Wedding In Jamaica - Please Advise

[sunslug]

Hi! I'm new to this site and just starting to learn about Jamaica. I'm thinking about getting married there and I'd love to have some advice in planning it.

I have a bunch of questions, so any answers would be most welcome!
1) What's the weather like in late August?
2) Where should we go if we like snorkelling and nature but dislike tourist havens?
3) If we had 5 days would it make sense to stay in just one place or maybe go to two places?

Since it is going to be our wedding/honeymoon, I wouldn't mind spending more for hotel than I usually would (up to $175/night). I would like it to be very memorable but nothing as resort-like (i shudder at the thought) as Sandals, Couples, or Hedonism. Those are horrific.

We aren't looking for bars or nightlife. Just a place with lot of beauty and romance, some clean seas and fresh fruit but with the capability to organize a wedding for us.

Thank you!!!!

[cjski]

Re: Wedding In Jamaica - Please Advise

Hi! I would recommend either Charela Inn, or Idle Awhile on 7 Mile Beach in Negril. Both have gorgeous beaches, beautiful surroundings, very pretty rooms, great staff, and good food.

[ninajean]

Re: Wedding In Jamaica - Please Advise

Hi and Welcome!!

You will get great advice here, I got all my information here.

I am having my wedding ceremony in Negril next Friday and the best advice I can give you is to contact Isabelle. She is a wedding coordinator extrodinare! She has been a joy to work with and can plan a wedding for you big or small and work with what ever budget you have.

We are having the ceremony at the Negril Lighthouse with just the two of us and a friend. She worked with me to meet our desires for the wedding and for it to fit within our budget. (and believe me ours is small) She will arrange anything you need in Negril. (for example I am wearing a white linen dress and she has arranged for the dry cleaner to pick it up at the hotel to press it)

We are staying a the Negril Beach Club Condos but try another sevice I used with great sucess. Negril One Stop. Bob and Susan will help you find just the hotel you are looking for and they have a great website.

Also, my advice to those planning a wedding........don't do it at an All Inclusive, the weddings are the same for everyone from the bridal bouquet to the ceremony...I wanted to have some say in my wedding.

Here are the websites I talked about

http://www.wedding.com.jm/isabelleweddings.html

http://www.negrilonestop.com

Please feel free to PM me with any questions if I can be of help to you in your planning.

Good Luck! [img]/forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img]

[ninajean]

Re: Wedding In Jamaica - Please Advise

Sorry I typed Isabelle's link wrong.

Here it is again

http://www.wedding.com.jm/isabellesweddings.html

[ninajean]

Re: Wedding In Jamaica - Please Advise

Me again....

Isabelle can also recommend hotels that will provide what you are looking for. Many of the hotels use her service. Also she can plan a wedding for you in any place that you are interested in.

[Classy]

Re: Wedding In Jamaica - Please Advise

For Jazzy's post I second that. Both Bob and Susan at Negril One Stop will accomodate any budget (trust me my budget for my last trip was LIMITED [img]/forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif[/img] ) for accomodations and airfare and as a maid of honor in a wedding in Negril this past Feb., Isabelle made everything possible on another tight budget. From the flowers to the photographer, food, hair and makeup, whatever you desire for that special day she'll work it out! I hope she's still around when I tie the knot! [img]/forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif[/img]

[LiGirl]

Re: Wedding In Jamaica - Please Advise

Ditto to Charela Inn! You cannot go wrong with them. I had my wedding there also. Visit www.Charela.com Trust me on this one, you will thank me and the previous poster for pointing you towards Charela. You can coommunicate and make your plans with Charela via E-mail also.

Regards and let us know what happens.

PS, if you go with Charela, select one of the Oceanfront Deluxe Rooms on the upper floor!

[sammy]

Re: Wedding In Jamaica - Please Advise

As far as a hotel...for what you are seeking I would suggest a hotel on the cliffs of negril

the penthouse at www.bluecavecastle.com
80.00 per night...can't beat that

or for more upscale www.rockhousehotel.com
villa should be around your price range very nice, romatic and private

check out negrilonestop as stated bob and susan have a wealth of info to share and great photos as well

and i also have to recommend isabelle stewart a class act great person you can trust, very genuine. We used her services to renew our wedding vows and I now consider her a friend just can't say enough good things about her and her team of professionals

[sheanlee]

Re: Wedding In Jamaica - Please Advise

I'm getting married mid-August and I usually stay in a villa or a place 'off the beaten path' when I go to Jamaica. [img]/forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif[/img] But I decided a monderate AI would be better since I'm dragging 40 people with me.
I'm getting married at Sunset Beach Resort in MoBay and the wedding coordinator there is a doll! She has been so helpful in planning and their rates are reasonable.
www.sunsetbeachresort.com

[loops]

Re: Wedding In Jamaica - Please Advise

Rockhouse is very nice and would fill your need to snorkel as well.

[lizardbeth]

Re: Wedding In Jamaica - Please Advise

I second the Charela, Idle Awhile or Rockhouse choices. Idle Awhile is my personal favorite. Isabelle is also a must do. She arranged my February 2003 wedding and it was a dream.

Congrats!

[raswalleye]

Re: Wedding In Jamaica - Please Advise

I have been to 2 weddings at the Charela Inn and highly recommend them. They handled parties of 40 & 30 respectively without flaw. Live music, incredible buffet, sunset cruise. The staff at Charela is the best. I have also seen them handle the smallest and most intimate weddings with the same class and discretion.

My favorite place to stay in Negril is the penthouse at the Blue Cave Castle. Simple casual elegance, not extravagance. Small but lovely room with 3 private balconies for sun or shade anytime, 2 bathrooms with showers, no a/c but as the highest waterfront room in Negril the breeze is usually enough and the view is breathtaking. Sunrise over the mountains and oh the sunsets. They don't have food service but there are many wonderful places within a short walk and I know at least one chef in the nieghborhood who would gladly cook for you and bring it to the castle or cook it there for you.

Have a great time.
Jah Bless...

Ed

[cookingjo]

Re: Wedding In Jamaica - Please Advise

http://groups.msn.com/TCBecsNegril/shoebox.msnw?Page=1

A friends wedding at Tensing Pen.

We had a ball
Just thought you might want to view some pics.
Reba aka Bec

[sammy]

Re: Wedding In Jamaica - Please Advise

raswalleye

you have a pm

thanks

[chrisandlizvt]

Re: Wedding In Jamaica - Please Advise

Have replied to original post in the other section where you posted.

Just remembered that we walked thru Rockhouse while in Negril for our wedding. It was set up for a wedding & absolutely breathtaking & funky! There were colored sarongs blowing in the breeze all over the place, luminaries set up thru the pathways, bowls & bowls of penny candy set up together & various pictures of the couple growing up scattered thruout the trees. It was magical!

Just an FYI on what can be done with little $$ & lots of imagination!

One love, Liz