Winning Couples Choose Destination Weddings

That special someone gets down on one knee and suddenly, you're engaged. Congratulations! The glowing couple announces the news and is quickly confronted with two questions: "Let me see the ring!" and "When is the wedding?" 

Following an engagement fiancés are faced with a million and one different tasks to complete, chief among them, picking a venue for the wedding. It's an incredibly exciting decision to make, but not necessarily an easy one. These days it is inevitable that couples will entertain the idea of a destination wedding. While the prospect of having to convince VIP guests to travel internationally can be enough to dissuade some, there are many benefits to getting married abroad. In 2014 the average cost of a wedding in Canada was upwards of $31,000, whereas a destination wedding can cost 30-50% of that figure. Couples who consider getting married abroad are not only given a valid excuse be selective with the guest list, but can also enjoy the days leading up to the wedding being pampered at the spa while the resort handles all the last minute details. The only real question becomes where do soon-to-be-wed couples want to get married?'

Coconut Bay Beach Resport & Spa couple beach
Credit: Coconut Bay Beach Resport & Spa

The venue could be anywhere, from a fairytale castle in Germany to a wind-swept mountain bluff in New Zealand. However, when it comes to accessibility from Canada, resort quality and sheer beauty, nothing beats the Caribbean. The lush jungles, fine white sand and the ethereal crystal clear water surrounding the islands all serve to compliment the blushing bride on her big day. For those who think a beachfront wedding of their dreams is out of their price range, think again. Voted the Caribbean's Leading Honeymoon Destination of 2014 by the World Travel Awards, St. Lucia is the place to wow wedding guests with a ceremony unlike anything they've ever seen before, all the while remaining gentle on the pocketbook.

St. Lucia - Luxe for Less

Saint Lucia Island Volcano BeautifulStock

Formed from volcanic rock with twin peaks dominating the otherwise verdant coastline, St. Lucia is one of the few places in the world where visitors can drive through a volcano at noon then return to the beach in time to enjoy a refreshing afternoon swim. The French, African, Spanish and British-infused culture of the island gives St. Lucia an air of sophistication through not only its people, but the stunning beaches, rainforests and rock formations that meld into the natural landscape. Your wedding party will remark on St. Lucia's European feel and a tropical beauty that rivals French Polynesia. 

Minimal Marriage Requirements

Coconut Bay Beach Resport & SpaCoconut Bay Beach Resport & SpaThe island nation is easily accessed by direct flights from Toronto, taking just over 5 hours to reach. However, the biggest advantage St. Lucia has over other Caribbean islands is its flexible marriage requirements. Previously, visitors had to be on the island for a full 48 hours before they could obtain a marriage license. However, the country has recently made it easier than ever before to get married. Now even couples from visiting cruise ships can get married after only a few hours on shore. Lovebirds need only have certified copies of birth certificates, a divorce decree and/or adoption certificate (where applicable), a death certificate (for widows/widowers), and a valid passport to be able to tie the knot. If the blood testing requirements of Puerto Rico, Mexico and St. Martin put you off, no need to worry, none are required in St. Lucia. 

Ample Activities for Guests

Coconut Bay Beach Resort & Spa diving saint luciaCoconut Bay Beach Resort & Spa

One of the most important aspects of choosing a wedding destination is whether it will hold the attention of the wedding guests. There is nothing that could spoil the serenity of a destination quicker than bored relatives hovering around the bride and groom. In St. Lucia, this is one thing that couples won't ever have to worry about. If guests can't enjoy the abundance of diving and water sports available off the coast, they will certainly find something to love inland.  Take a ride on a zipline through the rainforest, hike the stunning volcanic mountains, or savor the flavors of island fruit on a 19th century plantation during an ATV tour. Even if all the relatives are thoroughly engrossed in the splendor of St. Lucia, soon-to-be-newlyweds may want to consider a resort property that offers an adult-only wing for the most peaceful and romantic experience.

Resort Spotlight: Coconut Bay Beach Resport & Spa

Coconut Bay Beach Resport & Spa wedding coupleCoconut Bay Beach Resport & SpaOf all the resorts and wedding venues on St. Lucia, Coconut Bay Beach Resort & Spa is the island's most coveted. Located on St. Lucia's exotic south coast and only five minutes from the international airport, the award-winning resort hosts just 250 beautiful rooms, a beachfront spa and the island's largest water park. The resort itself is split into two sections, Harmony for adults-only where sophistication and romance smolder, and Splash where the young and young at heart play the days away.

Coconut Bay Beach Resort & Spa - Saint LuciaCoconut Bay Beach Resort & Spa - St. Lucia

Coconut Bay is a favourite among romantics for its alluring locale and dedicated romance packages, but where romance happens, weddings follow. The wedding packages at Coconut Bay Beach Resort range from the basic Deluxe Package to the opulent Pearl Package, with options in between that will fit all needs and budgets. The packages provide couples with all-inclusive solutions with some à la carte add-ons, but mostly all the wedding party needs to bring are the rings, the guests, the wardrobe and themselves. Newlyweds can even get a romantic start on the honeymoon with private island tours or sunset sailboat rides. Coconut Bay also offers packages for couples looking to renew vows or simply enjoy a world class honeymoon. 

Coconut Bay WeddingCoconut Bay Beach Resort & Spa - St. Lucia

Most people see their wedding as one of the most significant days of their lives, and having a wedding surrounding by St. Lucia's natural beauty will not soon be forgotten. Take comfort and have confidence working with the fluent English speaking wedding planning professionals at Coconut Bay Beach Resort & Spa. 

 Need more inspiration or information? 
Let Coconut Bay Beach Resort & Spa help!