The gates to Eden may be closed, but for couples wishing to experience paradise, the next best thing is luscious Jamaica. With white sand beaches, beautiful mountains, tropical forests, and tons of attractions and activities, it's not hard to see why Jamaica is one of the top five wedding and honeymoon destinations in the world.

Diana Willis, Media Manager of the Jamaican Tourist Board, gives many reasons why Jamaica is a great place for weddings. She first explains that the island has been blessed with year-round warm, swimming weather. "It's ideal for just basking in the sun and getting away from the cold weather," she says. Couples certainly will get away from the cold, as Jamaica's average annual temperature is a pleasant 80 degrees. According to Willis, Jamaica is simply a very special island, with not only helpful people containing a rich culture, but music, various watersports, horseback riding, and eleven 18-hole championship golf courses. One can also go fishing, attend heritage and food festivals, and visit various historic sites, such as the Bloomfield Great House. Fans of James Bond can visit the James Bond Beach, where author Ian Fleming wrote his books about the debonair secret agent. And best of all, if you live in the New Jersey/New York area, it's not that far. From Newark Liberty International Airport, travel time by air is three hours and forty-five minutes, and from JFK International airport, it's three hours and twenty minutes. Using Air Jamaica may make couples feel like kings and queens with their special red-carpet service; and they will get couples to their destination quickly and efficiently. For more information about Air Jamaica, call 1-800-523-5585, or go to www.airjamaica.com

Far from being a simple island, Jamaica actually has a very diverse landscape. Parts of the island resemble African savannas or Indian plains, and the terrain is surprisingly mountainous, with Blue Mountain Peak rising 7,420 feet above sea level. In addition to beautiful white and black sand beaches, there are rivers, tropical rainforests, and the green countryside is reminiscent of the south of England. Furthermore, because the Jamaican landscape is so varied, couples can choose to get married at different romantic locations. "You can get married on the beach, the mountains, or just about anyplace," says Willis. She maintains that the culture, atmosphere, and the many opportunities offered make Jamaica a truly unique place for weddings, honeymoons, and regular vacations.

It is for this uniqueness that Tina Tomassini, 30, and John Lee, 32, of Barnegat, NJ have chosen Jamaica for their destination wedding. Six months into their engagement, the couple decided they wanted to be different and plan a Caribbean wedding. They ended up choosing Jamaica because it was the best place for them to invite single guests. "Compared to the different islands we were looking at, Jamaica was where more single people could go and party. The different resorts on the other islands we were looking at were basically asking for couples," explains Tomassini.

The couple is planning to be married in June 2004 and will be having both their wedding and honeymoon in Jamaica, and Tina simply can't wait. "The months aren't going quickly enough for me," she says excitedly. Many brides may welcome the long wait for their weddings because of so many responsibilities, but destination weddings often take away all of the hassles of planning. Almost all aspects of the wedding are taken care of by many of the available wedding packages. Tina and John, who are to be married at the Breezes SuperClub Resort, have a wedding package that not only includes a wedding coordinator, but it covers the costs of the ceremony and reception, provides a photographer, a horse & buggy ride, a DVD of the wedding, and other luxuries.

The resort also gives choices as to where a couple can be married. Tomassini says that although their coordinator will show them the various locations, they've already made a decision. "We're going with the gazebo which actually has the beach right behind it," she says.

Besides having a less stressful time planning their wedding, and already knowing what setting they'd like for the ceremony, Tina and John are different compared to other couples planning their weddings because their wedding will actually cost them less money. Contrary to what one might think, destination weddings actually cost less than weddings in the United States. Toni DeLisi, a Master Bridal Consultant, and President of Memorable Events, Inc., says that the cost and uniqueness of destination weddings is what makes them so popular. She says, "The cost of an average wedding in the New York metropolitan area is $30,000 or more. Caribbean destinations start at considerably less and offer couples a chance to really create a truly unique wedding."

Couples choosing to have their destination weddings/honeymoons in Jamaica also have the luxury of going to different regions to best express their personalities. Each of the regions stands out on its own whether it comes to attractions, activities, or cuisine. Willis, of the Jamaican Tourist Board, points out that the Negril region is much more relaxed compared to the bustling atmosphere of Montego Bay. "Negril is a laid-back type area, while Montego Bay is a big resort town with many high-rise hotels, villas, and cottages," she says. Jamaica's other regions include Kingston, the cultural capital city; Ocho Rios, a combination of excitement and relaxation; Port Antonio, often a home away from home for the rich and famous; and the South Coast, considered to be Jamaica's diamond in the rough.

In addition to Jamaica's diverse regions, the island has an array of all-inclusive resorts that are the very definition of the word paradise. Some of these resorts include the Renaissance Grande Jamaica in Ocho Rios, the Half Moon Club in Montego Bay, the three Couples resorts, the six Sandals resorts, and the SuperClubs: Breezes, the Grand Lido, and Hedonism.

"Grand" is in no way the best word to describe the Renaissance Jamaica Grande. The words 'elegant' and 'royal' are much better. Located in Ocho Rios, on 1,300 square feet of sandy beach, this all-inclusive resort provides luxurious accommodations with over 700 guest rooms. There are tons of fun-filled activities, romantic settings for weddings and honeymoons, and a wedding package that will erase the word "stress" from your wedding.

The "Weddings in Paradise" package includes preparation of the marriage documents, certified copies of the marriage license and legal fees, a minister or justice of the peace, a witness if needed, an 8"' sponge wedding cake, a bottle of champagne, an 8"x10"photograph, a bouquet with a boutonniere for the bride and groom, and taped music accompaniment. In addition to all that, there is also someone to help with all the planning. "A dedicated wedding coordinator is available to ensure that your dream wedding will become a reality," says Charmaine Tyndale, sales manager of the Renaissance.

Tyndale also explains that the amenities don't stop just because the wedding is over. "We offer a complimentary champagne breakfast in bed the morning after the big day," she says. This package only costs $550 and is for a maximum of six people, though larger parties can be accommodated. If that weren't enough, couples have the choice of having their weddings in any of three enchanting locations: the Orchid House, the Wedding Gazebo, or the Cabana Lawn Garden Setting.

After the wedding, couples can spend quality time together doing many activities. Tyndale names just a few. "They can swim with the dolphins at Dolphin's Cove, go horseback riding, river tubing, or climb the world-famous 600-foot-high Dunn's River Falls." Couples can also take a dip in the resort's Fantasy Pool, take exercise classes, play a round of golf, get various spa treatments, gamble at the casino, go shopping, or dance the night away at the Jamaic'N Me Crazy Discotheque.

Once couples are famished from all their fun in the sun, they can dine at any of the resort's five restaurants: Cafe Jamaique, a casual bistro; Cool Runnings, a restaurant that serves Caribbean cuisine; Dragons, an Oriental restaurant; L'Allegro, an Italian restaurant; and Mallards Court, a buffet restaurant. With all the choices and luxuries you have at the Renaissance Jamaica Grande, couples will be sure to have more than just a "grand" old time. For more information, call 1-800-223-6388 or go to www.renaissancejamaica.com

Located on 400-acres of land, the Half Moon is in a class by itself as an independently owned resort. In addition to all the luxuries of its resort counterparts, this resort is a friend to the environment with its special preservation program. It boasts a 26-acre Nature Reserve which grows fruits, vegetables, and herbs. Vacationers can experience the environment with its many watersports, golf courses, tennis courts, and 52 pools.

Awarded four diamonds by AAA, the Half Moon is truly spectacular with plantation-style buildings, a beautiful beach, blossoming tropical gardens, and a romantic ambiance. Myrtle Dwyer, Half Moon's Director of Sales, boasts that many couples often get the "marriage bug" soon after they arrive. "There is an aura at Half Moon that captivates our clients as soon as they enter the property. There have been instances where guests are so in awe, that an unplanned wedding is suddenly planned during their vacation," she explains.

Couples pre-planning their weddings at the Half Moon have certified wedding specialists at their disposal. They can choose among three different wedding packages, as well as different locations for the ceremonies. Weddings at Half Moon are truly unique and known for incorporating the Jamaican culture. "A couple may have Jamaican school children singing gospel hymns for the procession instead of traditional music," says Dwyer. She further says that Jamaican cuisine can be served at the reception. For more information, call 1-876-953-2211 or go to www.halfmoon.com

For a couples-only fantasy getaway, look no farther than the three Couples resorts, located in Negril and Ocho Rios. Each romantic resort has a complimentary wedding package that includes: a non-denominational ceremony, champagne, a two-tier wedding cake, the bouquet and boutonniere half-hour massages for the bride and groom, and matching t-shirts. Though the wedding packages may be the same, the resorts each have their own motifs. Couples Ocho Rios, which was Jamaica's first all-inclusive resort, has a 50's style Hollywood theme to it with all the luxuries of a modern-day resort. Couples Negril is very stylish and chic, and according to Melissa Trench, the Sales & Marketing Communications Manager at Couples, it caters to a savvy, young crowd, and is located in a rather "hip" part of the island. Couples Swept Away is perfect for couples who want a romantic hideaway for their wedding or honeymoon. "If you walk out on your veranda, you may not see anyone around you," says Trench. No matter which Couples resort you choose, you'll always have something to do. The resorts not only have watersports, tennis courts, nightly entertainment, but all off-site excursions such as horseback riding and a Catamaran Cruise are included as well. For more information, call 1-800-268-7537 or go to www.couples.com

At Sandals, the motto is "stay at one, play at six," because once you register with one of the six resorts, couples can feel free to enjoy the luxuries and activities of the others. Air Jamaica Express and shuttles in Montego Bay, Ocho Rios, and Negril transport vacationers to the other Sandals resorts.

The all-inclusive resorts include Sandals Montego Bay, Sandals Inn, Sandals Royal Jamaican, Sandals Dunn's River Golf Resort & Spa, Sandals Negril Beach Resort & Spa, and Sandals Ocho Rios Resort & Golf Club. While they all offer an array of activities such as golf, spa treatments, and watersports, as well as fabulous cuisines, they are each unique and have different motifs.

Sandals' all-inclusive program can also include your wedding, as well as save couples some money. The "Basic Wedding Moon Package" can save couples up to $1,500, and is free of cost. The package includes: preparation of the documents, a decorated wedding area, the bouquet and boutonniere, a taped musical accompaniment, a 5''x7'' wedding photograph, a wedding reception for four people, a wedding coordinator, a two-tiered Caribbean wedding cake, candlelight dinner for the bride and groom, "just married" t-shirts, a continental breakfast in bed the day after the wedding, and even a best man or maid of honor if needed! As a free gift, Sandals also throws in a set of Wedgwood China. At Sandals, not only will couples enjoy a stress-free wedding, they have the luxury of going to five more resorts to experience everything Sandals has to offer! For more information or reservations, call 1-800-SANDALS or go to www.sandals.com

If you want to experience paradise in an all-inclusive kind of way, then the six resorts in SuperClubs are right for you. Breezes Runaway Bay, Breezes Montego Bay, Grand Lido Negril, Grand Lido Braco, Hedonism II, and Hedonism III are each distinctive, but still provide luxurious accommodations. They are jam-packed with activities, and cater to couples wishing to have their weddings in Jamaica. At each of the resorts, the wedding package includes: a free wedding (with a minimum three-night stay), the marriage license, preparation of documents, affidavits, a wedding coordinator, recorded music upon request, best man and maid of honor if needed, champagne, a decorated wedding area, wedding announcement cards, a three-tier wedding cake, hors d'oeuvres, bouquet and boutonniere, and much more. The only problem couples may have is choosing the SuperClub location to say "I do." David Hancock, the Vice-President of U.S. Sales, explains that the different SuperClubs cater to different people. "Grand Lido is more expensive and for people who like gourmet cuisine and spa treatments, Breezes is more for the activity-driven vacationer, and Hedonism is more of a party atmosphere," he says. Hancock also mentions that SuperClubs hosts an average of two to three destination weddings a day, and that super- inclusive includes everything. "We include everything from soup to nuts," he declares. For more information, call 1-877-467-8737 or go to www.superclubs.com

Jamaica Wedding Requirements

Getting married in Jamaica is simply hassle free. Not only is it easy for couples to plan their weddings in Jamaica, but preparing for marriage is easy as well. Jamaica requires that prior to applying for a license, couples should be on the island for at least 24 hours. And while Jamaica does not require a blood test before marriage, it does require proof of citizenship, along with written parental consent if the couple is under 18 years of age, and proof of divorce (if applicable).

Jamaica is truly a unique place in which to have a destination wedding or honeymoon. Not only does the island have gorgeous beaches, lush tropical forests, and an enchanting culture, it offers an array of resorts that will make couples feel like kings and queens. Couples can participate in tons of activities or just sit back and take in the mesmerizing scenery. For couples who want to get married, resort wedding coordinators do all the work and planning. And of course there's the food; all guests have the opportunity of dining at fine, world-class restaurants and enjoying food that will tantalize your taste buds. It almost seems like heaven on earth. Remember, the gates to Eden may be closed, but for couples wishing to experience paradise, the next best thing is by coming to Jamaica.

*Reprinted from Spring/Summer 2004