Whatever your celebration style, these five tropical hot spots provide stunning locales and unique customs to make your destination wedding extraordinary.
RIVIERA MAYA, MEXICO
Who it’s perfect for
Couples who want to combine pristine beach time with exploring an exotic ancient civilization. Celebrity connection: Adam Levine married Behati Prinsloo in Mexico.
Local customs for your celebration
Have a traditional mariachi band instill romantic flavour with classic songs like “Amorcito Corazón” and “Amor, Amor, Amor” (which J.Lo has covered). To cool everyone down, offer barrels of agua fresca (non-alcoholic flavoured waters) infused with cinnamon, tamarind or lime, and a tequila-tasting bar with luxe brands only available in Mexico.
Fun fact
Riviera Maya hosts some of the world’s longest underground rivers. These subterranean streams are accessed via cenotes, stunning limestone surface sinkholes where you can swim and snorkel in the sparkling azure depths.
LIBERIA, COSTA RICA
Who it’s perfect for
The lush rainforests and postcard-worthy beaches around Liberia will draw nature lovers. Celebrity connection: Kelly Rowland’s Costa Rican wedding to Tim Witherspoon.
Local customs for your celebration
Costa Rican men serenade their future bride before the ceremony, hire a brass band or ocarina (ancient flute) performer to play love songs at a pre-wedding affair. And most bars offer bocas (appetizers), perfect for your cocktail events: gallos (tortillas piled with meat, cheese or beans), ceviche, tamales and patacones (fried green plantains).
Fun fact
Costa Rica champions ecology. A quarter of the country is comprised of national parks and conservation areas boasting five per cent of the planet’s biodiversity (including a jungle fern named after Lady Gaga), countless wildlife and 10 per cent of the world’s butterfly population. A nature tour is a must!
VARADERO & HAVANA, CUBA
Who it’s perfect for
The bride and groom who want to relax on gorgeous beaches and experience cool Cuban culture. Celebrity connection: Beyoncé and Jay-Z celebrated their fifth wedding anniversary in Cuba.
Local customs for your celebration
It’s not a proper Cuban wedding without their world-famous cigars – set up a lounge on the beach, complete with cigar sommeliers. Cuba is also famous for its son cubano music, the perfect opportunity to create a fun fiesta with seasoned island musicians.
Fun fact
It’s roughly a two-hour drive from Varadero’s beaches to the spectacular streets of Havana. Take a day trip by joining a tour or hiring a vintage 1950s car and driver, or stay overnight to fully savour Havana’s historic sites and energetic nightlife.
MONTEGO BAY, JAMAICA
Who it’s perfect for
This gorgeous tropical locale is for couples who want a chill vibe. Celebrity connection: Meghan Markle accompanied Prince Harry to his best friend’s Jamaican wedding.
Local customs for your celebration
Nothing shouts Jamaica louder than rum and reggae, including both at your reception means steeping the celebration in island tradition. Food is central to Jamaican culture, so pack the menu with local delicacies like jerk chicken, fried plantains and gizzada (individual tarts with a coconut filling).
Fun fact
An excursion to Blue Lagoon (the very one from the film) in neighbouring Port Antonio is a must – legend has it a soak in the lagoon has an aphrodisiacal effect. The mixing of fresh spring and salt water makes for perfect swimming temps and an incredible blue hue that changes with the sun’s position.
PUNTA CANA, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
Who it’s perfect for
The Mr. & Mrs. who want to indulge with their crew in acres of white-sand beaches, sun and sea should go to Punta Cana. Celebrity connection: Kim Kardashian and Kanye West hosted a family vacation in the D.R.
Local customs for your celebration
Every tiny confectionary shop sells mini desserts, so sweeten your reception with dulce de leche, coconut and tropical fruit flavours. After your first twirl, have local dancers perform the merengue (which originated in the D.R.) and invite guests to join them in a quick lesson to get everyone on the dance floor.
Fun fact
Dominican amber and larimar are two stones found nowhere else in the world, consider including these in guests’ welcome bags, as wedding favours or as thank-you gifts for your attendants.
