What documentation is needed and when?
Must be 18 years of age and on island for 2 days prior to wedding.
Birth certificates (notarized or certified copies of the original must be sent to our office at least 30 days prior to arrival) Documents submitted will not be returned as they are kept by the Jamaican Government.
Divorce Decree – first and last pages only (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)
Copy of Photo ID or Passport (doesn’t need to be notarized)
All documents must be notarized and translated professionally into English.
How do I receive my complimentary honeymoon gifts?
Honeymooners receive a complimentary bottle of champagne and his / hers half hour massages.
Reservation must have comment “honeymoon”
Valid for couples that were married within 30 days of arriving to resort
Proof of wedding at check in (proof of marriage is a copy of the marriage license or wedding certificate).
I don’t really understand what I get notarized?
You will take your original documents to a notary. They will then take a copy of the documents, and notarize the copy stating they have seen the original documents. You will then send us the notarized copies, and keep your originals at home.
I booked a vow renewal. Do we have to take the original Marriage License with us?
A copy of your marriage license can be faxed to 954-416-1281, or you may mail a copy to our office. You are not required to bring your original.
Where do I send the documents?
Couples Resorts (Island Romance Holidays)
Attn: US Wedding Department
11902 Miramar Parkway
Miramar, FL 33025
How soon do you need the documents?
Documents must be received in our office no later than 30 days prior to your wedding. If they are received later than 30 days prior, a $150 late fee applies. All documents need to be notarized, unless it is a vow renewal.
How long does it take to receive the marriage license? How many do we get?
It takes 12-16 weeks to receive your marriage license, at which time you will receive two copies. You will receive a temporary license from the wedding coordinator to take home with you at your ceremony.
Can I pay for expediting to receive the marriage certificate sooner?
There are currently no expediting services available in Jamaica.
Can I order extra copies of my marriage license?
You are able to purchase extra copies at $25 each. Please advise your wedding coordinator when you meet with her if you would like to order extra copies.
What is the process for the marriage license? Is it a legal marriage?
Once you send notarized documents to our corporate office, we send them to the resort. The resort will apply for the marriage license and the Jamaican government will issue the marriage certificate, once the ceremony is performed. The resort sends the certificate to our corporate office and we send it on to the couple. Marriages performed in and according to the laws of Jamaica are also legally valid in the United States and Commonwealth countries (ex – Canada). Because each individual state, territory, or commonwealth determines its laws of marriage, you should contact the applicable Attorney General's office if you have any specific questions. The laws governing the validity of marriages performed outside of the US have not changed in recent years and from all we are told, it is not necessary to register your marriage in the respective state in which you reside but rather, you should present your Jamaican marriage certificate as needed when carrying out name changes, updating documents etc.
I received my marriage license and there is an error on it?
If there is an error on a marriage license it has to be sent back to the corporate office with a letter stating the error and correction, along with copies of birth certificates. The process will take 12-16 weeks. Send documentation to:
Island Romance Holidays
Attn: Wedding Department
11902 Miramar Parkway
Miramar FL 33025
Will I be able to change my name with the temporary license?
No, this temporary license will not permit you to change your name, file taxes, etc. Please check with your local courthouse to find the specific requirements for your area.
What documents do I need to enter Jamaica?
A valid passport is required to enter Jamaica. Be sure to secure these documents before you arrive at your departure airport and consult your airline carrier with any questions. Some airlines will not allow you to board your flight without them. Citizens of the United States and Canada do not require a visa to visit Jamaica.
I have read that to be legal with the UK the certification needs to be certified by the British Embassy in Jamaica. Is this something that can you can arrange? Do other countries require this?
It is not required for the British to have an additional certification. Citizens of Germany, Belgium and Italy must have an extra certification. There is an additional fee of $100 and the process takes a bit longer, as we must send the certificate to both the Foreign Affairs office and the respective consular offices for both countries.
How do I order a copy of my marriage certificate after I’ve left Jamaica?
Please contact:
The Registrar General Department
Twickenham Park
Spanish Town, St. Catherine
Jamaica, W.I.
Fax: 876-749-6458
Telephone: 876-984-3041-5
http://www.rgd.gov.jm
What is included in the wedding?
The standard wedding package includes:
Stateside wedding concierge
On-site wedding coordinator
Minister
or Officiant
Non-denominational ceremony
Sparkling wine Two-tier cake
Bridal bouquet / Groom boutonniere
His & Hers half-hour massages
“Just Married” t-shirts
Are we required to book a certain type of room to receive the free wedding?
Couples offers the basic wedding free* with a minimum three-night stay in any room category (*$200 fee still applies for government fees and license).
Free weddings are not included for Secret Rendezvous and Complimentary
reservations.
What are the options for location, cake and reception?
Location: beach, garden or gazebo
Reception: garden or gazebo
Cake: Chocolate, plain or Jamaican cake
Drink: wine, champagne or beer
Music: you can bring your own music, we can provide music or we have upgraded music options per hour
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-lighting ceremony or a sand-ceremony (please bring your candles or sand recipients).
How long is the ceremony? How long is the reception? How long do the photos take?
Depending on what you have chosen for your wedding or vow renewal it can range from 30 minutes to 2 hours. The ceremony itself takes 15 - 20 minutes, and then you will go with the minister for the signing of the marriage license. Following the signing there will be a cake and champagne reception, and if you choose a photo package, the photographer will then take you around the property for photos.
My friend is a minister. Can he perform my ceremony?
Your friend may definitely be a part of your ceremony; however the on-site minister is required to pronounce you man and wife.
Can we have a Rabbi? Is there an extra cost?
You may have a rabbi for your wedding but he must be able to legally perform the ceremony in Jamaica and his services will be at an additional cost. Our wedding coordinators can refer you to a Jamaican rabbi. Please contact us for further details.
Can we write our own vows?
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.
Can we do a double vow renewal or marriage ceremony at the same time?
Yes. Special arrangements must be made; therefore each request must be approved in advance.
Will witnesses be provided, if our family and friends are unable to make the trip with us?
Yes. The resort will provide witnesses as needed for your wedding.
What is included in a vow renewal?
The vow renewal is available at a cost of $150 with a minimum three-night stay in any room category and includes:
Stateside wedding concierge
On-site wedding coordinator
Minister
Sparkling wine
Two-tier cake
Bridal bouquet / Groom boutonniere
Do I still have to be there 48 hours in advance?
Yes, as you will be meeting with the wedding coordinator to arrange the details of your ceremony.
Do vow renewals require a minister?
Vow renewals do not require a minister. Anyone can perform the ceremony; however at Couples Resorts we use a minister.
Do you perform Catholic ceremonies?
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. Please contact your Wedding Concierge for details is you are interested in a Catholic ceremony.
Is it possible to change the time of my ceremony and is there a charge?
We can change the time of your wedding but this is based on availability and certain conditions apply.
I booked the wrong resort for my ceremony. Can I change it?
You can change resorts as long as you have changed your reservations first. Then we will take care of the wedding transfer all transfers are based on availability.
I have to cancel my wedding. I’m within my 7 days. Can I get a refund?
Yes. You are able to get a refund if you have reserved your wedding within 7 days.
I have to cancel my wedding. It’s past 7 days. Why can’t I get a refund it I’m not getting the marriage license?
It is not refundable because the marriage license has to be paid for and applied for in advance and the government will not refund because the clients decide not to marry. This also becomes non-refundable after seven days because you are holding space that we could otherwise offer to another bride.
I have single friends and family members who I want to attend my wedding. Can they stay at the resort?
We understand how important your wedding is to you, however, in order to maintain the ambience of our couples only resorts we must limit the number of singles attending a wedding. First, a group contract must be issued by Couples Resorts. A group is comprised of at least 10 paying rooms. For this size group, we will allow one single room. For groups of 20 rooms or more, a maximum of 5% of the group may be single persons. In all cases, all rooms must be paid at the double occupancy rate(i.e., there is no single occupancy discount). The alternative to this policy is for your single friends and family members to stay at a nearby resort. Subject to approval by the Couples Resort General Manager, they may purchase a day pass in order to share in your special moment
Are passes available for our friends and family not staying at Couples?
Family and friends (18 years and older) staying at a different resort may attend the ceremony by purchasing a ceremony-only pass, or a half-day or full-day pass. (IMPORTANT: Up to a maximum of 5 off-property couples may attend without approval
but the wedding coordinator needs to be advised in advance. Any more than 5 couples must be approved by the General Manager in advance – please contact wedding coordinator.) Payment for the passes will be collected upon their arrival.
Wedding Ceremony Only Pass – USD $50
Half Day Pass [10:00 am - 6:00 pm] – USD $100
Full Day Pass [10:00 am - 11:30 pm] – USD $200
Evening Pass [6:00 pm -1:00 am] – USD $100
Can we hire an outside photographer?
Effective December 1, 2008 outside photographers will be allowed at all properties for a fee of $500 for up to two photographers. All wedding couples who have reserved weddings prior to this date will be allowed to use outside photographers at the current vendor fee of $175. The vendor fees are waived if the photographer is a paying guest staying at Couples for a minimum of three nights.
If purchasing a ceremony pass, when can we arrive for the ceremony and when do we have to leave?
The ceremony pass allows a maximum stay of 2 hours and you are welcome to arrive 30 minutes prior to the wedding.
Are children allowed at the ceremony?
Subject to the approval of the General Manager, children may attend a 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.
Are children allowed to stay at the resorts?
Children are not allowed to stay at the resorts. Due to liabilities, we are unable to make any exceptions to this rule.
When do I select my photo packages, flowers, music, etc?
You can begin customizing your wedding with your concierge using this information as a guide. When you are contacted by your wedding concierge, 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.
When do we meet the wedding coordinator?
Your wedding coordinator will schedule a time for the wedding interview. Upon check in you will receive a pre-set appointment time that the wedding coordinator has scheduled for you.
Do I have to wait until we arrive and meet with the coordinator to choose the
photography package and let her know we would like the private dinner?
Any wedding decisions may be decided beforehand with the wedding concierge, however if you would like to wait until you arrive at the resort, that is perfectly fine.
Do we have to pick our wedding location before we arrive?
You may choose your wedding location before you arrive, however if you are undecided you may wait until you arrive at the resort to see the available locations first.
Can I sample the three cakes prior to the wedding?
Please let your wedding coordinator know if you would like to sample the standard wedding cakes offered and if time permits she can arrange it.
What is Jamaican fruit cake?
Jamaican fruit cake is a heavy cake that has preserved fruits such as raisins and cherries, wine and Jamaican rum.
Can I rent a wedding gown or tuxedo for the wedding?
At this time we do not have any rental stores to recommend in the area.
Can I get my dress steamed?
Every resort can accommodate your need to have your dress steamed. Please let the front desk or wedding coordinator know upon arrival at the resort and they will assist you. Dress steaming starts at $20 and up depending on the dress.
Can I ship my dress or other items to the resort ahead of time?
The resort is not able to accept shipments on behalf of guests. It is best that you hand carry your wedding garments (and items you want for that day) as part of your carry-on luggage.
Are we able to have a rehearsal?
Rehearsals are $75 and will have to be conducted before 4:00 p.m. They will be scheduled according to the availability of the wedding coordinators.
Do you have photos of the flowers I can choose from for my bridal party?
Yes, we have photos of our standard bouquets and upgraded bouquets. If you have a specific flower in mind, please e-mail us a photo and we will be happy to get pricing and availability on the flowers.
Am I able to bring my own decorations?
Yes, please let the wedding coordinator know what you are bringing, and she will help you with the arrangements.
What dining options do I have available for my wedding party?
In order to maintain the intimate atmosphere at our restaurants that require reservations, a maximum of 10 people only may be pre-booked together. Please submit all names to our wedding concierge no later than 30 days in advance.
Larger wedding parties may be offered the following options:
a. Reserve a private dinner at $95 per person plus a $200 set up fee. Locations vary by resort. Your private reception will include a beautiful buffet-style dinner, wait staff and a full bar.
b. Reserve a section in one of our larger restaurants that can accommodate your group and order from a set menu.
Can we see a sample of the buffet and a la carte menus?
Yes. We have sample menus that your wedding concierge can send you, although they are seasonal and subject to change.
Do you have photos of the reception rooms that can be rented?
Some of our locations are available. Please see your wedding concierge for more details.
How much are the decorations for a private reception?
Decorations are arranged on a case-by-case basis as requested, as décor often includes extra flowers which are
seasonal and prices are subject to availability.
Can we buy premium alcohol and upgraded champagne for our guests?
Premium alcohol is included and upgraded champagne can be purchased. Consult your wedding coordinator for pricing and availability.
Are we able to have a cocktail party?
Yes. Cocktails and appetizers are available at a cost of $15 (cold) or $20 (hot) per person.
What decorations are included with the private reception?
White linens are provided. You may also bring your own decorations if you wish. Other colors are at an additional charge. Please see your wedding coordinator for pricing and availability.
Are there other extras that may be purchased for a private dinner/private reception?
Yes. More detailed extras are available. Please contact your wedding concierge with details of what you would like. All extras are offered upon availability, and prices are subject to change.