beach ceremony to a lavish resort ballroom.

Looking for something different for your wedding day but don’t want to head to a beach resort? No other city is as unique as Las Vegas. Its skyline includes Paris, Egypt, Rome, New York, Venice and San Francisco, to name a few. You could be married by Elvis or an alien, whatever suits your unique style.

Wherever you choose to go for your destination wedding, make sure to research the local laws and marriage rules carefully. Find out a number of different activities your guests can take part in and leave a list with contact information in their hotel rooms with their gift baskets.