In this guide, you will learn everything you need to know about planning or attending a destination wedding in Jamaica.
Weddings in Jamaica: What You Need To Know
A destination wedding is the perfect way to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and enjoy a truly unforgettable experience.
Jamaica is one of the most popular destinations for destination weddings, and it’s easy to see why.
With its stunning beaches, lush mountains and vibrant culture, Jamaica offers something for everyone.
And with a wide range of accommodations and activities available, there’s something to suit every taste and budget.
Whether you’re looking for an intimate ceremony on the beach or a grand affair at a luxury resort, a destination wedding in Jamaica is sure to be an event you’ll remember forever.
But first: you need to know where in the world Jamaica is…
Where is Jamaica?
Jamaica is an island country in the West Indies, located 90 miles (150 km) south of Cuba.
Area: 4,244 sq mi (10,991 sq km), Population: (2022 est.) 2,744,000, Capital: Kingston.
Jamaica Facts To Know:
- Language: English is the official language, but the majority of the population speak Jamaican Patois
- Currency: Jamaican dollar (JMD)
- Airports: Sangster International Airport (BMJ), Norman Manley International Airport (KIN), Ian Fleming International Airport (OCJ)
- Official Tourism Website:https://www.visitjamaica.com/
- Driving side: Left
Below you will find some more useful information about visiting Jamaica for your special day:
4 Tips for Planning a Destination Wedding in Jamaica
Planning a wedding can be stressful. Planning a destination wedding can be even more stressful!
But it doesn’t have to be. Here are some tips and things you need to know for planning a destination wedding in Jamaica:
1. Choose a date that works for both you and your guests
Choosing a wedding date can be a daunting task, whether you are planning on getting married in Jamaica or closer to home.
You want to make sure that you pick a date that works for both you and your guests.
Here are some tips to help you choose the perfect wedding date:
- How To Pick A Date For A Wedding?
- When To Send Out Save The Date For Wedding?
- How To Write Date On Wedding Invitation?
2. Decide on a budget
When it comes to having a Jamaica wedding, there are a lot of different factors that come into play – from the guest list to the venue.
But one of the most important decisions you’ll make is how much you’re willing to spend.
Here are some tips on how to decide on a budget for your wedding:
- How To Plan A Wedding On A Budget?
- What Is A Good Wedding Budget?
- How To Decorate A Wedding Reception Hall On A Budget?
3. Find a venue that fits your vision and budget
No one ever said wedding planning was easy. In fact, it can often feel downright daunting.
Here’s some useful resources for finding a wedding venue in Jamaica:
4. Hire a wedding planner to take care of the details
A wedding planner can take care of everything for you, from booking vendors to creating a timeline for the day.
Here are some tips on how to find and hire the right planner for your big day in Jamaica
Jamaica Weddings: Key Information
Getting married abroad is a big decision. There’s a lot of things you need to be aware of if you want your big day to run smoothly.
To help, we have put together some useful information about getting married in Jamaica:
- What is the average cost of a wedding in Jamaica?
- What are the marriage requirements for Jamaica?
- What is the weather like in Jamaica?
- What should you pack for a trip to Jamaica?
- What things are there to do in Jamaica?
- What are the best Jamaica wedding venues?
Read on to find out more:
How Much Does a Wedding in Jamaica Cost?
Marriage license cost in Jamaica is 4,000 Jamaican dollars (around $30.00 USD).
Legal Requirements for Getting Married in Jamaica
When applying for a marriage license, you will need to provide the following documents:
- Official photo ID such as a valid passport.
- Birth certificate that includes the father’s name.
- Occupations of bride and groom.
- If you have already been married, provide the relevant documentation to demonstrate that you are either divorced or widowed.
- Name change document – generally all names on all documents need to match (including your parents’ names), otherwise proof of name change needs to be shown.
Other legal requirements are:
- To apply for a marriage license, one must be at least 18 years old.
- The license is valid for 90 days from the issue date.
- Visitors can be married just 24 hours after arriving in Jamaica, provided prior application has been made for a marriage license.
- No blood tests are required.
- Two witnesses are required at the ceremony, older than 16. They need to be able to speak and understand English.
- All international paperwork has to be translated into English by an official translator. It is mandatory that they be authenticated with an Apostille stamp from your home country first.
- Before making any wedding or travel preparations, make sure you have all the paperwork needed for your marriage to be recognized in your home country by checking with the local county clerk or marriage official where you intend to marry.
- What you need to have in your possession before leaving the country is a legal document that can confirm that your marriage is legitimate and has been registered – the marriage certificate.
To apply for a marriage license in Jamaica contact the Ministry of Justice in Jamaica:
Head Office address: Commerce Gate, 61 Constant Spring Road, Kingston 10
Phone: (876) 906-4923-31
E-mail: customer.service@moj.gov.jm
Forms may also be downloaded from the Ministry’s website, and MUST be printed on a legal size paper.
What Is The Weather Like in Jamaica?
The months of January through April are ideal for a trip to Jamaica, whether you’re interested in sightseeing in the country’s major towns, taking day trips, or just relaxing on the island’s beaches. This is the coldest and driest time of year.
The months of February and March have the least precipitation, while December is still fairly wet in the far eastern area and on the northern slopes of the Blue Mountains, otherwise, in the south December is fine as well.
The heat is unpleasant and uncomfortable during the summer and the rainy season, but there is a pleasant breeze and the sun shines for a few hours each day. Also, in Kingston and on the southern coast, in July it typically does not rain as much, so if you want to choose to go in the summer, you should probably go in July, mainly because the danger of hurricanes is lower in this month than in August as well.
What should you pack for your trip?
During the months of November through April, it is recommended to pack light clothing, a sun hat, and sunscreen, as well as a sweater for the cooler evenings. Bring a warm coat and sturdy shoes if you plan on doing any hiking in the mountains.
During the months of May through October, you should pack lightweight clothing that is appropriate for the tropics, as well as potentially a light sweater and a light raincoat in case there are thunderstorms. It’s also a good idea to bring a sun hat and sunscreen. Add a sweatshirt or sweater to your pack if you’re going to be hiking in the mountains.
Jamaica Weather By Month
Below you will find some useful information and handy tables of weather information to help you pick the best month to visit Jamaica:
Average Temperatures in Jamaica
The table below shows the average temperatures in Jamaica each month:
| Month | Min (°C) | Max (°C) | Mean (°C) | Min (°F) | Max (°F) | Mean (°F) |
| January | 22.6 | 31.2 | 26.9 | 73 | 88 | 80.4 |
| February | 22.5 | 31 | 26.8 | 73 | 88 | 80.2 |
| March | 23 | 31.1 | 27 | 73 | 88 | 80.7 |
| April | 24 | 31.6 | 27.8 | 75 | 89 | 82 |
| May | 24.8 | 31.9 | 28.4 | 77 | 89 | 83 |
| June | 25.8 | 32.7 | 29.2 | 78 | 91 | 84.6 |
| July | 25.7 | 33.3 | 29.5 | 78 | 92 | 85.1 |
| August | 25.6 | 33.2 | 29.4 | 78 | 92 | 85 |
| September | 25.5 | 33 | 29.2 | 78 | 91 | 84.6 |
| October | 24.9 | 32.4 | 28.7 | 77 | 90 | 83.6 |
| November | 24.2 | 32.1 | 28.2 | 76 | 90 | 82.7 |
| December | 23.3 | 31.6 | 27.4 | 74 | 89 | 81.4 |
| Year | 24.3 | 32.1 | 28.15 | 75.8 | 89.8 | 82.5 |
Average Rainfall in Jamaica
The table below shows the average rainfall in Jamaica each month:
| Month | Millimeters | Inches | Days |
| January | 20 | 0.8 | 5 |
| February | 20 | 0.8 | 5 |
| March | 20 | 0.8 | 5 |
| April | 40 | 1.6 | 7 |
| May | 100 | 3.9 | 8 |
| June | 75 | 3 | 7 |
| July | 40 | 1.6 | 6 |
| August | 100 | 3.9 | 9 |
| September | 115 | 4.5 | 11 |
| October | 175 | 6.9 | 14 |
| November | 65 | 2.6 | 10 |
| December | 45 | 1.8 | 6 |
| Year | 815 | 32.1 | 93 |
Sunshine Hours in Jamaica
The table below shows the average sunshine hours in Jamaica each month:
| Month | Average | Total |
| January | 7.5 | 225 |
| February | 7.5 | 210 |
| March | 8 | 240 |
| April | 7.5 | 230 |
| May | 7.5 | 230 |
| June | 8 | 235 |
| July | 8.5 | 265 |
| August | 8 | 255 |
| September | 8 | 235 |
| October | 7.5 | 230 |
| November | 7.5 | 225 |
| December | 7.5 | 225 |
| Year | 7.7 | 2810 |
Sea Temperatures in Jamaica
The table below shows the average sea temperatures in Jamaica each month:
| Month | Celsius (°C) | Fahrenheit (°F) |
| January | 27 | 81 |
| February | 27 | 80 |
| March | 27 | 81 |
| April | 28 | 82 |
| May | 28 | 82 |
| June | 28 | 83 |
| July | 29 | 83 |
| August | 29 | 84 |
| September | 29 | 85 |
| October | 29 | 84 |
| November | 29 | 84 |
| December | 28 | 82 |
| Year | 28.2 | 82.7 |
What To Wear in Jamaica? (Packing Tips)
It can be difficult to know what to pack for your vacation. However, there are a few things you should keep in mind when preparing for your trip.
We’ve put together some tips on what to wear in Jamaica so that you can make the most of your time there.
When packing for a holiday to Jamaica, there are a few essential items you will need to bring.
- Pack light, airy clothing made from natural fibers like cotton, as the climate is warm and humid.
- Comfortable walking shoes for any exploring, hiking or sightseeing you might be doing.
- A hat or sunglasses: The sun is strong in Jamaica. Be sure to pack a hat or sunglasses to protect your eyes.
- Sunscreen: Don’t forget sunscreen!
- Beachwear: Jamaica is all about beach life. Pack your swimsuit, beach towel, and any other beach gear you need.
- Insect repellent: Pack insect repellent, as mosquitoes can be a problem in some areas.
- Camera: Jamaica is incredibly photogenic. Be sure to bring along a camera to capture all the memories.
- Passport: Other essential items to pack include a valid passport and any necessary visas.
- Travel insurance: Make sure you have travel insurance that will cover you in case of any medical emergencies or lost baggage.
- Chargers: Also, be sure to bring along any chargers and travel power adapters you’ll need for your electronic devices.
- First-aid kit: It is also a good idea to pack a first-aid kit, in case of any minor injuries, and also any essential medications.
Things to Do in Jamaica
There are many different things to do in Jamaica, no matter what time of year you visit.
Here is a list of some of the top activities to enjoy during your stay:
- Blue Mountains
- Green Grotto Cave
- Dunn’s River Falls and Park
- Martha Brae River
- Rastafari Indigenous Village
- Seven Mile Beach
- Blue Hole
- Bob Marley Museum
- Devon House
- Boston Beach
- Blue Lagoon
Best Jamaica Wedding Venues & Hotels
With so many stunning locations to choose from, how do you know which is the best wedding venue in Jamaica?
Here are our picks for the top spots to tie the knot, as well as hotels to stay in:
Wedding Venues in Jamaica
- Ocean Cliff Hotel Negril Limited
- Grand-A-View Restaurant & Event Place
- Day-O Plantation Restaurant and Bar
- Blue Waters Beach Club
- Sandals South Coast in Whitehouse
- Half Moon in Montego Bay
- Couples San Souci in Ocho Rios
- Grand Palladium Jamaica Resort & Spa
Hotels in Jamaica
- Big Red’s in Bull’s Savanna
- Tensing Pen in Negril
- Ocean Cliff Hotel Negril Limited
- GoldenEye in Oracabessa
- Natty’s Cozy Beach house in Hanover
- Windsor Luxury Palace in Phoenix Park
- 876 JA Oasis & Hideaway – by Kingston Airport
- Paradise Palms Jamaica Vacation Rental in Montego Bay
- Villa Cocomo in Mammee Bay
- Blue Paloma Bed & Breakfast in Lucea
