Planning a wedding is exciting…But planning a Caribbean destination wedding? That’s a whole new level of dreamy! But with so many beautiful islands, resorts, and vibes to choose from, how do you narrow it down? I’ve got you. Whether you’re picturing a luxury villa in the hills or a beachside ceremony at golden hour, this guide will walk you through how to choose the Caribbean wedding destination that fits your vision and your guests. Because your wedding day should feel like an adventure you never want to end!

Let’s dive in! Here’s everything you need to know when choosing your perfect Caribbean wedding destination.

Aerial view of a coastal hillside with houses and docks beside clear turquoise water under a cloudy sky for a caribbean wedding destination

A tall coconut palm tree with green and yellow fronds stands against a cloudy sky, with other trees and a hill in the background.

A bride in a strapless white gown and a groom in a blue suit stand together on a dock by a lake, surrounded by green hills.

A bride in a white dress and a groom in a blue suit walk toward each other on a sandy beach by the ocean under a cloudy sky.

Best Caribbean Wedding Destination Locations

Every Caribbean island has its own personality, and picking the right one is kind of like choosing the perfect wedding dress. It’s gotta feel like you. Some islands are all about barefoot luxury and beach bonfires, while others are tucked-away gems perfect for intimate, villa-style weddings. Whether you’re dreaming of a lively celebration with all your people or something quiet and romantic just for the two of you, there’s an island that matches your vibe!

Let’s break it down!

Virgin Gorda (British Virgin Islands)

This is one of those places that feels instantly peaceful the moment you arrive. It’s private, beautiful, and full of dramatic natural landscapes that look straight out of a movie. If you’re into the idea of exchanging vows on a boat, staying in a private villa, or having an intimate celebration away from the crowds, this island is PERFECT! It’s great for couples who want something upscale, secluded, and deeply personal.

The Dominican Republic

This is your go-to if you’re planning a bigger celebration with lots of guests flying in. It’s one of the most accessible Caribbean islands, and it’s packed with incredible resorts that make wedding planning feel like a breeze. Think beachfront luxury, built-in activities for your guests, and all-inclusive ease that lets you focus on the fun instead of the logistics. It’s ideal for couples who want to host a full weekend of events without sacrificing style or convenience.

St. Lucia

St. Lucia is for the romantics. The scenery here is seriously unmatched, lush mountains, sparkling water, and the kind of jaw-dropping views that make you stop mid-sentence. This island is perfect if you’re dreaming of a destination wedding that feels adventurous and breathtaking. From volcano views to rainforest backdrops, it’s the ultimate choice for couples who want to lean into nature and make their wedding feel like an unforgettable getaway!

Jamaica

Jamaica brings ALL the energy, in the best way possible. It’s vibrant, colorful, and full of warmth, from the people to the food to the music. There’s something so special about celebrating on an island that’s both laid-back and full of life. If you want a wedding weekend that feels like one big family reunion, with reggae beats, delicious jerk chicken, and golden hour dancing on the beach, Jamaica totally delivers. Bonus: it’s super easy to get to, which makes it a win for your guests too!

Anguilla

This is low-key luxury at its finest. It’s chic, peaceful, and has some of the most stunning beaches in the Caribbean without the crowds. If you’re all about quality time, elegant settings, and a slower pace, this island is a dream. It’s perfect for smaller weddings or elopements, especially if you want a backdrop that feels effortlessly refined and naturally beautiful. Getting there takes a little extra effort, but once you arrive, it’s pure bliss!

The Bahamas (specifically the Abaco Islands)

The Abaco Islands are perfect for couples who want that easy-breezy beach vibe but still want the option of keeping everyone close. The Abacos feel like a hidden coastal town where you can spend your days golfing, sailing, and relaxing with your people. It’s super family-friendly, laid-back, and feels like the kind of place where you can kick off your sandals and celebrate all weekend long. If you’re dreaming of a destination wedding that’s casual, joyful, and full of charm, this spot checks all the boxes!

Aerial view of a beachfront resort with pools, palm trees, lounge chairs, and buildings surrounded by greenery near the shoreline at a Caribbean wedding destination

A row of lounge chairs with umbrellas is arranged on a sandy beach, with green hills and palm trees in the background.

A tall coconut palm tree with green and yellow fronds stands against a cloudy sky, with other trees and a grassy hill in the background.

A view of turquoise ocean water with small waves and ripples under natural daylight.

How to Choose the Perfect Caribbean Wedding Destination

**Step 1: Think About Travel Logistics for You and Your Guests**

Not all Caribbean islands are equally accessible. If you're planning a full wedding weekend or have a larger guest list, you'll want to make sure everyone can actually get there without major travel headaches.

Is there a major airport nearby? Direct flights from the U.S. make islands like the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, and Puerto Rico extra easy.
Will guests need to take ferries or small planes? More remote locations (like Virgin Gorda or Anguilla) might require extra travel legs. Worth it for the views? Absolutely. But good to know ahead of time!
How long is the travel time? For a short wedding weekend, a quick flight might be the best bet. For a longer trip, the journey becomes part of the fun.

Pro Tip: Include all travel info in your wedding website or invite suite so guests know exactly what to expect.

Step 2: Define Your Dream Vibe

The Caribbean isn’t one-size-fits-all. Each island has its own personality! So pick one that aligns with yours!

Romantic + Remote: Try the British Virgin Islands or St. Lucia. Think luxury resorts, private villas, and intimate beach dinners.
Lively + Cultural: Jamaica, the Dominican Republic, or Puerto Rico offer vibrant local flavor and a mix of beach + adventure.
Chic + Upscale: Head to Turks and Caicos or the Bahamas for high-end resorts, pristine beaches, and that polished feel.

Tip: If you're into food and wine, some islands have stronger culinary scenes. Want to hike or snorkel with your guests? Look for destinations with national parks or reefs nearby.

Step 3: Decide Between All-Inclusive or Villa-Style

This decision will shape your whole experience, so think about what fits your style and your guest list best.

All-Inclusive Resorts: Great for larger groups and streamlined logistics. Resorts like The Ritz-Carlton St. Thomas or Excellence Punta Cana make it easy to plan multiple events with minimal stress.
Private Villas or Boutique Stays: Ideal for smaller, more intimate weddings. You can design your own experience from the ground up. Venues like Oil Nut Bay in Virgin Gorda (where Alicia & Richard tied the knot!) offer private beach access, cozy luxury, and a truly custom feel.

Bonus: Villas are perfect for a wedding weekend! It’s your own little bubble with all your favorite people!

Step 4: Consider the Weather + Season

While the Caribbean is mostly sunshine and palm trees, there are some seasonal things to keep in mind.

Peak Season (Dec–April) = dry weather, higher prices, more crowds.
Shoulder Season (May–June, Nov) = warm weather, fewer crowds, and better rates.
Hurricane Season (July–Oct) = gorgeous some days, stormy others. Travel insurance is a must if you're planning during this time!

Tip: Always have a solid Plan B for outdoor events. Covered pavilions or indoor lounges are worth checking on during your venue tours.

Close-up view of dense green leaves on a plant, with some leaves showing visible veins and a natural, healthy appearance.

Lounge chairs and an umbrella beside a pool with palm trees and ocean in the background under a cloudy sky.

Gentle ocean waves washing onto a sandy beach, with clear shallow water and foam at the shoreline.

A thatched-roof cabana with white curtains, outdoor seating, and surrounded by tropical plants and palm trees on a tiled patio.

View of a tropical resort featuring palm trees, a pool with a swim-up bar under a thatched roof, lounge chairs, and the beach in the background.

A catamaran and several yachts are docked near a wooden pier with waterfront villas on a hillside in the background.

Alicia & Richard’s British Virgin Islands Celebration

Alicia & Richard's wedding was a Caribbean dream! They chose the Oil Nut Bay Resort in Virgin Gorda for their cozy, intimate celebration. Their ceremony? ON A BOAT. Yep, they said “I do” with sea spray in the air and a sailboat breeze all around them. Afterward, they had the most stunning beachside reception under the stars. Their choice of destination was so intentional. It was private, peaceful, and full of personal touches. From the intimate setting to the barefoot dance floor! It felt less like a wedding day and more like a weekend-long experience they’ll never forget (and neither will I!).

Dried palm leaves and pale flowers are arranged decoratively on a boat’s mast, with a body of water and blurred shoreline in the background at a caribbean wedding destination

A bride and groom stand facing each other on a yacht’s deck during a wedding ceremony, with two attendants beside them and the ocean in the background at a caribbean wedding destination

A bride and groom stand on a boat deck; the groom kisses the bride's cheek as she leans against the railing, with water and hills in the background.

A couple stands together on a boat deck by the water, with hills in the background. The woman wears a strapless dress and the man wears a white shirt and blue pants.

Wedding Weekend-Worthy Caribbean Venues to Consider

Are you considering a destination wedding that feels like a full-on getaway? The right location makes all the difference when you’re planning a full wedding weekend. Picture this: everyone staying close (hello, walking distance!), sipping their morning coffee together, lounging by the pool before the welcome dinner, and casually strolling to your ceremony barefoot as the sun sets. Sounds like a dream, right?

When you’re choosing a venue, look for more than just a pretty backdrop. You want somewhere designed for connection, where no one’s stressing about shuttles or missing out on the fun. Think beach bonfires, late-night cocktails, spa mornings, and all your favorite people in one spot, living their best vacation lives. Bonus points for on-site restaurants, cozy lounges, and activities that keep the weekend flowing effortlessly.

Here are a few of my absolute favorite Caribbean wedding venues that are perfect for hosting the multi-day wedding celebration of your dreams:

Oil Nut Bay — Virgin Gorda, BVI

Tucked away on one of the most beautiful islands in the British Virgin Islands, Oil Nut Bay is a private paradise. It’s perfect for intimate, upscale wedding weekends, think oceanfront villas, private plunge pools, and even boat charters. It’s secluded in the best way, but still gives your guests a luxury experience they’ll never forget. The kind of place where you wake up to ocean views and end the night with stargazing and champagne toasts on the beach.

Ani Villas — Dominican Republic

This all-inclusive private estate is basically a destination wedding cheat code. Everything is taken care of! From spa services and gourmet meals to curated activities and private chefs. Ani Villas is set up for full buyouts, so you get the entire place to yourselves. It’s tropical, luxe, and made for groups that want to relax, celebrate, and be pampered in style. If you love hosting but also want to enjoy your own weekend? This is the place!

Jade Mountain — St. Lucia

If you’re going for the wow factor, this is it. Jade Mountain sits high above the sea with insane views of the Pitons and Caribbean waters. Each suite (called a sanctuary!) is open-air with a private infinity pool, no fourth wall, and nothing but nature and sky surrounding you. It’s romantic, modern, and totally next-level for couples who want their wedding weekend to feel like a once-in-a-lifetime escape.

Round Hill Hotel & Villas — Jamaica

This one’s for the timeless-glam couples. Round Hill is iconic, designed with old-Hollywood vibes and that laid-back Jamaican warmth. Ralph Lauren designed the villas (yes, really), and the oceanfront views are BEAUTIFUL. You can plan everything from chic cocktail parties to beach bonfires and Sunday brunches on the lawn. It’s stylish without trying too hard, and the service is impeccable.

Zemi Beach House — Anguilla

Zemi Beach House is one of those rare places that’s both super stylish and incredibly beautiful. Set on the dreamy Shoal Bay, it blends barefoot luxury with boutique sophistication. The spa is inside a 300-year-old Thai house, the suites are beyond gorgeous, and everything feels elevated without being stuffy. If you’re into calm luxury and a slower-paced celebration with just your favorite people, this spot is it.

The Abaco Club — Bahamas

On the quieter Out Islands of the Bahamas, The Abaco Club brings tropical charm with a country-club twist (but make it cool). Guests can stay in private beachfront cottages, hit the golf course, or gather for sunset dinners under the stars. It’s one of those places where everyone feels instantly at home, making it perfect for a weekend of connection, celebration, and cozy coastal vibes.

Pro Tip: The real magic of a destination wedding weekend? It’s in the in-between moments. The spontaneous beach hangouts, morning coffee walks, and late-night storytelling sessions are what make it all feel so special. Choosing a venue where everyone stays together, whether in private villas or boutique resort suites, means the energy stays high, the vibes stay chill, and your celebration feels like a vacation you never want to end! So make sure you hire your destination wedding photographer for the WHOLE wedding weekend! Need ideas for your wedding weekend? Read it on the blog here!

A long outdoor dining table with wooden chairs is set on a grassy lawn, surrounded by palm trees and string lights overhead at a caribbean wedding destination

A group of people sit around a long table having dinner on a beach at sunset, with string lights overhead and palm trees in the background.

A group of people sit around a long outdoor table set for dinner, surrounded by palm trees and string lights in a tropical setting.

Ready to Choose Your Caribbean Wedding Destination? Bring me Along as Your Destination Wedding Photographer!

Your Caribbean wedding should reflect you. Whether that means a barefoot beach ceremony with your closest people or a black-tie celebration at a luxury resort, there’s a Caribbean island that fits the vibe.

Here’s the bottom line:
- Pick a destination that’s easy for your guests.
- Choose an island that matches your energy.
- Think about how you want the entire weekend to feel.
- And hire a photographer who knows how to capture the full story (hi!).

So let's capture it and bring me along as your destination wedding photographer! I’m Carmela, a destination wedding photographer with 12+ years of experience and a love for storytelling! Let’s dream up something beautiful together. See more of my work on Pinterest or book me as your destination wedding photographer here!