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wedding

WEDDINGS
ON THE HOUSE

...where all-inclusive
also means 'I Do'


   Wedding on the beach at Breezes Bahamas
   (Sand wedding cake not included!)


When the economy is in trouble, even lavish wedding plans have to be toned down, but no bride wants to forego the glamour on her big day. At several Caribbean all-inclusive resorts,  complimentary weddings are on the menu, settings are very romantic, and a wedding coordinator takes care of every detail!

Most brides-to-be are already familiar with the luxury-included Sandals Resorts ‘WeddingMoon,’ free on stays of 6 nights or longer in Concierge or higher room categories. www.sandals.com  And just as popular is the elaborate complimentary ceremony presented at SuperClubs Grand Lido, Breezes and Hedonism properties. www.superclubs.com  Now here are a few different suggestions to consider. As in most promotional packages, restrictions apply, so be sure to check with your travel agent or the resort’s website for a complete explanation of the rules. Also determine if any length of residency is required at the destination prior to the ceremony.

Say your vows at a complimentary wedding celebration provided by Riu Hotel Santa Fe in Cabo San Lucas when at least five rooms are booked for the party. The usual amenities are included, plus a reception dinner for the wedding group with cake and a sparkling wine toast. Bride and groom also receive a spa discount and surprise gifts. Officiant’s fee and legal document costs are extra. Some restrictions apply. The year-old beachfront hotel overlooks the famous rock arch at the tip of Baja Peninsula…a very romantic setting. Other properties offering free weddings are Riu Palace Macao and Riu Bachata in the Dominican Republic, Riu Paradise Island in The Bahamas, plus Jamaica's Riu Palace Tropical Bay and Club Hotel Riu Ocho Rios.  www.riu.com                                                            sunset resorts

The free ‘We Do’ wedding package at Sunset Jamaica Grande Resort & Spa and Sunset Beach Resort & Spa in Jamaica, include service of a marriage officer, on-site wedding planner, picturesque wedding area, chilled bottle of champagne, single-tiered wedding cake serving 4-6,  bouquet and boutonniere, recorded music, two ‘Just Got Married” t-shirts. Couples must book an ocean view room category or higher for 7 nights. A per-person supplement applies for groups larger than 4-6 persons. A non-refundable administration, processing, license and marriage certificate fee of $280 is required for wedding reservations.(This package not available at Sunset at the Palms.( All three properties offer more elaborate wedding packages at very affordable rates.  www.sunsetresortsjamaica.com

Almond Resorts, a Caribbean chain of five properties in Barbados and St. Lucia, delivers a ‘Wedding in Paradise’ to couples staying a minimum of 7 nights in a deluxe or higher room category. Components: wedding coordinator, clergyman or magistrate (additional fees may apply), best man and maid of honor if needed, bridal bouquet and groom’s boutonniere, a bottle of champagne, wedding cake, choice of a decorated wedding site, government fees, registrar and ceremony charges, all taxes and gratuities. Optional amenities can be extended at extra cost--live island music, celebratory wedding dinner for two with personalized menus, massage or salon services, flower upgrades and photography. E-mail  weddingdirector@almondresorts.com, or visit the website.  www.almondresorts.com

Palace Resorts, Mexico. Free weddings are offered at all Palace hotels, but package contents vary from resort to resort.
Download a schematic of each property's plan from the website. At Aventura Spa Palace on the popular Riviera Maya, the package includes: wedding gazebo, all document arrangements, Justice of the Peace, marriage certificate (issued in Spanish), white folding chairs, domestic champagne (4 bottles max.), dinner  reservations for the wedding party at select restaurants on premises, wedding planner, witnesses if required, late 6:00pm checkout on departure day (upon request and subject to availability). Wedding guests staying at a property other than a Palace Resort are required to purchase a day pass. This package must be reserved at least 7 business days prior to arrival at the resort. The ‘free’ aspect will not apply to requests made at or after arrival on site. A penalty of $300 will be charged on reservations cancelled within 45 days of the wedding date. www.palaceresorts.com  

ALL ABOUT WEDDINGS

If you are even thinking about tying the knot, Lovetripper is the search spot for you. This site doesn’t just stop at hotel and destination reviews. It offers videos, books and much more. Whether you're keeping the ceremony simple or putting on a lavish spalsh for your big day, Lovetripper provides a treasure trove of helpful tips on all things romantic. Sign up for the newsletter to keep current on the latest trends. www.lovetripper.com


BREEZES RESORTS ADDS TO DREAM WEDDING COLLECTION

Say ‘I do’ at any of seven Breezes Resorts in Jamaica, Curacao, The Bahamas and Panama, and even more free  surprises will be yours. In addition to the ceremony and all the trimmings now offered, Breezes all-inclusive resorts will absorb the government and administration fees, add a beautiful framed wedding photo, and gift the newlyweds with a one-year anniversary stay of 3 nights during their first anniversary week.

Jamaica  Caribbean  weddings

Sweet Dream Wedding,
part of a new collection, is priced at $799 for all the amenities you receive in the free wedding plus a private cocktail party, private candlelit dinner for two, breakfast in bed, petal turndown service, couples massage, 15% off additional spa services for the entire wedding party, and extra photos of your special day. Also new is the Sunset Dream Wedding, adding even more options. The new honeymoon registry is especially helpful, allowing guests plus friends who can’t attend to choose gifts newlyweds can enjoy right at the resorts…extra nights, excursions, etc. And Breezes adds a wedding website, announcement cards and a guest message board to the event. www.breezes.com


ROOMS AROUND THE WORLD

For global accommodations, from bargain to grand luxe, SPLENDIA is an on-line hotel reservation system that takes more than a 'just the facts' approach to servicing your requests. Yet there are bargains to be had in over 2,000 hand-picked hotels in their inventory.

Fling into the middle of Miami Beach chic at Townhouse Hotel. Fresh, fun and fashionable...all for $125 p/room p/night double including breakfast.


Even Paris is affordable through Splendia. At the Eiffel Seine Hotel, pay just $146 p/room p/night for breathtaking views of the Seine. The Eiffel Tower is just a 5 minute walk away, and there is nothing more  spectacular in Paris than the sight of that famous monument lit up at night, soaring majestically  into the sky.   www.splendia.com

AGODA is a leading specialist for discount hotel rates in Asia: China, Thailand, Singapore, India and Australia, to name a few countries covered. This on-line company, part of Priceline, represents 8,290 hotels in Asia and almost 50,000 worldwide, from 3-star to 5-star.

A professional staff combines local connections and knowledge to best serve both business and leisure travelers. Be sure to investigate the Rewards Program, allowing members to redeem earned points at hotels around the globe.  www.agoda.com