Wedding FAQs

Voted Best Luxury Hotel in the Caribbean TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Awards

As exciting as getting married away from home is, it’s likely you’re going to have some general questions about vhealthportal.com getting married in Jamaica, so we’ve put together a quick FAQ to help you out..

Of course, when you hold your destination wedding at The Cliff Hotel, our experienced on-site wedding specialists will work closely with you to ensure your magical day is exactly as you imagined. From applying for your marriage license, to customizing menus for the rehearsal dinner, organizing ceremony décor, arranging entertainment, rest assured every detail will meticulously attended too.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a destination wedding?

Simply put, it’s when a couple decides to travel to another country to get married. The 3rd largest island in the Caribbean, Jamaica is one of most popular destination wedding and honeymoon locations in the world. With beautiful beaches, tropical weather, vibrant culture and great hotels, it’s not hard to work out why!

How far in advance should I be planning my destination wedding?

The more time, the better, so start the process sooner rather than later! 9-18 months usually gives you an ideal amount of time to coordinate all the details. Not to mention early booking helps secure great travel rates, which is of importance if you have a large group of attendees. But don’t worry, if time is of the essence, we’ve worked with ‘last minute” couples and have helped them plan fabulous weddings with only a few months (or weeks!) to spare.

How many days do we need to arrive prior to the ceremony?

By law you’re only required to be in Jamaica 24 hours beforehand, providing prior application has been made for a marriage license.

However, we always recommend that you arrive at least 72 hours in advance. This allows you to spend with the wedding team to go through any final details before the big day.

Once your wedding is confirmed at The Cliff, please send us your applicable personal details (birth certificate, divorce decrees, death certificates) so that we can apply for a marriage license on your behalf. Your wedding planner will make the application two to three months’ prior the wedding date.

What documents are required to get married in Jamaica?

In order to apply for a marriage license, both participants must provide:

Proof of citizenship – original or certified copy of birth certificate, which must include father’s name.
Copy of ID or Passport
Divorce Decree (if applicable)
Death certificate (if applicable)
Legal name change documents (if applicable)
Legal adoption papers, including any name change reference (if applicable)
Professional English translation required (if applicable)
Parent’s written consent if under 18 years of age

***Please Note: Any documents that are not issued in English must be translated by an Official Translator and then certified by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the country of residence and by the nearest Jamaican Mission or Honorary Consulate.

Will our wedding be legal in the county we reside?

Yes, your marriage in Jamaica is a legally binding one. However, we always suggest contacting your local government regarding the official name changing process.

Are any medical or blood tests needed to get married in Jamaica?

No, you are not required to take a medical or blood test to be married in Jamaica.

When will we receive our marriage certificate?

You should receive your signed marriage certificate approximately 12-16 weeks after your wedding ceremony. Please note, if you’re a guest of the hotel, your place of residence on the marriage certificate will be The Cliff Hotel address. As such, we will receive these documents and forward them on to you via courier. If you’d like extra copies of your marriage certificate, these will be at an additional charge.

****** If you wish to request a copy of your marriage certificate after you leave Jamaica, you will need to contact:
The Registrar General Department,
Twickenham Park,
Spanish Town, St Catherine.
Jamaica. W.I.
Fax: 876-749-6458
Telephone: 876-984-304
Website: http://www.rgd.gov.jm

*** – If you married at The Cliff Hotel then you can apply for any additional copies directly through us.

Who will help me with my destination wedding at The Cliff Hotel?

From start to finish you will have your own on-site dedicated wedding specialist. On hand at every stage of the process, our team is committed to working with you or your wedding consultant to ensure all your dreams are transformed into reality. From reserving dates, applying for marriage licenses, planning events, crafting menu options, ordering wedding cakes to coordinate catering staff, we’re here to make sure your day is one to remember.

Can we hold our rehearsal dinner at the hotel?

Yes. With many indoor and outdoor event spaces, and of course Zest, our award-winning restaurant on site, we can easily accommodate a rehearsal dinner. From small to large, formal to informal, pre- wedding to post wedding, simply let your Cliff Wedding team know what you’d like to do.

Can you arrange activities, exclusions or private tours for our wedding guests?

Easily done! Simply have your guests let our concierge desk know what they would like to do, and we’ll make it happen. While we can make things happen on the day, the more advance notice, the better.

Will our guests be able to use the hotel’s KiYara Spa?

Yes, and we wholeheartedly recommend it! Our invigorating spa packages, relaxing massages or rejuvenating treatments can be booked on the same day. However, we always recommend booking in advance to avoid disappointment. To book an appointment for a facial or treatment email Reservations@thecliffjamaica.com or call 800-213-0583. Further information can be found on our KiYara Spa page.

How many people should you invite?

That is entirely up to you. The Cliff Hotel can accommodate up to 200 people in the grounds, but don’t think you need to invite that many! We suggest starting with close friends and family and then building on your list from there. We recommend booking as a group to ensure the best rates and inclusions.

Do you host multiple weddings on the same day or at the same time?

No, we understand the importance of your big day.

Do you offer group discounts for destination weddings?

Yes. Dependent on the number of attendees in your wedding party, we can offer a range of different discounts and wedding packages to suit. Please contact us directly at Reservations@thecliffjamaica.com or call 800-213-0583 to discuss.

How do I get my dress to my destination?

We suggest traveling with your dress in a garment bag, as opposed to checking it in with your luggage. Your flight attendants will usually be happy to hang it in the first-class closet for you, but we recommend always checking ahead to find out.

What about hair and makeup for my destination wedding?

The Cliff Beauty Salon knows how important it is that you look your best on your big day and our experienced, highly-qualified hair stylists and beauticians will make sure you get the dream wedding look you want. Same day appointments can be made when available. However, we always recommend booking in advance to avoid disappointment. To book, email Reservations@thecliffjamaica.com or call 800-213-0583. Further information can be found on our Beauty Salon page.

Available for individual appointments and exclusive group use.

Will someone be available to iron/steam my wedding dress?

Yes. Our wedding coordinators will ensure your wedding dress is perfect and ready for your big day.

What do you offer in the way of decorations?

We can decorate your wedding area in a range of different ways from drapery, floral decorations, seating arrangements, centerpieces to lighting. Just let our wedding team know what you’re looking for, and we’ll do our best to accommodate it.

What types of flowers are available locally?

White and purple dendrobium orchids, ginger lilies, and anthuriums are some of the most popular flowers, but our local florists can supply most flowers on request. Just let us know what you’re looking for, and our wedding coordinators will work to ensure it happens!

Do you have a list of preferred vendors and service coordinators?

At your request, we can provide a list of recommended vendors, for all your wedding needs, from photographers, ceremony officials, florists to entertainers – you name it and we’ll make it happen!

Do you offer a set destination wedding package, or do we choose the elements individually?

The Cliff Hotel can accommodate both options. For more information on our packages, please visit our Destination Wedding Packages page.