Destination wedding planning with sandals resorts

As an iconic luxury resort collection in the Caribbean, Sandals Resorts is comprised of the most exclusive properties – all, located on various islands. Destination wedding planning can be an arduous task under the best of circumstances; but Marsha-Ann Brown, the Director of Romance for Sandals Resorts, and her team are well-versed in every aspect the wedding planning process entails. We asked them to share more about what couples can expect when saying “I do” in paradise.

GO: If you had to describe Sandals in three words, what would they be?

A: Sandals Resorts is Romantic, Luxurious, and Private.

GO: How far in advance does a couple need to reserve a wedding date?
A: At Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts, love has no boundaries. We are able to accommodate couples who choose to plan their wedding with us at any point in time – whether that be three months prior to arrival, or up to two years in advance. Our professional Wedding Entourage is available to make dreams come true whenever couples are ready to take the leap. 

GO: Are onsite wedding planners available for the wedding process?

A: At both Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts, every couple receives complimentary wedding planning services complete with an entire Wedding Entourage from the first call until they walk down the aisle and say, “I Do.” The Wedding Entourage includes a Wedding Concierge, Wedding Planner and Wedding Event Team.

The Wedding Concierge, known as the experts of each resort, can guide couples when choosing their perfect destination to host their nuptials. The Wedding Concierge will get them started with the Ultimate Digital Wedding Planning Tool, an interactive online tool providing all the important details and information needed for brides and grooms to plan with ease.

The Wedding Planner will help couples design and coordinate all of the details for their ceremony, reception, and all of the events in between, including assisting with scheduling services at the salon, reserving photographers/videographers and more, helping couples create an itinerary complete with excursions and tours. Plus, brides and grooms can take advantage of the Virtual Wedding Design Experience, which offers everything needed to plan a dream destination wedding from the comfort of home. Couples can chat face-to-face with their wedding planner and explore our catalog of décor options during their video chat session.

Upon arrival at the resort, it’s time for the bride and groom’s wedding dreams to become a reality. Each couple will have a dedicated wedding event coordinator and team that will setup and manage all of their functions, making sure their events are stress-free and that all they have to do is enjoy their time with loved ones. The only thing left to do is say, “I Do.”

GO: What spaces are available for destination wedding ceremonies and receptions?

A: Each resort provides magnificent, spacious, and unique spaces that allow couples to create the most picturesque backdrop for their ceremony and reception. Our resorts offer open-air ceremony and reception locations along our vast stretches of white sand beaches, luscious gardens and gazebo venues, along with signature venues such as the Over-The-Water Chapel or Gazebo, Sky Terrace, or private offshore island and more at certain resorts.

GO: What are some of the unique amenities, incentives and activities that Sandals offers couples?

A: Every wedding at Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts is fully customizable, offering couples a myriad of décor that can be mixed and matched to create their very own inspiration. From classic white and green, to vivid tropical hues, there are so many ways that Sandals helps bring a bride and groom’s vision to life. In addition, for couples that want a simple yet elegant option, Sandals offers a free wedding package, which includes a fuchsia dendrobium orchid bouquet and boutonniere, a single lantern filled with seashells centerpiece for the head table, and a two-tiered white fondant cake. With stays of seven nights or longer, the bride and groom will receive Premium Perks, which provides credits towards wedding enhancements including a room upgrade, photography and videography, candlelight dinners, future anniversary stays and more! Plus, weddings with a group of five rooms or more will receive additional benefits that we like to call “Bells & Whistles,” which provide complimentary enhancements that range from décor to themed bars, private functions, and even a free honeymoon upgrade to a butler suite. 

GO: Food is such an important element at a wedding. Tell us about your menu customization.

A: Sandals and Beaches Resorts’ 5-Star Global Gourmet™ banquet menus offer cuisines from around the world, including Pan Caribbean, Italian, French, American Southern Table, BBQ, Asian, Cajun, Indian and more. One of the most popular menus includes Lobster, when in season. We also offer the option to work with our chef to create a custom menu if provided enough notice. Additionally, couples will have a choice of a selection of themed bars that can help enhance their reception’s theme, from an authentic rum bar or a sangria bar, to a mimosa bar or even a beer canoe bar! The choices are truly endless when it comes to taking guests on a gastronomical journey without ever having to leave their seats.

GO: What does Sandals Resorts offer couples and their guests that set you apart?
A: While Sandals and Beaches Resorts are known for being ultra-luxurious, the one factor that truly sets us apart from any other brand is our service. Every team member across the board exudes genuine Caribbean hospitality that guests have come to know and love, which keeps them coming back year after year. Couples come to Sandals for the luxury but stay for the all-encompassing 5-star experience, with service at the forefront of everything we do. Whether it's servicing our guests with our upscale accommodations, unlimited 5-Star Global Gourmet dining and premium liquors, endless land and water sports, private luxury transfers and more, our team is ready to exceed guests' expectations every step of the way.