This collection of 700 islands has something for every taste—enjoy complete privacy by renting your own island, or host hundreds of your favorite people at a mega-resort like the acclaimed Baha Mar.
Nassau and Paradise Island are two of the most visited and activity-packed destinations, while more remote areas such as Harbor Island and the Exumas tend to feel more laid-back.
And since the Bahamas are just a 35-minute plane trip from Florida, it's an easy journey for guests and makes for a great excuse to spend a few extra days vacationing, scuba diving around Andros Island
(the third-largest barrier reef in the world), strolling the white-sand beaches, touring the historic homes of Nassau and sipping Goombay Smashes (hint: a great signature cocktail).
When to Wed: The high season lasts from mid-December to mid-April, while summers are sleepier. Although hurricanes are infrequent, they can occur, so it's best to avoid the area from June through November.
Jungle to the west and pristine Caribbean waters to the east mark the burgeoning eco-friendly wedding destination of Belize. Home to the sizeable Belize Barrier Reef, weddings can go two ways in this Central American country:
couples can exchange vows within the lush and dense jungle or enjoy a reception in one of the country's many oceanfront resorts dotting the coastline. In Belize, there's something for every type of to-be-wed and guest.
When to Wed: The optimal time to visit Belize, according to experts, falls between the months of January to May. Late November through mid-April is considered the dry season. The rainy season is marked by intense and intermittent storms.
Set just off the Yucatan Peninsula, this peaceful island in the Caribbean is framed by one of the largest coral reef systems in the world, surrounded by turquoise waters and home to wildlife-filled nature reserves, perfect for outdoorsy couples looking for serenity (read: away from the tourist crowds) to tie the knot.
Expect lush grounds and pristine swaths of sand, plus a range of resorts (including many all-inclusive options) with impeccable service and on-site wedding planners and vendors to help you plan your perfect party.
Nature-loving couples and their guests will love Cozumel's Chankanaab National Park, where you can check out a lagoon, botanical gardens and a replica of a Mayan village, and find incredible snorkeling.
When the more laid-back guests tire of sipping cocktails and sunning themselves on the beach, they can hit up the shops and restaurants of downtown San Miguel.
When to Wed: High season begins in mid-December and typically lasts through Easter, with the rainy season running from May through mid-October. Although temps may only top out at 90 degrees during the summer, the humidity can make it uncomfortably hot. And beware of spring-break crowds in March and April.
There's a reason glamorous globe-trotters call it home (Ian Fleming wrote the first James Bond book, Casino Royale, from his seaside abode here). Jamaica is an ideal destination wedding location because it offers much more than just beaches and palm trees.
It's steeped in culture: reggae, Rastafarianism, indigenous spices and a fun-loving, laid-back atmosphere. The site of many all-inclusive resorts, Jamaica can be one of the most affordable of the Caribbean islands on which to wed,
but it has super-luxe options too, including private villas that come with their own chefs, and housekeeping staff and security.
The resorts of Montego Bay offer the ultimate in service and convenience; the cliffs and beaches of Negril are great for intimate sunset ceremonies; and the gardens and waterfalls of Ocho Rios provide gorgeous backdrops.
When to Wed: Avoid March, aka spring-break season, as well as the hurricane season from June through November.
Along with Puerto Rico, the US Virgin Islands is considered one of the most hassle-free places to have a Caribbean destination wedding. Direct flights are frequent to St. Thomas (with St. John a short ferry ride away).
Plus, airfare is usually competitive and the US dollar is the official currency. St. Thomas can sometimes feel a bit crowded, since it's a main stop on the itineraries of many cruise lines, and it's quite developed for the Caribbean.
But it's nonetheless brimming over with natural beauty. St. John, while a bit harder to reach, is more rugged, unspoiled and higher-end, with fewer big resorts. Active guests will be in heaven: St. John is known for its plentiful and easily accessible snorkeling sites, as well as its national parks.
In St. Thomas, suggest that guests visit the capital city of Charlotte Amalie to see historical sites such as Fort Christian and for tons and tons of duty-free shopping.
When to Wed: Tourist season goes mid-December through mid-April, but temperature highs are in the mid-80s and lows are in the 70s year-round if you want to steer clear of the crowds. Just avoid hurricane season, which runs from June through November.
Puerto Rico's got all the assets of the other Caribbean islands—gorgeous beaches, friendly locals, plush resorts—plus one big one that sets it apart: It's a US territory. That means you and your guests will have few, if any, of the hassles associated with travel abroad.
You won't need to go through customs, cell phone service is excellent and most people speak English. Puerto Rico offers a blend of both traditional beachy relaxation and unique cultural and historic sights (which non-beachgoing guests will appreciate).
When to Wed: As with the rest of the region, beware of hurricane season, which lasts from June through November.
This coastal stretch of the Yucatan Peninsula along the Mexican Caribbean mixes ancient Mayan ruins with palm-fringed beaches to give your wedding a real tropical feel. Farther north, seemingly carved out of the jungle, Cancun sits at the tip of the peninsula, twinkling with big resorts and a boisterous nightlife.
Choose a property in Cancun's hopping Hotel Zone, book an entire boutique hotel or go for a hacienda-style wedding in a Mayan village near one of the ancient archaeological sites. The ruins of the ancient Mayan empire in seaside Tulum provide a stunning backdrop.
For a slower-paced setting, try Playa del Carmen, which displays an authentic rustic charm and is home to some gorgeous beaches. And there's no shortage of natural settings here, either: Say "I do" in a lush, tropical garden, in a beautiful eco-park or among the cenotes, or freshwater pools, the Riviera Maya is famous for.
Of course, couples should be mindful of the activity along the coast and consult with their on-site coordinators and guests to highlight safety. When to Wed: Winter months offer the best weather but are crowded, with sunny, 80-degree days from mid-December through Easter.
Avoid spring-break season, late February through March. April and May are traditionally slower months, and the weather's still good. Rain is heaviest in June and October, with hurricanes possible through November. Humidity is uncomfortably high in the summer.