I never thought that I would consider a destination wedding someday (emphasis on the "someday" as, uh, I'm not even close to being engaged), but the older I get—and the more beach vacations I take—the more I totally understand how a couple would want to start their life together on such a romantic, stress-free note. With that in mind, here are three easy-to-get-to islands (and a range of resorts on each) that would make for a dream destination wedding.
Atlantis Paradise Island
Island #1: The Bahamas
I've been to both Nassau and Paradise Island, and every resort I've visited had incredible service—so I can only imagine how phenomenal they'd be with something as important as your wedding. The islands are all close to the U.S. mainland, which makes it an easy plane ride away for most people.
One&Only Ocean Club
Some Resorts to Consider:
Atlantis Paradise Island: A massive resort so large, you're guaranteed to have enough rooms for everybody. Plus, there are amenities galore, including a huge water park, dozens of different restaurants, and the luxury tower the Cove, which features an adults-only pool. There's also a brand-new seaside customizable venue dedicated only to weddings called Ocean's Edge.
Sandals Royal Bahamian: Like the Atlantis, it also has lots of rooms (and will work out a deal if you're traveling with a large-enough group), amenities, and customizable wedding options available to you, but with, in my opinion, a more intimate setting. Plus, it's all-inclusive. And who wants to worry about carrying a purse or wallet on a wedding weekend? It has its own private island, where, yes, you can get married.
Sandals' private island
One&Only Ocean Club: If money is no object, you can't get more luxurious (or private) than the upscale One&Only. Dune, the Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten restaurant, sits overlooking the ocean and would make for a memorable rehearsal dinner. Have your ceremony at the Augustinian Cloister, actual arches from the 12th century that stand at the top of the gorgeous Versailles Gardens.
Graycliff: Get the Bahamas experience but with an old-school, boutique vibe. Built by a pirate in the 1700s, Graycliff has a hotel, pool, two restaurants, a cigar company, a private airport lounge for guests, and one of the largest collections of wine in the world. Even if you don't plan your wedding reception there, it's great for a rehearsal dinner. Beyonce and Jay Z stop by to eat whenever they're in Nassau, NBD.
Graycliff
Island #2: Turks and Caicos
With its excellent snorkeling and gorgeous beaches, Turks and Caicos has a lot to offer both you and your wedding guests.
Grace Bay Club
Some Resorts to Consider:
Grace Bay Club: Whether you're planning a wedding for just the two of you or 120 guests, Grace Bay Club offers several locations—including Grace Bay Beach, a gazebo, a private catamaran, or an uninhabited cay—and three exclusive wedding packages to chose from. You can also add special wedding components like a private sunset cruise or a live processional with a traditional Caribbean junkanoo band.
Beaches Turks and Caicos: Beaches offers all-inclusive destination wedding packages and is open to all ages (unlike Sandals, which is adults only). It also offers Family Moons, a ceremony that unites two families.
Beaches
Amanyara: Travel Channel included this as one of the best all-inclusive resorts of 2014 for a reason—it's a great retreat, and couples can relax with a spa day, a private dinner on the beach, and more.
island #3: Puerto Rico
When the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills visited Joyce's home island of Puerto Rico this season, they totally got caught up in their usual fights—but I can't imagine how anybody could be so unhappy somewhere so beautiful! If it had been me, I would have left the drama behind and headed straight to the beach. Plus, no passport needed!
Wyndham Grand Rio Mar
Some Resorts to Consider:
Wyndham Grand Rio Mar Beach Resort and Spa: Wedding ceremony locations include palm-tree-lined ocean views, private gardens, or a large ocean-view ballroom. Customizable wedding packages start at $1,499, and there's an on-site team to help plan and execute the big day.
The W Retreat and Spa—Vieques Island: On Vieques, eight miles off the Puerto Rico coast, brides (and their guests) can enjoy two on-site beaches (one of which is adults-only), as well as other amenities including the Away Spa and a new restaurant, Sorcy. Also, the property recently launched a partnership with an LGBT planner for same-sex couples.
The St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort: If you're looking for extraordinary service, the butler service at the St. Regis is exceptional. And the amenities offer a lot for guests too: hiking trails running along 483-acres of nature reserve, the Remede Spa, an ocean-front golf course, and a Jean-George restaurant, Fern. Also, designer Lela Rose teamed up with the St. Regis to offer brides exclusive gowns, starting at $6,000, inspired by the resort.
St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort
So let's talk destination weddings! What's your dream location?