What documentation is needed and when?

• Must be 18 years of age and on island for 2 days prior to wedding.
• Copies of driver’s license or passports
• Birth certificates (notarized or certified copies of the original must be sent to our office at least 30 days prior to arrival)
• Divorce Decree (notarized or certified copies of the original must be sent to our office at least 30 days prior to arrival)
• Death certificate (notarized or certified copies of the original must be sent to our office at least 30 days prior to arrival)
• All documents should be translated into English and sent to:

            Couples Resorts
            Attn: US Wedding Department
            11902 Miramar Parkway
            Miramar, FL 33025

When will I receive my Marriage Certificate?
The day of the ceremony you will receive a receipt of your wedding license. It can take 12- 16 weeks for the actual certificate to be mailed to you. If you have questions about this please contact weddings@couples.com

Is our wedding in Jamaica considered to be a recognized marriage in our state or country?
Yes, once you have received your marriage certificate you will need to register at your local government office (the process may be different for each state/country, so be sure you are taking the proper action to register your marriage).

How can I cancel or make changes to my existing wedding reservation?
If you wish to cancel a wedding reservation, change the day or make any other changes you must contact your wedding coordinator. You have 7 days from the booking day to cancel the wedding. After the 7 days the fee will be non-refundable. There is no charge to make changes to your existing reservation.

When do I select my photo packages, flowers, music, etc?
You can begin customizing your wedding with your planner using this information as a guide. When you are contacted by your wedding coordinator you will discuss all of the optional items you would like. If you have any unusual requests, please discuss these to be sure they can make the arrangements and to find out any additional costs.

Is there a dress code for the wedding ceremony?
Your wedding should be everything you ever dreamed of. Some couples prefer to wear the traditional gown and tuxedo while others go barefoot with casual beachwear. It’s entirely up to you. No bathing suits please.

Are the stylists at the resort salons experienced in styling for weddings?
Our stylists specialize in wedding creations and are very much used to working with different types of hair. If you have something specific in mind, be sure to bring a picture with you to get the most accurate replication.

What will the Ceremony entail?
The ceremony takes about 15 minutes with commonly used vows (“to love and to cherish”). You may not modify it, but you may add your own short exchange that has a special meaning to you.  Some couples choose to incorporate a unity candle lightning ceremony or even less traditional sand-ceremony (please bring your candles or sand recipients). Ceremony passes for wedding guests not staying at Couples Resorts: Family and friends (18 years and older) staying at a different resort may attend the ceremony by purchasing a ceremony only pass or half day or full day pass. (IMPORTANT: At least 50% of wedding guests must be staying at the same Couples Resort as the bride and groom.) There will be plenty of cake and sparkling wine for everyone. Payment for the passes will be collected upon their arrival.

• Ceremony Only Pass – USD $40
• Half Day Pass [10:00 am - 6:00 pm] – USD $75
• Full Day Pass [10:00 am - 11:30 pm] – USD $150
• Subject to the approval of the General Manager, children may attend wedding as guests for the ceremony and photographs only. A charge of USD $40 is required for each child. After the wedding ceremony and photographs the children must leave the resort.

Do you perform Catholic Ceremonies?
1. Since the wedding of a Roman Catholic takes place in the church building proper rather than in a hotel or other location, a Catholic priest is not permitted to officiate at a wedding that takes place outside the church building.

2. The Catholic Church in Jamaica requires a period of serious premarital preparation which involves both parties.
a. At least three months before the planned date, the couple overseas must begin preparation with their own local priest.
b. The parish priest will send all the documents and paper work to his own Chancery office. The local chancery then forward all these documents with a testimonial letter at least one month before the date of the wedding to:
            MSGR. Etuale Lealofi
            Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament
            P.O. Box 197
            Montego Bay, Jamaica
            Tel: 1-876-952-2481
            Fax: 1-876-952-6679
The same documents are required in Jamaica which would be required if the couple were to marry in their own parish at home (certificates of baptism, dispensations, statements of freedom to marry, etc).
c. A written statement regarding the extent and content of the premarital preparation is to be included by the priest.
d. Permission granted by their own parish and diocese for the couple to be married in Jamaica is also to be included.

3. In addition, the couple must take care to arrive in Jamaica in time to apply for the necessary minister’s license. It is the responsibility of the hotel to arrange for obtaining this license.

4. The couple is to contact the Catholic priest in Negril to arrange for the date and time of the wedding as well as to plan the wedding liturgy. Ordinarily, this is done at the same time reservations are made with the local hotel.
            Fr. Felix De Souza OFM
            Mary, Gate of Heaven Church
            Norman Manley Blvd.
            Email: felix_ofm@yahoo.com
            Tel: 1-876-957-4900
5. A stipend of $200 US is suggested for the use of the church which helps defray the church's ministry to the poor.

6. Franciscan Brother Mark Gehret, OFM, is usually available to play the guitar and sing at the wedding. A stipend of $60 US is suggested.