Where would you choose out of my list for a destination wedding? I've narrowed down islands we've considered for a destination wedding in April/May 2008. We are in our early 30's and will be flying from Pennsylvania. We have narrowed down to US Virgin Islands(thinking St.Thomas/St. John), Bermuda(does anyone know the water temp in April/May?), Antigua, and Bahamas. We narrowed it down to these due to length of time to get to from PA and amount of time needed to be on island before getting married/other requirements, etc. We are thinking Wed to Sunday to be away for the wedding(fiance just finishing grad school a few months before wedding and we will be building a house). We just want a nice beach wedding with immediate family and a few friends. Hotel recommendations would be nice too, thinking under $250/night if possible.

Thank you for any thoughts/recommendations.

I just topped a thread for you.

Marion

So, I take it that you're no longer interested in the $3000/couple option?


Lots of folks have give you input on your older posts asking for info. It would be helpful for us at this point to know what has changed between your first requests and this latest one--perhaps the places we all recommended at first would still fit your needs, but perhaps not.

One other thing you have to consider. All the islands have different requirements as to how long you have to be on an island before you can get married there. Anywhere from 3 to 7 days.
April/May is is still also high season so prices don't drop until end of May, sometimes June. Realistically, your nightly budget should be closer to $350 if thinking April/May. Also consider April is a big springbreak time-still high season prices, with crowds including kids on some islands.
For the prices you're looking at, have you considered getting married on a cruise?

Double check the high/low season cutoff. Some resorts end high season as early as mid-April, many by mid-May.

Thanks for those of you that have tried to help me with this, after this I won't post anymore. I really did think that a destination wedding would be the best way for us to go as far as budget. I would have been fine just to go away, just the two of us, but my fiance wants family there. He does not want to have a wedding at home (not really sure why he just says he doesn't want to, for me it's b/c it would turn into a 200+ person reception which we couldn't afford) or on a cruise (not enough time on land). I want to keep the cost down due to other expenses we will have. So from looking at other responses I have gotten from previous posts I've changed some of my options due to length of flight, length of stay requirements, etc. I was hoping for out of the ones I listed, which one would you pick for a wedding in April/May - Bermuda, USVI, Bahamas, Antigua.

Thanks and sorry for all the posts over the last few months.

never apoligize for your posts, and never feel bad for asking questions!
8-)
The only reason we ask these questions is because the Caribbean, each island is very different from each other, and peoples tastes and budgets are different from each other.
St. John and Bermuda, although gorgeous, may be fairly expensive for a wedding.
Antigua is harder to get to than the Bahamas.
Bahamas has many islands, but I think everyone could afford the Westin/Sheraton at Grand Bahama. They also have a beautiful gazebo to marry in. I think they actually have wedding packages.
You haven't mentioned Turks and Caicos. I know I'm always promoting those islands, but it may suit you. Easy to get too, and one of the prettiest beaches in the world. The reason I mention this, is check out Royal West Indies. They have wedding packages, very reasonable, that include 3 or 4 nights, the wedding itself (all the paper work, plus decorations on the beach) cake, etc. I find the price to be very good!
I'm sure other places have Wedding packages too. I just mentioned 1 that I remember off the top of my head.

I would go for Antigua - Blue Waters. We renewed our vows there & it is a very romantic place with excellent food.

from what I found T&C has 24 hr waiting perior to appy for a license then 2-3 days before you can get married so that would be too long with only going 4-5 days. I don't really want to be on the island that long then get married at then end, I'd rather get married one of the first 2 days then have the rest of the time to relax. T&C was an option until I saw that. Thanks for you post.

Honestly, if I had to choose, my first choice for a wedding (from those destinations) would be Bermuda. The island is gorgeous, and the people are very welcoming and friendly. The island is very rich and prepared to cater to American needs--especially when it comes to weddings.

However, your budget will not support a wedding in Bermuda.

From your list, I think your only option for $250/night and under in April/May would be the Bahamas. Nto as nice, but still a great location--if you do Grand Bahama.

Have you considered St. Kitts or Curacao? We just participated in a wedding at the St. Kitts Marriott on May 12, 2006, and it was absolutely gorgeous. The island is fantastic, and we didn't pay too much. Perhaps this would be an option...it' sonly about a half hour longer on the plane than Antigua.

I hadn't looked at St. Kitts, so thanks for the input. I'll look into the requirements for marriage license, etc. I really appreciate everyones comments, what's realistic and not.