Ultimate Guide to Romantic Caribbean Elopements and Adventures

Hello, I’m Dominick Verstoep—once an award-winning wedding filmmaker, now a devoted creator of soulful, story-driven elopements for couples who dare to dream differently. I found my true calling not in grand ballrooms but in quiet coves, mountaintops, and secret shores—places where couples can return to presence, to wonder, to love. For me, eloping is not about running away. It’s about running toward what matters most. And nowhere embodies that sense of freedom and magic more than the Caribbean.

If you and your partner are imagining an intimate, wildly romantic celebration beneath a swaying palm, with warm waves kissing the sand and the scent of hibiscus on the breeze—you’re in the right place. Eloping in the Caribbean isn’t just a wedding; it’s a way of stepping into the world of your dreams.

Let me take you there.

Why Choose an All-Inclusive Caribbean Elopement?

Picture this: You wake up to the gentle sound of waves. Breakfast is served on your private balcony overlooking turquoise waters. A soft sea breeze plays with the edge of your veil as you walk barefoot across warm sand to meet the love of your life. No stress. No spreadsheets. Just intention, beauty, and joy.

That’s what an all-inclusive Caribbean elopement offers—complete ease paired with exquisite detail. It’s a retreat and a celebration all in one. With everything taken care of—from your room and meals to the ceremony, flowers, and photography—what’s left is simply to enjoy. To dream. To be.

Where to Stay: Dreamlike Stays for Adventurous Lovers

Choosing an all-inclusive resort means every detail is curated for comfort, romance, and awe. Caribbean resorts understand that your love story is one-of-a-kind—and they’re built to reflect that.

At Sandals Royal Barbados, couples can choose swim-up suites with soaking tubs made for two. At Hammock Cove in Antigua, villas come with plunge pools overlooking the sea, butlers on-call, and wine cellars curated to your tastes. Want a panoramic ocean view from your bed? Resorts in Saint Lucia perch on cliff edges, offering jaw-dropping vistas of the Pitons. Prefer a bohemian vibe? Turks and Caicos’ beachside bungalows give you barefoot luxury with privacy at its heart.

Many properties offer complimentary room upgrades (depending on availability), daily champagne breakfasts in bed, and candlelit turndown service. It's not just where you sleep—it's how you dream together.

Dining as an Experience: From Beach Picnics to Chef’s Tables

Dining during your Caribbean elopement is anything but ordinary. Imagine savoring freshly grilled lobster under the stars in Antigua, or enjoying handmade pasta at an Italian trattoria-style restaurant in Saint Lucia—followed by rum tasting with a local expert.

All-inclusive doesn’t mean cookie-cutter; it means unlimited access to hand-curated experiences. Resorts often feature 8 to 16 restaurants per property, each with its own theme, ambiance, and menu—ranging from Japanese teppanyaki to French haute cuisine.

Want something more intimate? Book a private beach dinner with tiki torches, a personal waiter, and your feet in the sand. Some resorts even offer a floating breakfast in your villa’s plunge pool, or chocolate-and-rum pairing menus for indulgent afternoons.

The Ceremony: Your Moment, Your Way

The ceremony is where everything pauses, and time holds its breath. Caribbean elopement packages let you customize every aspect—whether you want to say your vows at golden hour under a floral arch on the beach, on a sailboat at sea, or in an overwater chapel with a glass aisle suspended above the reef.

You’ll be supported by expert wedding coordinators who ensure everything flows beautifully. Most packages include:

A symbolic or legal ceremony
A tropical bouquet and matching boutonniere
A single-tier wedding cake
A sparkling wine toast
Filing and translation of marriage documents (if needed)
A dedicated coordinator on-site

Some packages offer extras like a steel drum serenade as you walk down the aisle or a dove release as you say “I do.”

Adventure Beyond the Vows

Eloping in the Caribbean doesn’t end with “I do.” It opens the door to a honeymoon woven right into your wedding day. Here's a taste of what awaits:

Snorkel with sea turtles in Barbados
Climb Dunn’s River Falls in Jamaica
Take a catamaran to a secret cove in Saint Lucia
Explore coral reefs via glass-bottom kayaks in Turks and Caicos
Hike to hidden waterfalls on Dominica
Go horseback riding on the beach in the Bahamas

Want to unwind instead? Indulge in a couple’s massage at the Red Lane Spa, sip cocktails from a private infinity pool, or take a midday nap in a hammock strung between two palm trees. This is your dreamscape—explore it as you wish.

Dream Destinations for Caribbean Elopements

🌴 Jamaica

Vibrant, soulful, and alive with culture—Jamaica offers lush mountains, rhythmic music, and world-class resorts. Eloping here means access to everything from cliffside villas in Negril to waterfall gardens in Ocho Rios.

🌴 Saint Lucia

Famous for the iconic Pitons, Saint Lucia is dramatic and dreamy. Sandals Grande St. Lucian features an overwater chapel perfect for a one-of-a-kind ceremony.

🌴 Antigua

Boasting 365 beaches—one for each day of the year—Antigua is ideal for beach lovers. Picture private candlelight dinners on the shore and barefoot vows at sunset.

🌴 Turks & Caicos

With its crystal-clear waters and soft white sands, this destination feels like a fantasy. Ideal for snorkeling, seclusion, and ultra-luxury stays.

🌴 The Bahamas

Close yet captivating, the Bahamas blend island ease with polished service. Perfect for couples who want convenience without compromising on beauty.

One-of-a-Kind Touches

Overwater Chapels
Exchange vows with nothing but the sea below and sky above. These glass-floored sanctuaries are as close to heaven as it gets.
Private Catamaran Ceremonies
Say “I do” while sailing into the sunset, with just the sea and your love as witnesses.
Island-Hopping Elopements
Some resorts help you create multi-island experiences—wake up in Saint Lucia, say vows in Barbados, honeymoon in Antigua.

Conclusion: Elopement for Dreamers

To elope is to believe in the magic of simplicity and the power of intention. It’s a return—not to tradition, but to truth. And the Caribbean, with its wild beauty, soul-soothing rhythm, and radiant skies, is the perfect place to begin that journey.

So whether you’re ready to exchange vows barefoot in the sand, or you’re still dreaming up what your elopement could look like, I’d love to hear from you. Let’s talk about your love story, your dreams, and how we can bring them to life.

Step into the world of your dreams.
Get in touch to talk elopements, vision, or just possibilities waiting on the horizon.

FAQ – Everything You Want to Know About Caribbean Elopements

Do I need to legally marry in the Caribbean or can I do a symbolic ceremony?
Both are possible! Many couples legally marry at home, then have a symbolic ceremony abroad for ease. But legal marriages are also available with proper documentation.
How far in advance should we book?
Ideally, 6–12 months in advance. Some resorts can plan within weeks if availability allows, but earlier is better for custom details.
Are elopements cheaper than traditional weddings?
Generally, yes! You’ll spend less on guests and logistics, and more on quality moments—plus, many packages include your honeymoon.
Can we invite guests?
Absolutely. Many couples bring 2–10 close friends or family. Most elopement packages allow small gatherings without becoming full weddings.
Can LGBTQ+ couples elope in the Caribbean?
Some islands are more inclusive than others. Saint Martin, Curaçao, Puerto Rico, and USVI are LGBTQ+-friendly. Others, like Jamaica, may not be suitable for same-sex ceremonies.
What should we wear?
Whatever feels like you! Many couples choose barefoot dresses, linen suits, or flowy, bohemian outfits. Some even wear swimsuits under their attire for a celebratory ocean dip!
What’s included in most all-inclusive packages?
Accommodations, meals, drinks, ceremony coordination, flowers, cake, photography, and often extras like spa treatments or excursions.
Can we personalize the ceremony?
Yes! You can write your own vows, add music, incorporate cultural elements, or even create your own rituals.
What if it rains?
Most resorts have beautiful backup locations or can adjust timing to avoid showers. The tropics are unpredictable but magical!
Can we elope on a weekday?
Of course! Weekdays are often quieter and allow more privacy and better availability at popular venues.
What about photography and video?
Many packages include a resort photographer, but I also offer custom film and photo packages for couples seeking artistic, emotional storytelling.
How do we start planning?
It starts with a dream—and a conversation. Reach out to me to explore what’s possible and craft a Caribbean elopement that reflects who you are.