A Wedding At The Beach
Destination Weddings
In the past, getting married away from home meant eloping. Today, couples are trading the traditional formal affair for a casual, intimate occasion at a place of their dreams. Cruise lines and resorts have made it easy to marry on-site. These events may be just for the couple, or include a group of family and friends. They are usually less stressful because they are simpler and faster to plan. You pick your favorite location or cruise line, and your honeymoon starts right after the wedding! There are many locations and cruise lines that offer wedding packages. Below is information on two of our favorites, however, many more choice are available. Call or email Susan (843-360-0312 or susan@totallytravelonline.com) or Karen (910-392-1502 or karen@totallytravelonline.com) for more information and pricing.
Carnival Cruise Weddings
A cruise ship is a fun and exciting location for your wedding. Shipboard weddings allow you to combine your ceremony and reception with a cruise honeymoon. You can have your friends and family join you on the cruise, or just have them board prior to the cruise for the wedding and reception and then disembark prior to sailing. There are packages available in beautiful ports of call, so you can choose a destination perfect for you and your guests. Cruise weddings allow you to plan a beautiful wedding at a fraction of the cost of a traditional land wedding. Just let us know what you are envisioning for your wedding, and we will work with the ship’s staff so that when you arrive for your cruise, the wedding details will be taken care of!
Cruise weddings take place while the ship is in port, and couples can choose have their wedding onboard the ship, or at a land location. Carnival Cruise Line offers wedding packages to fit every budget. Their experienced and friendly wedding coordinators will take care of every detail for you and your guest. Whether your wedding is large or small, we'll assist you in finding the perfect onboard location for your special event. From a private ceremony for the bride and groom, to a larger wedding of 100 or more guests, Carnival offers an array of beautifully designed lounges to choose from.
Imagine exchanging your vows on a sun-soaked beach in
The following are samples of Carnival wedding packages. Call us for pricing.
JUST FOR THE BRIDE AND GROOM: An intimate ceremony for the bride and groom followed by a champagne toast and cake cutting. Package includes: A dedicated Wedding Agent assisting you with every detail. On the day of your wedding, Priority check-in for the bridal couple and their guests, a local Wedding Officiant, A Wedding Coordinator to work solely with you and your guests, photographer (Wedding photos/packages available for purchase separately onboard), photography service includes the ceremony, champagne toast and cake cutting, with various portraits taken around the ship and studio, ideal wedding location, romantic wedding set up, selection of wedding vows and poems/readings, recorded ceremony music, 8-rose bridal bouquet with matching rose boutonnierre for the groom *(Flowers may vary based on some locations, where tropical arrangements will be substituted for roses. Additional flower options are available, as an upgrade). Champagne toast, (1-set) of etched "Our Wedding" champagne flutes, 2-tiered wedding cake, with keepsake topper. A bottle of sparkling wine and chocolate covered strawberries for the bride and groom's stateroom. (Additional items available upon request, such as unity candle lighting ceremony, additional flowers, etc. for additional cost)
WELCOME ABOARD PACKAGE: For a special gathering of family and friends, this package offers the ceremony followed by a one-hour reception. Package includes: A dedicated Wedding Agent assisting you with every detail. On the day of your wedding, Priority check-in for the bridal couple and their guests, a local Wedding Officiant, A Wedding Coordinator to work solely with you and your guests, photographer (Wedding photos/packages available for purchase separately onboard), photography service includes the ceremony, reception, with various portraits taken around the ship and studio, ideal wedding location, romantic wedding set up, selection of wedding vows and poems/readings, recorded ceremony music, 8-rose bridal bouquet with matching rose boutonnierre for the groom *(Flowers may vary based on some locations, where tropical
arrangements will be substituted for roses. Additional flower options are available, as an upgrade). One-hour open bar with selection of hot and cold hors d' oeuvres, champagne toast, (1-set) of etched "Our Wedding" champagne flutes, 2-tiered wedding cake* with keepsake topper. Cake server and coffee/tea service provided. A bottle of sparkling wine and chocolate covered strawberries for the bride and groom's stateroom. (Additional items available upon request, such as unity candle lighting ceremony, additional flowers, etc., at additional cost) *2-tiered wedding cake provided up to a maximum of 50 guests. Based on number of guests, a 3-tier or 4- tier wedding cake will be provided. This package will accommodate up to 20 guests, including the Bride and Groom. Additional guests may attend at the extra cost of $22.00 per person (Subject to applicable State Sales Tax). Package fees pertain to all attendees.
DELUXE ROMANCE PACKAGE: For an unforgettable celebration, this package offers the ceremony with a one and a half-hour reception. Package includes: A dedicated Wedding Agent assisting you with every detail. On the day of your wedding, Priority check-in for the bridal couple and their guests, a local Wedding Officiant, A Wedding Coordinator to work solely with you and your guests, photographer (Wedding photos/packages available for purchase separately onboard), photography service includes the ceremony, reception, with various portraits taken around the ship and studio, ideal wedding location, romantic wedding set up, selection of wedding vows and poems/readings, recorded ceremony music, 8-rose Bridal bouquet with matching rose boutonnierre for the groom *(Flowers may vary based on some locations, where tropical arrangements will be substituted for roses. Additional flower options are available, as an upgrade). One and a half-hour open bar with selection of hot and cold hors d' oeuvres, ice carving, champagne toast, (1-set) of etched "Our Wedding" champagne flutes, 2-tiered wedding cake* with keepsake topper. Cake server and coffee/tea service provided. A bottle of sparkling wine and chocolate covered strawberries for the bride and groom's stateroom. (Additional items available upon request, such as unity candle lighting ceremony, additional flowers, etc. at additional cost) *2-tiered wedding cake provided up to a maximum of 50 guests. Based on number of guests, a 3-tier or 4-tier wedding cake will be provided. This package will accommodate up to 20 guests, including the Bride and Groom. Additional guests may attend at the extra cost of $30.00 per person (Subject to applicable State Sales Tax). Package fees pertain to all attendees.
Dreamed of a destination wedding? Carnival offers "On Island" Wedding Packages in a number of popular locations. Package Includes: A dedicated Wedding Agent assisting you with every detail. Traditional Ceremony performed by Local Officiant in an ideal island pre-determined location, Recorded ceremony music, bridal bouquet with matching boutonniere for the groom (flowers may vary based on location), (1-set) of etched "Our Wedding" champagne flutes, a wedding cake with keepsake topper, champagne toast for the newlywed couple and photography service. (Wedding photos/packages available for purchase separately onboard). A bottle of sparkling wine and chocolate covered strawberries for the bride and groom's stateroom. Prices for these packages include only the bride and groom. This package includes round trip transfers (island taxi) to the wedding site for the Bride and Groom ONLY*. (Additional guests may attend at an extra cost, prices vary per island). (*Transportation not included in
Sandals Resorts - All-Inclusive Couples Only Luxury Resorts
Sandals Resorts are the most romantic places on earth. So whether you're getting married or renewing your vows, Sandals is the perfect place to do it. They offer a spectacular collection of weddings and vow renewals — including free weddings for couples who book a minimum six-night stay in a concierge category or higher. And they take care of every detail, so instead of thinking of your wedding day, you can focus on each other. Best of all, your honeymoon begins the moment you say, "I do."
Once a resort is booked along with request for wedding services, a wedding coordinator will contact you to discuss the details and required paperwork. We recommend that all weddings be planned out at least at least several months (a year is preferable!) in advance to ensure availability as well as the necessary time to deliver and process the required paperwork. Required documents can differ among the islands but in general include birth certificates, passports, death certificates and marriage certificates related to prior marriage, and any applicable legal name change papers. Some island require notarization of copies. If you are getting married, you must meet local residence requirements before the ceremony is performed, which will mean arriving several days prior to the day of the ceremony. Jamaica, Antigua, and St Lucia all require 2 full days before you can get married on the 3rd. Bahamas requires 2 full business days at the resort before you can get married. Most islands also have government fees. These fees are waived by Sandals for packages of 6 nights or longer in Concierge level room or above.
Please remember that Sandals is a couples-only resort. Within wedding groups, we must get approval from the resort for any single travelers. Singles pay the same rates as double occupancy rooms. Traveling singles are allowed to share rooms in pairs, however, please keep in mind all Sandals rooms are furnished with 1 king size bed. Sandals is strictly limited to guests 18 years and older, children are not allowed on the property. For destination weddings involving families with children, we recommend Sandals sister resort brand - family all-inclusive Beaches Resorts in Turks and Caicos or Jamaica.
Sandals recently partnered with Martha Stewart for six themed wedding packages. These packages feature coordinated color palettes, designed wedding decor, bouquets, invitations, cakes and favors, along with a la carte items. Every wedding includes a personal wedding consultant, a picturesque wedding location, marriage officiant, bouquet and boutonniere, two-tiered wedding cake, reception for bride & groom and 2 guests, one 5x7 wedding photograph, honeymoon dinner for bride and groom, continental breakfast in bed, preparation of documentation, certified copy of marriage license, and government/administrative fees.
The "Beautiful Beginnings" package, which offers a sweet magenta dendrobium bouquet and boutonniere, as well as a table for four with linens, a centerpiece, and a white cake is free for couples who book the minimum six-night stay in a concierge category or higher.
In the "Flutter of Romance" package, pretty butterflies add a touch of whimsy to menus and place cards, and they also top the pale pink cake or round mini-cakes for a look that's charming and sweet. The bridal bouquet, boutonniere, and centerpieces are made up of pink and fuchsia roses and magenta orchids that coordinate beautifully with the rest of the décor.
"Vision in White" is the classic white wedding you've always envisioned, taking on a dreamier quality when transported to a lush island setting. Hints of eyelet and lace grace every detail from the party favors to the desserts, and delicate white orchids and gladiolas make up the bouquet. You have the choice of an elegant white cake or cupcakes, both decorated with doily accents. White pillar candles wrapped in eyelet fabric cast a soft, romantic glow over the reception table for an exquisite setting you'll remember for a lifetime.
Capture the romantic spirit of the ocean's sweet, flowing melody with the "Seaside Serenade" wedding, featuring accents inspired by the sun, sand, and surf of an island oasis. Exchange vows under a bamboo ceremony arch, strung with strands of capiz shells, then enjoy your reception at a beautiful table set with seashell, coral, and sand accents. You have the choice of an aqua fondant cake with white coral accents or cupcakes topped with white sugar seashells. Every delightful detail, in white, aqua, and coral, evokes the natural beauty of a seaside celebration.
The "Chic & Natural" wedding imbues your special day with a feeling of serene enchantment. Clean lines and organic elements set a tranquil tone that is modern and full of romantic charm. The ceremony and reception are accented with white and green orchids, polished black river stones, vibrant green moss, and touches of natural linen. Whether you choose a pale green cake topped with a white camellia or cupcakes topped with small green cymbidium orchids, the Chic & Natural wedding guarantees you'll start your new life together in style.
Finally, the most elaborate package, the "Island Paradise" wedding, brings the vibrant colors of a Caribbean isle to your celebration. Gorgeous orchids arranged in magenta, pink, orange, and yellow evoke a romantic feel of tropical opulence. Lush banana leaves embellish the bamboo ceremony arch, while natural wood trays filled with tropical fruits and bright blooms serve as the centerpieces. The cake (or square mini-cakes) is trimmed with rattan pattern fondant and fresh orchids for a delightfully Caribbean feel.