Sandals Jamaica Wedding | Brittanie & Ryan’s Tropical Celebration at Sandals South Coast
Planning a destination wedding can be both exciting and overwhelming, but for Brittanie and Ryan, saying “I do” at Sandals South Coast in Whitehouse, Jamaica was the perfect blend of tropical beauty, family connection, and pure joy. Their wedding was the kind of day that makes you want to pack your bags, grab your partner’s hand, and head to the beach. If you’re considering a Sandals Jamaica wedding, let this celebration be your inspiration.
Why Sandals South Coast Was the Perfect Destination
Nestled in Jamaica’s unspoiled South Coast, this all-inclusive Sandals resort offers luxury, romance, and an unbeatable oceanfront experience. For Brittanie and Ryan—two bike-racing, animal-loving adventurers who live on a farm just outside of Charlotte, NC—the laid-back tropical vibes made it an easy choice.
They chose Sandals South Coast for its stunning over-the-water chapel, beachfront views, and endless amenities for their guests. From the moment you arrive, the resort handles nearly every detail—making it a stress-free dream for destination couples.
A Weekend of Celebration in Paradise
Their wedding weekend kicked off with a Friday welcome party. Guests gathered after the rehearsal to enjoy charcuterie and hors d’oeuvres, setting the tone for a weekend full of connection, relaxation, and fun.
On Saturday morning, the wedding day began with quiet preparation. Brittanie, her bridesmaids, and both mothers were pampered in the resort’s on-site salon and spa, soaking in the peaceful moments leading up to the ceremony. Meanwhile, Ryan and his groomsmen played croquet and sipped their favorite drinks, enjoying the Jamaican sunshine.
Before the final touches, the couple carved out time to exchange gifts and share a private moment together—a sweet pause that gave them a chance to breathe, connect, and reflect before walking down the aisle.
A Ceremony Over the Caribbean Sea
Brittanie and Ryan were married in one of Sandals’ most iconic venues: the Over-the-Water Serenity Chapel. With glass floor panels and panoramic views of the turquoise Caribbean, it was a breathtaking setting to promise forever. The space was adorned with tropical florals to match their beach-inspired décor and bring their vision to life.
After the ceremony, we captured a few golden hour portraits on the beach—a perfect blend of elegance, fun, and natural beauty that Sandals South Coast offers effortlessly.
Dancing Under the Stars: The Rooftop Reception
Guests gathered in the courtyard for drinks before heading up to the rooftop reception area for dinner and dancing. The reception was full of energy, heartfelt toasts, and delicious resort-catered food. One of the most meaningful touches of the day? The wedding cake was made with love by Brittanie’s mother, who brought a taste of home to their tropical celebration.
And because no perfect destination wedding ends without a little splash—the night finished with a jump into the pool, dresses, tuxes, and all! The kind of spontaneous joy that reminds you exactly why destination weddings are so unforgettable.
Sandals South Coast Wedding Planning Tips: What Every Couple Should Know
1. Choose Your Wedding Venue Wisely
Sandals South Coast offers several stunning ceremony and reception locations:
- Over-the-Water Serenity Chapel – A glass-floor aisle with panoramic ocean views; it’s the crown jewel for intimate, unforgettable ceremonies.
- Beachfront Ceremony – Barefoot in the sand with the ocean behind you. Best for sunset weddings!
- Garden Gazebo – Lush, tropical, and perfect for couples who prefer a shaded, floral backdrop.
Tip: If you’re eyeing the Over-the-Water Chapel, book early—this venue is in high demand.
2. Visit the Resort in Advance (If Possible)
If your budget allows, plan a pre-wedding trip to experience the resort firsthand. Sandals often offers Test Drive Your Wedding packages where you can stay at a discounted rate and meet with the wedding team, taste menu options, and preview venues.
3. Lean on the On-Site Wedding Team
Sandals offers complimentary wedding planning services when you stay 3+ nights. You’ll be assigned a pre-travel planner and an on-site coordinator. Trust them—they’re experienced, know the vendors, and will help you customize your day stress-free.
Tip: Schedule all your virtual planning sessions in advance and keep a shared Google Doc with your planner so everyone stays on the same page.
4. Consider the Time of Year (Weather + Pricing!)
- Best Weather: December–April (drier, breezy, sunny)
- Best Prices: May–November (rainier but cheaper and less crowded)
Hurricane season runs June–November, so purchase travel insurance and have a Plan B venue just in case.
5. Make It a Multi-Day Experience
Turn your wedding into a full celebration:
- Welcome cocktail party on the beach
- Catamaran cruise with your guests
- Farewell brunch before everyone departs
Sandals offers wedding group perks—the more rooms you book, the more bonuses you receive (like a free private event or room upgrades).
6. Plan for Legal vs. Symbolic Ceremonies
If you’re getting legally married in Jamaica, you must:
- Arrive at least 48 hours before the wedding (Sandals recommends 72 hours)
- Submit required documents (birth certificates, passports, divorce/death certificates if applicable) at least 60 days before the wedding
Alternative: Get legally married at home, then have a symbolic ceremony in Jamaica. Less paperwork, more peace of mind.
7. Choose a Photographer You Trust
While Sandals offers in-house photography, you can also bring your own preferred photographer (like us! 😉). There may be a small outside vendor fee or you can book a day pass if they’re not staying on-site.
Tip: If you’re a photographer reading this or helping a couple, clarify rules about vendor access in advance and coordinate with the Sandals wedding team.
8. Set Expectations for Your Guests
Give your guests plenty of time (9–12 months) to plan. Consider creating a wedding website with:
- Travel info
- Room block details
- Passport reminders
- Activities & dress code guidance
A destination wedding is a big ask—make it easy for them!
9. Upgrade Thoughtfully
While Sandals offers a free wedding with your stay, customizations can elevate the experience:
- Upgrade florals, linens, or ceremony arches
- Book live music (steel drums, anyone?)
- Add a private candlelit dinner for two the night after the wedding
These thoughtful touches make it feel more “you.”
10. Relax—You’re in Paradise!
At the end of the day, Sandals South Coast is all-inclusive luxury—you won’t have to worry about meals, drinks, or entertainment. Focus on celebrating your love and soaking in the beauty of Jamaica’s South Coast.
Final Thoughts
From bike trails to sandy beaches, Brittanie and Ryan’s story took a turn toward paradise—and we’re so honored to have captured every moment of it. Whether you’re planning your own Sandals South Coast wedding or dreaming of a romantic escape, there’s nothing quite like celebrating love on Jamaica’s shores.
Ready to plan your own Sandals Jamaica wedding? Let us help you capture it beautifully.
Want to see another beautiful destination wedding? See Kayla and Joe’s resort wedding here.
