kanya

Help! I am having a hard time deciding between a wedding in Antigua or Barbados. For those of you who have visited both islands, which do you recommend (please include hotel)?

Thank you

A_Traveller

Quite honestly it would be easier for us to make recomendations if we knew more about your likes and dislikes. The only similarity between Barbados and Antigua is they are both islands and they are both in the Caribbean. After that they are quite different. It's also hard to recommend a hotel or resort without having some idea of your budget.

Post a list of the 10 or 15 things that are important to you. Try to be specific. Tell us as what type of hotel or resort (small hotel, large mega-resort, full service luxury resort or perhaps an intimate inn) you'd like. Do you crave nightlife? Do you want to stay on the beach, in town or perhaps somewhere in the interior? Do you plan to leave the resort? Do you want to dine off-resort or are you looking for an all-inclusive resort? Do you want access to lots of watersports? The more info you can give us the easier it is to recommend a place that will be perfect for you.

ejcrowe

A_Traveller has it right. We need more information about what you're seeking, both in an island destination and for the kind of atmosphere you want for your hotel wedding.

I've been to both islands and while I loved every minute that I was on Barbados, it didn't exude the siren call over me that Antigua has. I've visited Antigua several times and in fact got married there in 2003 at the Long Bay Hotel. It was perfect for me but it might not be at all right for you! Give us more information and we'll inundate you with suggestions.

kanya

Terribly sorry for not being more specific. Here goes:

This is a second wedding for both my fiancee and me. We are expecting approximately 40 guests. Would prefer a lociation that is not extremely touristy, 4 or 5 star hotel (between $300 - 450 a night). Half of the guests will be from other caribbean islands so looking for a place that has a decent night life and gorgeous beaches. I also would prefer getting married in a garden location and not on the beach. We looking at June or July of next year.

marbleheadguy

Does it have to be those 2?

How about a
4 star $3-450 a night 40 guests:

Westin Resort St. John.

Morningstar Resort St Thomas

Divi Resort St. Croix or carambola

kanya

First wedding was on St. Thomas (I'm from there)so I'm looking for venues outside the USVI

murfus

Hi Kanya, both are good and it is a bit of luck whether it all goes well on the day too! both have many wedding parties and there are a number of professional "wedding organiser outfits" operating in both islands. Barbados and Antigua are a bit of a pair rather like Grenada and St Lucia which are also popular for weddings. I guess Barbados has more in the way of other activity (but the "Harrison Caves" are currently closed) and it is probably the easiest for everyone to get to. You may like to visit destinationcaribbean.net which has a great special section on weddings and accommodations for both islands, and with all the legal requirements.
You could really splash out at Fisherpond Great House which is an old house still on a working plantation so it is inland, run by a theatrical character with great food. Most of the coast of both islands are pretty touristy but both do have remote hidden beaches.
All best