With its natural beauty, warm and welcoming culture, delicious cuisine and rich musical heritage, Jamaica has all the ingredients for a dream wedding. From incorporating local traditions like “jumping the broom,” which symbolizes sweeping away the old and welcoming in the new as a married couple, to food and entertainment that features local chefs, artists and dancers, there are plenty of ways to add a touch of Jamaican culture into your special day in this destination wedding paradise.
But don’t just take it from us. Jamaica is consistently recognized as a top honeymoon destination by Canadian travel agents and tourism officials. For this issue, we are putting the spotlight on Jamaica as a top romance destination wedding paradise. We asked two experts, Shalene Dudley, lead travel concierge and certified destination wedding planner at Latitude Concierge Travels in Oakville, ON., and Angella Bennett, regional director, Canada, of the Jamaica Tourist Board, to share the reasons why they both love Jamaica as a wedding destination.
Do you recommend Jamaica to your destination wedding clients, and why?
SHALENE: “I always recommend Jamaica for its culture, food, hospitality, and warm, year-round tropical climate. Travel is extremely easy, as multiple carriers fly to the island every day. The beaches are unique and stunning! There is a diverse range of resorts and venues for any type of wedding.”
What is it about Jamaica that makes you passionate to share it as a romantic destination wedding paradise?
SHALENE: “The atmosphere – whether it be the sunsets, the crystal-clear water, the lush landscapes, waterfalls and gardens. There is a wonderful combination of natural beauty, laid-back charm, and culture. There are so many activities to choose from to be alone with your partner and celebrate one another or declare your love before your family and friends!”
ANGELLA: “Jamaica is a destination synonymous with romance. Couples from around the world have chosen the island as their preferred destination wedding paradise, for honeymoons, elopements, proposals, and romantic getaways.
“Jamaica is a place where visitors can reignite their passion while making memories together. From young lovers to old flames, the destination offers something for couples at every stage of life – world-class hotels, exciting excursions, sensuous spa treatments, gourmet dining options, and beautiful scenic landscapes that make for a picture-perfect vacation backdrop.”
Is it easy to get married in Jamaica? What if the couple decides to elope?
ANGELLA: “In this destination wedding paradise, getting married in Jamaica is a smooth and seamless process. The country offers an impressive infrastructure of resources to provide couples with everything they need to tie the knot – even if it’s last minute! Couples can be married within 24 hours of arrival on the island, and applying for a marriage license is a simple process that requires minimal cost and documentation. In addition to our all-inclusive resort properties, there are incredible private villas and unique event venues for bespoke personalized wedding ceremonies and receptions.
“Couples can also take advantage of a network of experienced wedding planners and industry suppliers. From tailors and chefs to musicians and florists, Jamaica is brimming with talented local vendors.”
Do you also recommend Jamaica as a honeymoon destination?
SHALENE: “Absolutely! With proper planning, there are so many hidden gem properties on the island, and destinations many do not explore that can offer a couple their perfect blend of adventure, culture, romance and solitude.”
ANGELLA: “On Jamaica’s western coastline, Negril offers a more laid-back vibe than the tourist hotspots of Montego Bay and Ocho Rios. The region is a favourite for honeymooners, thanks to its pristine white sand beaches, dramatic cliff sides, and beautiful sunset views.
“For couples looking for a truly secluded and intimate getaway, Port Antonio is one of my favourite regions of the island. Tucked away between the Blue Mountains and the Caribbean Sea, it is a hidden gem that’s popular with celebrities thanks to its VIP boutique hotels and off-the-beaten-path villas. Honeymooning couples can also enjoy a variety of eco-chic attractions like guided bamboo rafting on the Rio Grande River and swimming in the spring-fed waters of the Blue Lagoon.”
Beyond wedding/honeymoon clients, what else does Jamaica offer visitors?
SHALENE: “I can find something for everyone in Jamaica. Whether the couple wants an adventure-filled trip, a spa vacation, or a private villa, I can find multiple options for them. There are varied levels of resorts, hotels and villas to choose from. Excursions, tours and activities are accessible from each area, and there are options for every budget.”
For more information about Jamaica go to visitjamaica.com.
Shalene A. Dudley is lead travel concierge at Oakville’s Latitude Concierge Travels
(latitudeconciergetravels.com) and is certified by the Wedding Planners Institute of Canada. Shalene is also a member of The 1000 Club, a first-of-its-kind global community created to recognize the individual travel advisor for their achievements in sales.
Angella Bennett is the regional director, Canada, of the Jamaica Tourist Board.
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