Best Destination Wedding Location?
 

I am helping my sister plan her destination wedding, as she and her fiance are eloping.
Since they live in south Florida they would like to stick to one of the caribbean islands. I think their preference is one of the US virgin islands, but they are looking for any ideas. They would like a resort that is small, private and romantic. Something more along the lines of a bungalow setting rather than a large hotel. Ideally, they would like to get married on a beach that isn't full of tourists. Any opinions on locations or links to resorts would be helpful.

Mgtr,
Hm. Well I guess a lot would depend upon their budget and size of wedding. 2 places that come to the top of my mind that I have been to that fit your description (almost) are:

1-Stonefield Resort, St. Lucia – small, intimate, on the less expensive end, great owners, friendly staff, the resort is made up of private villas, the views are majestic as it sits at the base of the pitet piton, very lush island, lots to do hiking/exploring wise, great beach next door at Jalousie Hotel, direct flight from Puerto Rico, not sure about from Miami. Here’s their website.
www.stonefieldvillas.com

And here’s a link to our trip pictures:
http://www.kodakgallery.com/ShareLan...share&Ux=0

2-Mahoe Bay Villas, Virgin Gorda –private luxury villas directly on the beach (you could rent a few to accommodate the group), gorgeous white powdery sand beach with clear light blue water and no waves, sunset views directly in front of villas, more expensive, could do wedding right on the beach, fly to St. Thomas and take a ferry over. Here’s the website to the villa we stayed at:
Www.caribbeanwind.com (or go to www.villascaribe.com and look up virgin gorda villas-there are a lot on Mahoe Bay to choose from-each is still very private)

And here’s a link to our trip pictures:
http://www.kodakgallery.com/ShareLan...share&Ux=0

Let us know what they decide!
Ps-good thing to note-if they go in off season (May-October) it will usually be about 1/2 the cost.

St. John in the USVI would be a lovely option for a destination wedding. The national park beaches on the island provide a gorgeous natural setting. Most beach weddings occur first thing in the morning or at sunset when there are few, if any, others around.

There are also many beautiful private villas on St. John that would be lovely for a wedding or just a romantic spot to honeymoon afterwards.

Check out: http://www.caribbeanvilla.com/ for some beautiful villa options and also: http://www.islandstyleweddings.com/ for information on wedding coordination services.

Although it isn't small, Caneel Bay would also be a lovely option that offers the "bungalow setting" you describe. The spaciousness of the grounds (there are a total of 7 beautiful beaches) makes for an uncrowded feel even in high season. For more info, see here:
http://www.caneelbay.com/

St John or Anguilla!!!!!! Congrats & Good Luck!

oh ! oh ! oh ! (raises hand in class... then sits down and buttons lip... darn those forum rules :) )

Sounds like they might be interested in Bermuda even though it's not in the caribbean. The Reefs in Bermuda has just the setting they are looking for and it is very romantic there. There website is www.thereefs.com and for a quick look at the wedding page, it's
http://www.thereefs.com/romance/weddings/

How about the reef resort in Grand Cayman, well run smaller scale resort by a gentleman that frequents this forum.
Rules can be bent a little Tom!!

well if patsfan didn't break it i was gonna. here's the link: http://www.thereef.com/splash
and gc is an easy flight from fla.

if they are interested in st.thomas (which is a busy island) try www.secretharbourvi.com this would be a very nice beach for a wedding and i know from experience that the chef at their blue moon cafe makes excellent choc or white wedding cake w/butter cream frosting. < i hosted a shower and he made me cupcakes.

provo (main island of turks and caicos) might be good for them. another easy flight. they could look at this small boutique hotel: http://www.sibonne.com/ plenty of places on stunningly beautiful, 11 mile long grace bay beach for a ceremony.

fyi - make sure she checks with resort ppl re legal measures needed to wed on given island. i.e. - for usvi papers need to be sent ahead and couple must appear at courthouse to sign more papers and pick up license at least 1 day ahead.

to give most appropriate suggestions we need to know what time of year and some idea of budget. also do they want to party, gamble, play hard (zip-lines, hiking), hang on the beach and read, dive/snorkel, golf, interested in food or just need to eat, etc.?

If they don't mind a little out of the way-ness, La Luna on Grenada would be a very romantic resort for a wedding. Grenada is a stunningly pretty island with nice beaches, a fabulous West Indian vibe, lots of great restaurants, easy to get around, good hiking, lots of waterfalls, etc. Check out www.laluna.com. It's a fascinating combination of rustic luxury with lots of interesting details.

I second the suggestion for the Reef Resort on Grand Cayman. When we stayed there last winter there was a small wedding on the beach that looked lovely. The resort website is www.thereef.com

St John has picturesque views of turquoise and blue seas that would be beautiful in wedding pictures. Lots of condo's and villa's to choose from.