Tuesday, May 27, 2008

Destination Wedding: Sandal Resorts

Sandal's offers all-inclusive honeymoon packages at 10 resorts in Jamaica, Antigua, St. Lucia and Barbados. You can get married at almost any of their resorts (the exception is the Sandal's in Barbados, where a long residency requirement nixes easy nuptials there).


Wedding facts

One of the best aspects about a Sandal's wedding is that they handle all the paperwork and hassle of getting a marriage license. At least a month prior to the wedding, the resort requests that you send the following information: a cover letter with the name of the hotel, dates of travel, daytime phone numbers, date and time of the wedding, occupations and fathers' names (if not stated on birth certificates).

Jamaica has a 24-hour residency requirement (basically, you must be on the island at least one day before you can get married). Documents needed include the bride and groom's birth certificates, divorce decree or former spouse's death certificate (if previously married), adoption papers or proof of name changes. One plus: You don't have to have originals of those documents -- notarized copies will do.

Antigua and St. Lucia require the same documents, but you have to bring the originals. These islands also have a longer residency requirement of 72 hours.


When to go

Everyone wants to escape the cold winter in the United States, so Caribbean rates are highest then. In the summer (roughly from mid-April to mid-December), you can save as much as 40 percent off the winter high-season prices. The best bargains: shoulder season rates in late April and November.

What's the weather like? Steady trade winds modify the climate, keeping it from getting too hot in the summer. The rainy season, usually in the fall, has quick and heavy showers that may occur late at night or early in the morning. The hurricane season is from June to November.


Insider tips

According to travel-industry insiders, the biggest advantage to Sandals is their all-inclusive packages, which include meals and alcoholic drinks. Insiders tell us the resorts appeal to a younger crowd (mid- to late 20s). Sandals are "very American," said a recent visitor to one of the Jamaican resorts. If you're looking for ethnic ambiance, you may want to look elsewhere.


Who to call

Sandal's Resorts can be reached at (800) SANDALS.

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