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Vows with a view: Making the magic happen for your dreamy Caribbean wedding
Sandals Resorts stages about 5,000 weddings a year across its 17 Caribbean resorts. Its weddings director, Marsha-Ann Donaldson, says the aim is to shape each celebration around what the couple finds meaningful, using the islands’ scenery, sounds, food and activities to create a personal experience.
Destination weddings have shifted from elopements and large parties towards smaller gatherings: Sandals now hosts micro weddings for 20 to 40 guests as couples prioritise time together. The company also offers activities such as catamaran cruises and spa days, plus “honeymoon hops” between neighbouring resorts.
In short
- Sandals holds about 5,000 weddings each year.
- Couples are increasingly choosing micro weddings.
- Celebrations draw on local scenery, culture and activities.
Explained simply
A destination wedding is a ceremony held away from the couple’s home, often with guests travelling to join them. The Caribbean’s beaches, warm climate, local food and music can make the setting part of the celebration.
Sandals Resorts is a hotel group with 17 resorts across the Caribbean, where its weddings director, Marsha-Ann Donaldson, oversees wedding services. The group arranges ceremonies and related activities, from cruises to spa visits, and offers options for couples who want to visit more than one resort.
Some couples choose a smaller wedding with a limited number of guests, giving them more time together during the trip. These celebrations also connect wedding plans with tourism, as couples and guests spend time and money at the resorts and in the surrounding islands.