From The Bahamas Weekly

Nassau, Bahamas has recently been named as one of the Marriott Hotel chain’s list of the top 10 most romantic wedding destinations in the Caribbean and Latin America. Specifically Atlantis, Paradise Island is listed as number 9. The list has British Virgin Islands as first, followed by Huatulco, Mexico, and then Guanacaste, Costa Rica.

“Looking for the perfect destination to tie the knot? We’ve discovered the most romantic places around the world for your wedding.

From an upscale, sophisticated ceremony in the Bahamas to a laid-back, green celebration in Costa Rica, here is our guide to the best locations that will suit every couple’s style.”

Here’s their list:

1. British Virgin Islands

How does celebrating your wedding on your own private island sound? If you envision yourself walking down the aisle while the sun sets against an orangey purple sky, then Scrub Island is the perfect destination for you. Experience your Caribbean dream wedding at Scrub Island Resort, Spa & Marina, where the atmosphere is peaceful, breezy and relaxing. You can choose to have your wedding in a breathtaking ballroom, an intimate garden gazebo or on the sand. The average temperature there ranges from 80 to 92° F, so plan for a very nice and warm celebration.

2. Huatulco, Mexico

For couples seeking something a bit more off the beaten path, Huatulco is an excellent choice. Roughly 430 miles southeast of Acapulco, this destination is perfect if you want to avoid the obvious targets in Mexico, such as Cancun or Los Cabos. The zip-lining expeditions through the jungle are very popular, as are rafting, kayaking, bird watching and fishing. For a magnificent wedding, consider booking at the Secrets Resorts & Spa, tucked away on the secluded coastline of Conejos Bay. While you’re there, try to make some time to visit La Crucecita, the Main Square and heart of the small city of Huatulco.

3. Guanacaste, Costa Rica

This country truly has something for every type of couple. Guanacaste is the perfect destination for couples who are looking for an unspoiled tropical background for their nuptials, but also want to explore Costa Rica’s natural beauty. Enjoy the rugged splendor of the rainforest and mountain views, secluded beaches and amazing waterfalls. These naturally stunning sights are perfect for adventurous couples to say “I do.” Have a beautiful hacienda wedding at the luxurious JW Marriott Guanacaste Resort & Spa, close to Tamarindo village. It’s an intimate, diverse community with an exciting nightlife that’s sure to please your guests.

4. Dorado Beach, Puerto Rico

This gorgeous destination offers a nice mix of both traditional beachy relaxation and unique historic sights for the culture lovers. Couples seeking for a dreamed, sophisticated wedding should stay at the Dorado Beach, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve, considered to be one of the most exclusive resorts in the Caribbean. Many celebrities including Eva Longoria, Khloe Kardashian and Mark Anthony, –have stayed here. The actor and musician, Duane McLaughlin and his now wife, Amber Ridinger, also exchanged their “I dos” here in Puerto Rico.

5. Turks & Caicos Islands

Famous couples such as Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner and Bruce Willis and Emma Heming, were married at the Alexandra Resort. With 600 feet of beachfront and 10 acres of lush, landscaped grounds, this resort presents a beautiful venue for a Turks and Caicos wedding. You are guaranteed to have warm weather year-round, with winter lows averaging a comfortable 70 degrees Fahrenheit.

6. Renaissance Island, Aruba

If you are looking for a magical and private island oasis, your search has ended. Come to the Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino where you can enjoy wide, long, beaches and stunning aqua-blue waters. The extensive sandy stretches provide gorgeous venues for a ceremony by the waves. You will also find beautiful pink birds, pelicans and gentle amphibious creatures along the resort’s nature walk. It’s a great place to take in the beautiful sunset and make unforgettable memories with your significant other.

7. Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil

If you decide to have your wedding in the vibrant and ever changing south of Brazil, consider holding your ceremony at the Hotel & Spa do Vinho. This hotel is one of the best spots for wine-tasting in the region, so your guests will have something else to enjoy after the wedding festivities. While you’re there, consider traveling the Romantic Route, a collection of highways between Porto Alegre – the capital and largest city in the state – and the scenic towns of Gramado and Canela. The highways boast lush landscapes and beautiful blue hydrangea bushes.

8. Pucon, Chile

If the groom is an outdoorsman at heart, but you want the destination to be farther than Colorado, an ideal compromise could be the Hotel Antumalal, settled on a wooded cliff-top overseeing Lake Villarrica, in southern Chile. This region is considered to be the Switzerland of South America. This region offers guests an array of activities, from exploring local cuisine to volcano trekking. Because Pucon is so far south, the winter season (June through September) expands activities to include skiing and dog sledding.

9. Nassau, Bahamas

One of the Caribbean’s most popular destinations, Atlantis, Paradise Island, is a family-friendly option with an array of activities suitable for all ages. From the moment you arrive, you’ll discover a fabled world full of enchantments, luxury and pleasure that will make your dream wedding an unforgettable event.

The 55-minute plane trip from Miami, Florida, is an easy journey for guests and makes for a great excuse to spend a few extra days vacationing and scuba diving around Andros Island (the third-largest barrier reef in the world). Your guests can also stroll the white-sand beaches, tour the historic homes of Nassau and sip Goombay Smashes (a rum based beverage in the Bahamas). The high season lasts from mid-December to mid-April, while summers are sleepier. Although hurricanes are infrequent, they can occur, so it’s best to avoid the area June through November.

10. Galapagos Islands

Located on the shores of Santa Catalina Island, the Finch Bay Eco Hotel is perfectly situated to visit everything the Galapagos have to offer. Its beautiful surroundings are well worth the extensive travel for a destination wedding. This unique accommodation is actually one of South America’s most popular hotels.

Although the weddings here are only symbolic, (to make them legal you have to go to Guayaquil or Quito), no other Ecuadorian city can provide you with a ceremony accompanied by a chorus of sea lions.

For more on this story go to: http://www.thebahamasweekly.com/publish/newprovidence/Nassau_makes_10_most_romantic_wedding_destinations_in_the_Caribbean_and_Latin_America38121.shtml