Destination Weddings for Catholics

What bride-to-be hasn’t secretly imagined the incredibly romantic image of herself and her loved one on the beach standing in the sand, waves gently lapping, seagulls soaring overhead and loving family and friends looking on as they become man and wife.

OK, let’s get back to reality:

You know that weddings on the beach are subject to sudden tropical showers, wind, flies, sand crabs, and grandma’s walker getting stuck in the sand.

And most importantly, as pointed out before, Catholic weddings must be performed on consecrated ground, so that pretty much rules out a beach wedding, right? Not necessarily! In the last few years some wise resort owners have decided that they are missing out on the Catholic wedding market.

One of these is the Gran Caribe Resort in Cancun, Mexico shown in the photo here.

Their chapel, Our Lady of Guadalupe, is a consecrated chapel, and brings you right on to the beach…….but indoors, away from the bugs, sand and any passing showers.  It is truly the best of both worlds.

To take much of the stress out of the wedding there are wedding planners who help to coordinate everything at your destination and also put you in touch with a local Roman Catholic priest in good standing. And, the prices seem to be a bargain compared to many other countries.

If you are thinking of an exotic setting, you might also consider staying at a resort and getting married in a Catholic church nearby. Some of these are either overlooking—or on—the ocean. An example is Our Lady Gate of Heaven in Negril, Jamaica.   Their website clearly spells out the requirements, and has contact information for those interested.

Also, there are wedding destination firms that arrange Catholic weddings in Antigua, Barbados, Curacao, St Kitts & Nevis and St Lucia, with packages starting around $2.000. U.S. that include most everything for a small party.

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