The Caribbean Plate consists of over 7,000 islands but only a fraction of these are inhabited, however for those who are not familiar with the region there is still a confusing amount to choose from for the ideal wedding or honeymoon location.
While you can only choose one for your wedding, remember, if you marry in the Caribbean you have the perfect excuse to go back for your annual anniversary to discover the others!
Whether you want a formal tea high reception on a plantation or a relaxed steel band beach wedding, you’ll find it in the Caribbean.
The Bahamas and Turks & Caicos are not officially part of the Caribbean islands, but they share a common sea, the warm Cerulean sea and the time zone: “island time”, so I have included them in this article.
Everyday life can vary hugely from island to island depending whether they are either independent or fly the flag of their discoverers, be it French, Dutch, English, Spanish or American (the island of St. Martin/Sint Maarten is split down the middle between the French and Dutch).
There is huge variety so whether you are going for, white sandy beaches, lush forests, activities, or seclusion there is an island for you.
Notes: There is a difference between the US Virgin Islands and the British Virgin Islands. Also the Dominican Republic and Dominica are two very different islands more than 500 miles apart.
British Territory (British West Indies) or Ex-British Colony
Cricket, afternoon tea, jackets for dinner – these islands are more formal than their neighbours. Anguilla, Antigua, Bahamas, Barbados, Barbuda, Briths Virgin Islands (ie. Mainly Tortola and Virgin Gorda), Cayman Islands, Grenada, Jamaica, Montserrat, Nevis, St. Kitts, St. Lucia, Tobago, Trinidad.
Dutch Territory (Netherlands Antilles) or Ex-Dutch Colony
These are the isalnds with the pastel-coloured, gingerbread-houses
Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao, Saba, Sint Maarten, St. Eustatius (also known as Statia)
French Territory (French West Indies)
Perfect for lovers of fine French food and wine.
Guadeloupe, Martinique, St. Barts, St. Martin
Ex-Spanish Colonies
Historic sights and lively nightlife
Cuba, Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico
Peace & Quiet
Anguilla, Nevis, St. John, Tobago, Virgin Gorda
BVI resort islands (Guana, Peter Island, etc.), Dominica, Little Cayman, Mustique
Best Deals For Those on a Budget
Bahamas, Cuba, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, Saba, St. Eustatius, Trinidad
Islands with the Most All-Inclusive Venues
Antigua, Bahamas, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Jamaica, St. Lucia
Lots of See & Do Activities
Jamaica, Nassau, Puerto Rico, St. Martin/Sint Maarten, St. Thomas, Trinidad
Best Nightlife
Aruba, Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Sint Maarten
Learn to Dance!
Curacao (tumba), Dominican Republic (merengue), Guadeloupe & Martinique (beguine and zouk), Jamaica (reggae), Puerto Rico (salsa), Trinidad (calypso, soca)
Best Shopping
Bahamas, Grand Cayman, St. Martin/Sint Maarten, USVI
Best Lush Tropical Islands
Jamaica, Puerto Rico, St. Lucia, St. Vincent
Best Beaches
Anguilla, Antigua, Bahamas, Cuba, Grand Cayman, Grenadines, Jamaica, St. John, St. Thomas, Turks & Caicos
Best Rain Forests
Dominica, Guadeloupe, Martinique, Puerto Rico, St. Eustatius, St. Lucia, St. Vincent
Best Snorkeling & Scuba Diving
Anguilla, Bonaire, Cayman Islands, Saba, St. Lucia, St. Eustatius, Tobago, Turks & Caicos
Best Sailing
Antigua, BVI, St. Lucia, St. Martin/Sint Maarten, St. Vincent & the Grenadines, USVI
Best Windsurfing
Antigua, Aruba, Barbuda, Barbados, BVI, Puerto Rico