From Caribbean Journal

It’s one of the biggest investments you’ll ever make, and it’s one of the most significant economic contributors to Caribbean tourism: weddings. The Caribbean is the most romantic place in the world, and it’s the dream location for a destination wedding. But there are so many questions to answer when you’re planning one of these: how much do flights cost? How big is your wedding going to be? Which hotel is the right size and fit? What’s your budget? And even more importantly, how much will your guests be able to spend on flights and hotels? We’re here to help with an inspiring list of the best places for your perfect Caribbean destination wedding (including which hotels to consider).

Jamaica

The original destination for romance in the Caribbean, and the island’s nonchalant vibe only adds to that. There’s a greater variety of destination wedding hotel options here than anywhere else in the Caribbean. But the biggest thing for your guests is that there are numerous direct flights from major worldwide cities and they’re usually among the most affordable, too.

Best Hotel for a Large Wedding: Half Moon

Best Hotel for a Small Wedding: Round Hill

Best Hotel for an All-Inclusive Wedding: Sandals Royal Caribbean or Sandals Negril

Best Hotel for a Hip Wedding: Rockhouse

Dominican Republic

Airlift is easier here than almost anywhere, and there’s an almost endless supply of hotels and destinations, whether you want a beach wedding in Punta Cana or Puerto Plata or a historic wedding in Santo Domingo. It’s also one of the best places for an all-inclusive wedding.

Best Hotel for a Large Wedding: Casa de Campo (La Romana)

Best Hotel for a Small Wedding: Casa Colonial (Puerto Plata)

Best Hotel for a City Wedding: Hostal Nicolas de Ovando (Santo Domingo)

Barbados

It takes a little longer to get here than other destinations, but there are also many direct flights, and this island is a Caribbean classic. There’s a degree of charm and prestige to the whole island, and a good selection of hotels from some of the toniest resorts in the region to some more affordable boutiques (and even a new Sandals resort).

Best Hotel for a Glamorous Wedding: Sandy Lane

Best Hotel for a Beach Wedding: The Crane

Best Hotel for a Small Wedding: Cobblers Cove

Best Hotel for an All-Inclusive Wedding: Mango Bay

St Lucia

There’s a reason it’s one of the great Caribbean honeymoon destination. It just oozes romance. But it’s also a tremendous wedding destination. Airlift is direct but often expensive, so that’s definitely a consideration. But the hotel product here is off the charts.

Best Hotel for a Spectacular Wedding: Jade Mountain

Best Hotel for a Small Wedding: Anse Chastanet

Best Hotel for an All-Inclusive Wedding: Sandals Regency La Toc

Nevis

This is one of the most charming, beautiful islands in the Caribbean, with a wonderful collection of resorts and plantation inns. The only thing to think about is that flights can be an issue, because you can only fly directly to neighbouring St Kitts or connect in Puerto Rico. But once you’re past that, this an unforgettable wedding destination.

Best Hotel for a Large Wedding: Four Seasons Nevis Resort

Best Hotel for a Small Wedding: Montpelier Plantation and Becah

Best Hotel for an Artful Wedding: Golden Rock Inn

Nassau/Paradise Island

The proximity to the US and South Florida in particular makes it a great choice, but you’ll find a range of hotel options from large resorts like Atlantis to small out-of-the-way seafront places like Compass Point, and, more importantly, you can fit every budget.

Best Hotel for a Glamorous Wedding: One and Only Ocean Club

Best Hotel for a Large Wedding: British Colonial Hilton

Best Hotel for an All-Inclusive Wedding: Sandals Royal Bahamian

Best Hotel for a Small Wedding: Graycliff Hotel

Best Hotel for a Hip Wedding: Compass Point

Puerto Rico

There’s great airlift, a huge number of hotels, lots of activities for guests, and most importantly, it’s in the US, so you don’t have to worry about extra paperwork or passports. Puerto Rico has a variety of venues, from historic urban weddings in San Juan to beach options in places like Rincon or Dorado Beach.

Best Hotel for a Large Wedding: El Conquistador

Best Hotel for a Small Wedding: Horned Dorset Primavera

Best Hotel for an Exclusive Wedding: Ritz-Carlton Reserve Dorado Beach

Grand Cayman

Want to get married underwater? You can do it here, although this diving destination’s full of great places above the water, too, with none better than the island’s world-famous Seven Mile Beach. And airlift is not a hassle, with a variety of solid (and quick) options.

Best Hotel for a Large Wedding: Westin Grand Cayman

Best Hotel for a Luxurious Wedding: Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman

To see the others that made the list and to read more on this story go to: http://caribjournal.com/2015/06/09/the-best-caribbean-destination-weddings/9/#movescroll