Tropical Destination Wedding Venues in the Caribbean & Mexico
Whether you live in the middle of America nowhere near the ocean or on the coast, it’s common to consider a tropical beach wedding for your nuptials. A ceremony on the sand or one overlooking the vast ocean waters is a relaxing way to start your life as newlyweds, and choosing an oceanfront wedding location often offers the ability for loved ones to gather for an exhilarating vacation on a faraway island or in a charming beach locale. The calm, turquoise waters of the Caribbean lend an especially exciting place to say “I do,” and a destination wedding in Mexico is sure to amaze couples desiring elements of relaxation, adventure, and culture.
We teamed up with the wedding specialists at Starwood Hotels & Resorts to discover seven wedding venues in tropical destinations that offer wonderful sites to exchange vows on or near the beach outside of the United States – and some of them don’t even require a passport!
1. The Westin Resort & Spa, Cancun
Nestled between the Caribbean Sea and Nichupte Lagoon, The Westin Resort & Spa, Cancun provides a rich and lively location for brides and grooms desiring nuptials in Mexico. Both indoor and outdoor event spaces allow couples to celebrate with loved ones at a variety of venues featuring lush gardens, attractive beaches, and chic terraces during memorable ceremonies and receptions. Wedding menus feature authentic cuisine with the freshest local ingredients to ensure the couple and their guests receive the ultimate experience. Following the nuptials, wedding guests can enjoy snorkeling and exploring the famous Mayan ruins nearby.
2. Sheraton Hacienda del Mar Golf & Spa Resort, Los Cabos
Couples desiring a cultural beach wedding location surrounded by the deep blue waters of the Sea of Cortez will love Sheraton Hacienda del Mar Golf & Spa Resort, Los Cabos. Filled with the charm of Old Mexico, guests will enjoy the sights of Mexican architecture and décor throughout the property. Brides and grooms can exchange vows on the beach, at the chapel, or in a grand ballroom featuring beamed ceilings with enough space to accommodate over 1,000 guests. Following the festivities, relax by one of five pools on property, which offer live music, a swim-up bar, vivid views, and unparalleled poolside service.
3. The St. Regis Punta Mita Resort
For a luxurious destination wedding location south of the border, visit The St. Regis Punta Mita Resort. In addition to gorgeous accommodations – including a private plunge pool – bridal couples will receive specialized attention from resort staff in order to create their dream wedding. A variety of venues are available, including a pristine white sand beach, a beautiful terrace overlooking the sea, or a 2,600-square-foot ballroom. Guests will enjoy a delectable wedding menu featuring the very best ingredients from local farms and artisanal producers. Prior to the wedding, the bridal party can be pampered at the Remède Spa while the groom and his groomsmen spend a day on one of two immaculate Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Courses.
4. The Westin St. John Resort
Located on the island of St. John in the U.S. Virgin Islands, The Westin St. John Resort offers a picturesque site for celebrations. Couples can exchange vows and take in stunning sights of the sea from a private beach, ideal for wedding ceremonies, or beneath a romantic gazebo in a garden surrounded by lush foliage just steps from the water. Following the service, up to 200 guests can enjoy a dinner reception at one of the resort’s breathtaking locations as they toast to the newlyweds while the sun sets. Couples and their guests are also invited to relax throughout the festivities by way of spa treatments at the spa facility, inside a poolside cabana offering panoramas of the ocean, or in their room for a more private experience.
5. The St. Regis Bahía Beach Resort, Puerto Rico
Guests won’t need their passports to visit this luxury destination wedding property! The St. Regis Bahía Beach Resort, Puerto Rico features a variety of exceptional venues for a striking event. Enjoy a lovely ceremony or reception featuring stylish seating, tents, lighting, and more on the Estate Lawn – which provides 9,000 square feet of space behind the attractive Plantation House – and the Sea Breeze Lawn, ideal for outdoor weddings with smaller guest counts. A large ballroom features classic décor, while the Molasses Club House provides a terrace with indoor and outdoor seating boasting exceptional ocean views.
6. The Westin Grand Cayman Seven Mile Beach Resort & Spa
Located on the island’s famous coral-sand beach in the middle of the Caribbean Sea, The Westin Grand Cayman Seven Mile Beach Resort & Spa is a fantastic place for a tropical destination wedding. Following a recent multi-million dollar renovation, the guest rooms and event venues on property have been modernized and transformed into the perfect sites to welcome friends and family for a ceremony, reception, rehearsal dinner, or welcome party. Enjoy the company of up to 400 loved ones as you and your beloved exchange vows poolside, in a ballroom, or on a private beach reserved only for wedding ceremonies.
7. W Retreat & Spa – Vieques Island
Just eight miles off the coast of mainland Puerto Rico, W Retreat & Spa – Vieques Island awaits brides and grooms – and also offers a special package exclusively for same-sex weddings in partnership with 14 stories. Guests will find the natural splendor of the island attractive, as the destination offers the chance to experience the world’s brightest bioluminescent bay, view wild horses, and unwind on pristine white sand beaches. Couples can host their wedding ceremonies and receptions at a variety of event spaces, including a romantic cliffside venue, Caribbean ballroom, one of two private beaches, or one of the lush lawns on property.