Four Islands for a Destination Wedding

Featured in West Jet Magazine, February 2017

Get hitched in Antigua, Turks and Caicos, Maui or on Florida’s Amelia Island

There’s an allure to getting hitched on an island. What could be more romantic than saying “I do” in a secluded, seaside ceremony? If an island wedding is your dream, consider one of these four spots.

For couples who want to elope: Amelia Island, Fla.

Located just off the coast of northeast Florida, a half-hour drive from Jacksonville International Airport and connected to the mainlaind by two bridges, this lovely “little island” is easy to reach, making it an ideal place to elope. While staying at one of its romantic inns, take a horse-drawn carriage ride through Fernandina Beach’s historic downtown district, go horseback riding along the beach in Amelia Island State Parkwith Kelly Seahorse Ranch or take a sunset cruise with Amelia River Cruises & Charters.

For couples who want to go big: Antigua

Voted the Caribbean’s most romantic resort in 2016 by World Travel Awards, Sandals Grande Antigua Resort & Spa in St. John’s is all about luxury. Located on the idyllic Dickenson Bay beach, this property features Mediterranean Village and Caribbean Grove, two equally beautiful areas in which to stay. Your ceremony can be held on the beach, in a lush garden gazebo or by a lovely reflection pool, and most of the resort’s event areas can accommodate large groups, if your guest list runs long.

For adventurers: Turks and Caicos

With its neon turquoise waters and white-sand beaches, Providenciales is the main tourist destination in Turks and Caicos. To travel off the tourist grid, take a short ferry ride to the island of North Caicos, then drive for a half hour across the island to a mile-long causeway that takes you to the more remote Middle Caicos. At Mudjin Harbour Beach, you can get married atop a limestone cliff above an open-faced cavern overlooking dramatic Dragon Cay. Or, at the foot of the cliff’s stone steps, exchange your vows by the water’s edge.

For a unique island vibe: Maui, Hawaii

With its picture-perfect beaches, breathtaking sunsets and welcoming spirit of Aloha, it’s no surprise Maui is a wedding hot spot. At the Grand Wailea, a Waldorf Astoria Resort, you can choose from one of several island-experience wedding packages. Couples can exchange vows during the day or at sunset at the property’s seaside chapel, on its white-sand beach or in an elegant gazebo on the lawn. Optional elegant touches include a dove release, candlelit altar and solo harpist. And, for a wedding with extra Hawaiian flare, you can opt for a traditional processional with a conch shell blower or for drum dancers to usher you in as a married couple.