There are so many great reasons to opt for a destination wedding. There’s the sun, sea, a stunning tropical backdrop — and often some major savings. Destination weddings are, on average, cheaper than stateside weddings, and you could potentially save thousands!
The hard part of planning a destination wedding is choosing where to go. There are so many incredible dream wedding locations; narrowing them down and picking one can be more effort than the wedding itself. If you’re considering Saint Lucia, though, you’re on the right track. This Caribbean destination offers everything you need for an unforgettable wedding day.
Here’s what you need to know.
As if the allure of a Caribbean island wasn’t enough, a St Lucia destination wedding, with its palm-fringed pristine beaches and hills draped in lush rainforests, offers so much more than just the ultimate backdrop for your big day. The island is also known for its chill atmosphere, mouth-watering cuisine, luxury St Lucia wedding resorts (though more affordable resorts to suit all budgets are also available), and flights averaging just under five hours from the U.S.
The total cost of your St Lucia wedding will depend on a few things: flights, accommodations, number of wedding guests, your chosen wedding package, etc. Overall, expect to pay around $10,000–$15,000.
Considering the average wedding in the U.S. will set you back around $30,000, that’s a bargain for such a dream wedding location.
We’re betting that a tropical hurricane isn’t on your wedding itinerary, so avoid planning a St Lucia destination wedding between June and November, hurricane season. Sure, you’ll get a great deal, but you may also face bad weather or, worse, a canceled wedding.
For the best weather, plan your wedding for the high season, December to March. You’ll find the island crowded and the prices at their highest, but you’ll avoid a pesky hurricane.
If you want to balance the odds of a hurricane with the best prices, try booking a May wedding. The island will be less busy, and you’ll find better deals on accommodations and wedding packages.
While it’s customary for destination wedding guests to pay for accommodations and travel expenses, you’ll still need to consider how many guests you can afford at the wedding.
Destination wedding packages tend to include a certain number of guests in the base price, with additional guests increasing the price. Have a guest list in mind, and, ideally, know how many people you plan to host before you book a package.
Bringing the wrong documents for your destination wedding will certainly create unforgettable memories — but for all the wrong reasons. If you want to legally marry in St Lucia, not just hold a symbolic ceremony, understand exactly what you’ll need.
St Lucia does not have a residency period requirement for legal marriages, so you can obtain a marriage license as soon as you land. You’ll need to also bring:
Sadly, it is illegal for same-sex couples to marry in St Lucia, and male homosexuality is currently illegal.
Ready to book? Here are some of our favorite resorts for a St Lucia destination wedding.
The exclusive Jade Mountain Resort shares the West St Lucian area with its sister resort, Anse Chastanet, and boasts infinity pools and two soft sandy beaches with access to the Caribbean Sea.
Wedding packages range from $1,495 for an elopement package to $4,950 for the full works. Packages include a Champagne sunset cruise, videography, local musicians, and more.
Coconut Bay Beach Resort features an incredible, sprawling pool complex, complete with lazy rivers and slides. Located close to the airport, on the island’s south side, this resort is convenient for short visits.
Several wedding packages are available, and range from $799 to $10,499, with the most expensive package accommodating up to 40 guests. Additionally, you get perks such as a wedding planner, private sunset cruise, upgraded catering, cake, and more.
Sandals is a classic resort brand for destination weddings and honeymoons, and there are several Sandals resorts in St Lucia. We particularly like the Grande for its waterside villas and location on a private peninsula.
Sandals offers a free wedding package that includes a basic wedding ceremony. If you want something more comprehensive, you can pick which services you want, for a bespoke event.
Sugar Beach Viceroy is an upscale, luxury option set in pristine rainforests surrounded by mountains and sandy beaches.
Offering both beachside and waterside wedding ceremonies, this resort provides an unforgettable backdrop for your event. There are several wedding packages, but you’ll need to get in touch with the resort directly for pricing.
The Zoëtry sits atop a hillside and offers panoramic views of the Caribbean. This boutique resort isn’t too large and ideal for intimate St Lucia weddings. You can opt for all-inclusive and personalized services to make your stay special.
A free wedding package is available, or you can go for one of the paid options costing $1,375–$4,499. Package features include live music, spa treatments, hairstyling, and more.
The Hideaway at Royalton is an upscale, adults-only, all-inclusive resort nestled in a private cove. With infinity pools, a private beach, and luxury accommodations, this is for those who prefer the finer things in life.
Your wedding ceremony can take place in several on-site venues, including a sky terrace, and packages can range from $999 (or complimentary if certain criteria are fulfilled) to $11,199. The resort also offers add-on services to customize your wedding.
It is generally cheaper to get married in St Lucia than it is in the U.S. Depending on where you stay and your chosen wedding packages, a St Lucia wedding will set you back around $5,000–$10,000.
As long as you obtain a marriage license for your ceremony, a St Lucia marriage is recognized and considered legal in the U.S.
St Lucia is a fantastic location for a destination wedding. It offers incredible scenery and tons of resorts offering affordable wedding packages. Additionally, the island is well-connected and easy to reach from the U.S.
The peak season is December–March. However, May is the best time to get married in St Lucia. The weather is still great, but it is less crowded, and the prices are much lower.
There is no waiting period for marriage in St Lucia. However, if you want to get married within 24 hours of landing, you must pay an increased fee of $540 for the marriage license. Otherwise, if you wait, the license only costs $335.
Destination weddings are a winning choice for couples who want to get the most bang for their buck. After all, who wouldn’t want to get married in such a stunning location for less money than on home turf?
At The Groom Club, we know how expensive and stressful weddings are, so we’re committed to uncovering the truth about how much weddings really cost and ways to help you save on your big day — without compromising on quality.
