Getting Married

During high season, some Jamaican resorts witness several weddings a day. Many of the larger resorts can arrange for an officiant, a photographer, and even the wedding cake and champagne. Some resorts will even throw in the wedding with the cost of your honeymoon at the hotel. Both the Jamaican Tourist Board and your hotel can assist with paperwork; participants must simply be in Jamaica for 24 hours before the ceremony. Bring birth certificates and affidavits saying you've never been married before. (If you've been divorced or widowed, bring copies of your divorce papers or a copy of the deceased spouse's death certificate.) The license and stamp duty costs J$5,000 (US$70/£35), and the ceremony can start at US$150 (£75) and go up from there, depending on how much legwork you do. Apply in person at the Ministry of National Security and Justice, 12 Ocean Blvd., Kingston, Jamaica (tel. 876/906-4908).

The single best hotel for arranging wedding packages is Half Moon (tel. 866/648-6951; www.halfmoonweddings.com) in Montego Bay. Sandals properties in Montego Bay, Negril, and Ocho Rios (tel. 888/726-3257) also have good packages.