Need help finding a resort...

[nkbapbbt]

Hi everyone,

 

We are hoping to get married in Jamaica, mostly because it's not only stunning but the marriage restrictions/legal things are the simplest. We are only going to have our parents there, so with us, 5-6 people total. We may invite other family, but doubtful. We want it small!

 

Here is what we are hoping for in a resort...

 

- getting married right on the beach, under a tent or arch, with candles and flowers in the sand. a resort that offers decorations to do this.

- fairly inexpensive (we want to save for our future instead of having a massive fancy wedding!)

- offers free or packages with options (ie video/pictures) at extra cost

- offers free package AND has photographers and video people that we could hire.

- prefer a medium sized resort, something that has things for our parents to do..while we are doing our honeymoon thing!

- all inclusive

- great beach! =P

- maybe some place that isn't often thought of but is stunning.

 

Is that too much to ask?

 

Thanks! I have looked RIU Ocho Rios and it's not for us, it's too big and not really our style. But so stunning.

 

I like Sandals...though they as well are big, they are more our "thing".

 

Has anyone been married at one? If so reviews would be awesome!

[Sharonie]

You can check out Couples resorts in Negril. Their wedding packages are comparable to Sandals but the resort is smaller and more intimate. I will be getting married at Couples Sans Souci in Ocho Rios which the beach is small because it is a private cove but will be honeymooning at Couples Swept Away which is on the infamous 7-mile beach in Negril.

[JenniferSS]

Sandals Whitehouse is beautiful, only a few years old and sits on (if memory serves right) 46 acres. The resort itself is mid sized-360 rooms, all have at least an ocean view.

 

Has a European flair in design and architecture, set up in a village concept with three swimming pools.

 

But the beach is fantastic, two miles long and fairly private.

 

Someone on the forum had a friend get married there last year and loved it-sorry I can't remember who it was.

 

I'll be going in about a week and a half and staying at that resort - I'll take some pics and post!

 

TA Jennifer

[megansg]

Riu Negril may fit better than Riu OR. It is half the size but you still get the same benefits that you thought were stunning about ROR. But I have to say that as my preference because I am booked there, so nowhere else is allowed to be better! lol

[memz]

I'm leaning towards Couples negril. They offer the free wedding package and have better prices in terms of photograpy and viseo. Although I'll probably be booking an outside vendor for the photos. Which also they let you do unlike Sandals.

 

Anyway let us know what you decide. It would be nice to have a fellow couples bride!!

[nkbapbbt]

Memz, have you found any good off resort photographers? And video people?

 

I was almost thinking of buying a video camera...and having someone that is with us tape it for us. We are planning to have kids anyways ASAP...and need the video camera anyways...and we have several video editors in our family. But then I keep thinking will one of our parents be willing to tape? Instead of watching?

 

I see you were also looking at Cuba?

 

I am so confused by all the details! And choices! It's impossible! I wanted the beach/destination wedding because I am just not a huge planner..and the at home wedding details were just so over whelming to me! But this is just as hard...as sooo many places would be perfect!!

 

I really just want something simple, I almost wondering if I wouldn't do better hiring someone to plan for me!

 

Does anyone know if you are allowed to bring your decorations? Like candles, petals...that sort of thing?

[drbrainfreeze]

Quote:

Originally Posted by nkbapbbt Does anyone know if you are allowed to bring your decorations? Like candles, petals...that sort of thing?

I know the ROR will allow this. I would think most places would. Maybe not the petals if they don't want to mess up the beach. But there are just some things that you may want to bring that they cannot provide.

[memz]

Hey nkbapbbt,

 

I have found one in Negril, but she is pretty busy. She was already booked for november and only has a few days left in december. It's sungold. She does pretty amazing photos though. And the prices are not too bad considering what they are asking at the resort.

 

And yeah I was looking at Cuba but I think that is pretty much out of the picture. It's almost 100% sure that we are going to Jamaica. I just didn't find the same reviews about Cuba that I did with Jamaica.

 

Anyway if I can help you in anyway tell me or PM me.

[ErinB]

I'm getting married at Couples Swept Away. So far they have been great to work with. The only snags we have run into were fixed immediately and mainly were caused by the size of our group (30+).

 

It is very natural looking, not like a super huge resort, that was one of my requirements too!

 

TA Jen wrote a great review here http://bestdestinationwedding.com/forum/t12426

 

There is a great post (that I of course cannot find) that has pictures of every resort in the Caribbean!

 

I would also check out the message boards on the Couples website. I found some helpful reviews and info there.