Thinking of saying "I do" in an exotic locale? Here's some information to help you choose your wedding location:
CUBA
From the hustle and bustle of Havana to the lush green landscape of Holguin to the white sand and crystal-blue waters of Varadero, Cuba has all the ingredients for a romantic Caribbean adventure.
Getting hitched: Tying the knot is incredibly easy in Cuba. If you have never been married before, all you need is a valid passport and a tourist card. If either the bride or groom has been previously married they must also produce a birth certificate and certificate of divorce, or if widowed, a certificate of marriage and certificate of spouse's death.
The pros: Perhaps one of the most affordable Caribbean getaways, Cuba has all the sun, sand and surf you can handle. In addition, the country itself -- from the classic cars to the world-class cigars to the island charm -- will steal your heart.
The cons: Cuba's communist state and poverty can be hard to handle. You'll often hear Cubans muttering, "No es facil," (it is not easy) in passing. The food, though abundant at resorts, can also be bland and boring.
"I do" place: The Iberostar Varadero (iberostar.com), located on a beautiful and secluded part of Varadero beach and surrounded by tropical gardens, is a popular choice for its value, accommodations and wedding facilities. For ultimate seclusion, say "I do" at the Royal Hideaway Ensenachos by Occidental Resorts (royalhideawayensenachos.com). This luxury five-star resort, located on the unspoiled "Cayo" Ensenachos on the North Coast of Cuba, features two of the most beautiful beaches in the country, 24-hour room service and personal concierge.
More information: Visit gocuba.ca.
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
The white-sand beaches, impressive mountain ranges veined with spectacular rivers and waterfalls, and saltwater lakes teeming with exotic wildlife are just part of the Dominican Republic's appeal.
Getting hitched: Couples will need valid passports, original birth certificates and a solemn declaration that the parties involved are single. The declaration has to be signed and notarized by a notary public. In addition, it is necessary to have two witnesses, each with valid passports, who are not blood relatives.
The pros: The Dominican Republic has both fine boutique hotels and price-competitive all-inclusive resorts that cater to all tastes and budgets. The country also has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world.
The cons: Due to increased travel to the country in recent years, some resorts have raised the price of their wedding packages making it pricey to personalize your celebration. High demand has also resulted in less personal service and cookie cutter wedding ceremonies in some resorts.
"I do" place: The Majestic Colonial Hotel (majesticcolonial.com), an ocean-front resort in Punta Cana, is a popular choice both for its stunning location, luxury accommodations and selection of on-site wedding options (church, gazebo, beach and tropical garden ceremonies). For ultimate luxury, couples might consider checking in to the country's newest secret, Cap Cana (capcana.com), a five-star plus golf and spa sanctuary located on 8 km of pristine ocean-front, just south of the eastern most tip of the country.
More information: Visit godominicanrepublic.com.
JAMAICA
The picturesque paradise of Jamaica could be considered a pioneer in the destination wedding market. For years, adventurous couples have been flocking to Jamaica for the island's long sandy beaches, protected coves, rugged mountains, waterfalls, caves and sunshine.
Getting hitched: To marry in Jamaica, couples will need a valid passport and a certified copy of their birth certificates, which includes father's name. French Canadians need a notarized translated copy of all documents and a photocopy of the original French documents.
The pros: Unlike some other Caribbean destinations, wedding ceremonies are performed in English and couples aren't required to submit to blood tests. In addition, the country offers many wedding options from beach ceremonies to sunset cruises to underwater "I dos" -- even nude nuptials.
The cons: Common complaints include concerns about rowdiness away from resort areas and topless sunbathers.
"I do" place: Nobody does destination weddings like Sandals Resorts (sandals.com). Whether you're eloping or going for an extravagant affair, planning a wedding with this resort chain is easy breezy. There are many wedding and honeymoom packages to choose from, incuding several designed by wedding-planner-to-the-stars Preston Bailey. And, with Sandal's exclusive "Stay at 1, Play at 7" program, you can stay at any one of their spectacular Jamaican resorts and still enjoy the stunning amenities and scenery of their other six locations.
More information: log onto visitjamaica.com.
MEXICO
One of the most popular destination wedding locations for Canadians, Mexico has everything to make your special day unforgettable. Couples can choose from an intimate ceremony by the sea, a mystical ritual performed by a shaman or an elegant fiesta with hundreds of guests in a colonial hacienda.
Getting hitched: To be legally married, couples must take part in a 10-minute civil ceremony and provide copies of valid passports. Blood tests must also be taken within 15 days of the date of marriage and notarized by a doctor in Mexico. If divorced or widowed, a certified copy of the divorce decree or death certificate is required.
The pros: Mexico offers a variety of resorts and hotels to choose from and you can plan a wedding as elaborate or low-key as you would like.
The cons: Popular resorts can fill up and it can be hard to get a wedding date and time. As well, due to popularity, some resorts will host up to 10 weddings or more a day, taking away from the intimacy of your special day.
"I do" place: Mexico's Mayan Riviera plays host to a variety of beachfront hotels and resorts, most of which offer on-site wedding coordinators. Popular wedding resorts include the five-star Grand Palladium Riviera Resort and Spa (fiestahotelgroup.com), which features 454 stylish guest suites, and the Gran Bahia Principe (bahiaprincipeusa.com), which consists of three five-star hotels offering a variety of services and activities.
More information: Go to visitmexico.com.
PUERTO RICO
Both lush and exotic, historic and cosmopolitan, this modern paradise offers all the comforts of home from world-class shopping and dining to tropical landscapes and over 500 years of Spanish culture.
Getting hitched: In addition to valid passports, all couples must visit the Demographic Registry to acquire marriage licence documents and receive a medical examination no more than 14 days before the wedding. If either person is divorced or widowed, an original divorce decree or death certificate must be presented.
The pros: As United States Commonwealth, Puerto Rico offers many of the comforts of the U.S. mainland including currency, the same electrical standards, U.S. laws and many English-speaking residents. The food and drink scene is also world-class -- the Pina Colada was invented in Puerto Rico!
The cons: Due to its modern amenities and U.S. ties, the country sometimes lacks that quintessential Caribbean charm that is abundant on other islands.
"I do" place: The Gran Melia Puerto Rico Resort & Villas (granmeliapuertorico.com), nestled on the country's northeastern shore offers one of the Caribbean's most luxurious resort experiences, featuring modern facilities, Puerto Rican flavour and a Spanish flair. For a more boutique experience, check into the El Convento (elconvento.com), located in the heart of Old San Juan. The only "small luxury hotel" in the country, this boutique hotel hosts elegant accommodations, lovingly restored from a 350-year-old Carmelite convent.
More information: Go to meetpuertorico.com.
