One of the hottest trends today in the world of nuptials is the destination wedding. More and more couples about to tie the knot have therefore come as no surprise that this island ranks as the #1 choice in the Caribbean for destination weddings and honeymoons. Some locations: an elegant Great House in Montego Bay, a hidden garden in Ocho Rios or the dramatic cliffs of Negril at sunset. Incorporate some Jamaican "flavor" into the proceedings with local culinary delights such as jerk chicken or grilled lobster and tap into the island's rich musical heritage with a steel drum band or live reggae performance.

Your Jamaica wedding can be as casual or formal as you wish, as under-stated or extravagant- if you can imagine it, then it's "no problem". Accommodation options abound with all-inclusive resorts, hotels with old-world charm, cozy inns and sumptuous private villas available to suit the individual requirements of the wedding party and guests. Experienced wedding planners, either independent or affiliated with the hotels and resorts, take the headache out of the organizational details allowing bride and groom to enjoy the moment. Best of all, when you get married in Jamaica, your honeymoon is literally at your doorstep. A destination wedding in Jamaica combines the thrill of vacationing in the tropics with the joys of a marriage celebration. The "wedding" becomes a multi-day event creating the perfect backdrop for a truly unforgettable experience for you and your guests. Outside of the organized wedding events, guests can occupy themselves with all the activities and attractions Jamaica offers; including river rafting, dolphin encounters, watersports and heritage tours. For a list of local wedding contacts, visit the Jam-boree website at www.jam-boree.com.

Stretch that wedding budget!

Getting married in Jamaica is surprisingly affordable and compares favorably with the expense of a wedding back home. The costs for wonderful food, gorgeous flowers, white-glove service, lively entertainment and breath-taking locations represent exceptional value that can offset the principal additional expenses: travel and accommodations. Taking advantage of the dramatic drop in prices outside of the "peak", late December through mid-April, season and the wedding packages offered by many hotels and resorts will allow you to achieve further savings. With Jamaica's nearly year-round reliable weather a memorable Jamaica wedding, that will not break the bank, awaits you.

Practical Matters

With a valid license, couples need only be on the island for 24 hours before they can be married and officials to preside over the ceremony are available for most religious affiliations. No blood tests are required but officials will ask for a certified copy of a birth certificate, proof of divorce or death of spouse where applicable, and written parental consent for minors.

**for more articles about Jamaica travel and tourism go to www.jam-boree.com**