Tie the Knot--Without Getting Tied Up in Details--at Couples Ocho Rios
by Paris Permenter & John Bigley

If the two of you are ready to make your walk down the isle a walk down theaisle, Couples resorts makes weddings easy and carefree. Couples Ocho Rios--along with its sister resorts, Couples Negril and Couples Swept Away--offers complimentary weddings as part of the all-inclusive package.

"We arrange up to 1,000 weddings a year," says Kerry Ann Hinds, wedding coordinator for the resort which recently celebrated its 25th anniversary.

Even though the hotel hosts numerous weddings (up to one every hour at each gazebo during the peak wedding weeks), couples can personalize their ceremony and receptions as they like. Although the marriage officer reads standard vows, couples also can follow with their own words or readings.

Matrimonially minded couples can opt for weddings in one of the resort's gazebos. One gazebo overlooks the beach; the second is set in the resort's tropical garden tucked away from the view of fellow guests.

The complimentary wedding package includes a non-denominational wedding ceremony, a two-tier wedding cake, bridal bouquet and boutonneire, marriage license, sparkling wine, and half hour massages for the bride and groom.

For additional fees, you can also opt for numerous add-ons including photographs, a calypso band, saxaphonist, violinist, or pianist, bridesmaid's bouquets, wrist corsages, hair wreaths, and more. And for pure matrimonial pampeing, you can book a private boat cruise for up to 10 persons for $700.

Although Hicks reports that most weddings at Couples Ocho Rios consist ofthe couple only, some brides and grooms bring along a wedding party to share their special day. Often the wedding party stys at Couples; if your guests are staying at another resort, you'll need to purchase day (10am to 6pm) or night (6pm to 1am) passes. Regardless of whether they stay at Couples or not, all members of your wedding party must be at least 18 years old to enter this adults-only resort.

To marry at Couples, you will need a notarized copy of your birth certificate, passports or driver's licenses, and, if applicable, a notarized proof of divorce or death certificate for widows and widowers.

The two of you will need to be at Couples at least 48 hours in advance, including one government working day to apply for the license.

A month before your wedding date, you'll need to send your documentation (via a courier service, NOT the postal service) to:

Couples Hotel
Tower Isle
St. Mary, Jamaica WI
Attention: Wedding Coordinator
phone: 876-975-4271

Before sending your paperwork, however, either you or your travel agent will need to contact Couples Ocho Rios to arrange a wedding date. Call 876-975-4271 or email corweddings@cwjamaica.com to discuss your wedding date and time of day. (It's Jamaican law that all weddings be performed before sunset.)

Whatever type of wedding you choose--simple or elaborate, just the two of you or with your friends and family--you'll find that getting married at Couples Ocho Rios is a fuss-free way to tie the knot--without getting tied up in details.

Related article: Couples Ocho Rios: A "No Problem" Wedding or Honeymoon