Wedding FAQs

Where do I start?
Ceremony and Reception Locations
Cost of a Destination Wedding
Wedding Details & Decor
Legalities
What about our family and friends that cannot attend?
Miscellaneous Questions

Where do I start?

Do you hold destination weddings at your resort?

• Yes, we hold weddings at all of our resorts.

Is there a dedicated wedding planner on site? Can they be reached by email?

• There is a dedicated wedding coordinator on site at Secrets St. James Montego Bay. She can be contacted at: weddings.sesmb@secretsresorts.com

What services does your wedding planner provide? Is there a fee?

• There is no fee for the use of our wedding coordinator. A specialist will be with you to assist prior to and on your special day and they are there throughout the entire experience to answer any question you may have regarding your day!

How much time would we need to reserve our wedding in advance?

• Weddings should be reserved at least three months in advance but one year is preferable if you have exact dates in mind.

How can we confirm our wedding date?

• There is a Wedding Reservation Form and a credit card authorization form that will be provided once you let us know the date that you are interested in. Just fill out these forms and forward them and a copy of your credit card and a picture ID to the wedding department and they will be happy to confirm availability. The wedding will be considered confirmed only when you receive a written communication stating so.

What if we want to reserve on short notice?

• You should contact the wedding coordinator directly.

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

• Even though by law the wedding couple only needs to be here 24 hours in advance, we would advise you to come at least 3 days in advance to meet with the wedding coordinator and marriage officer and go through the final details regarding the wedding.

What is the difference between legal (civil), renewal and symbolic ceremonies?

• Only a civil ceremony is legally recognized. A renewal of vows is a symbolic ceremony; and has no legal bearing and does not replace in any way the binding legal civil marriage. They are performed by a Non denominational minister (please note that Catholic ceremonies cannot be performed outside the church). The bride and groom will receive legal documentation for legal ceremonies.
• After ceremony, the couple will receive a copy of the Marriage Register that the Officer will take to the Registrar General in Montego Bay in order to obtain your Official Certificate. This process takes between 2 to 3 months and we will mail the documents to you as soon as we receive it from the Registrar’s Office.

Do we need to send any documentation prior to arrival?

In order to get legally married by a marriage officer recognized by the Jamaican Government, the following documents and information are required to be sent via fax or private courier service (such as DHL, FedEx, or UPS) to the Wedding Coordinator at least four weeks prior to the couple’s arrival to the hotel:

• Proof of citizenship – certified copy of birth certificate, which includes father’s name.
• Notarized copies of Bride & Groom’s official ID (Passports).
• Proof of divorce if applicable (original certificate of divorce).
• Notarized copy of death certificate for widow or widower.
• Occupation of both candidates. (Sent on the Wedding reservation form)
• Occupation and full names of both sets of parents. (Sent on the Wedding reservation form)
• Parent’s written consent if under 18 years of age. (Sent on the Wedding reservation form)
• For symbolic or renewal of vows a Photocopy of the Marriage Certificate is necessary.

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Ceremony and Reception Locations

What private indoor and outdoor areas of the resort are available for a wedding?

• For Ceremonies:
  • We have three beautiful gazebos overlooking the ocean. Two of these have a maximum capacity of 12 persons and the big Gazebo on the sand area can accommodate up to 70 persons. These are perfect spots for outdoor weddings.
  • Our ballrooms are used for indoor ceremonies or as a backup location in the event of inclement weather.
• For Cocktails and Receptions:
  • The outdoor gazebo (sand area) can host both cocktails and dinners for up to 70 persons. Our beautiful ballrooms are used as an option as well.

Are indoor spaces air-conditioned?

• Yes, our ballroom is air-conditioned

How many people can each of them accommodate?

• The gazebo and beach area can accommodate up to 70 people; the ballroom can also accommodate 800 people, or be broken down into smaller rooms that can accommodate up to 100 people each.

What about guests not staying at the resort?

• Guests who chose to come only for the event will have to purchase a day pass. This will be an additional cost of $95 per person (Subject to change).

Can you email me a layout and images of these places?

• Yes, please contact the wedding coordinator with the requested location.

Do you have an online photo gallery or can you email me pictures of other destination weddings that have taken place at your property?

• Our wedding coordinator can email pictures of other weddings that have taken place at Secrets St. James Montego Bay. You can also browse the resort’s online photo gallery.

Are children allowed in the adult only hotels to attend a wedding?

• No, unfortunately, they are not.

What do you offer in the way of decorations?

• We can decorate the area with flowers, tooling, beautiful seating arrangements, pedestals, chair covers, tie backs, centerpieces, Chinese lanterns, tiki torches and lovely canopies (all at an additional cost).
• Please Note that the décor included in our packages are ceremonial table and chairs with white chair covers.

What time of day do most destination weddings occur? Why?

• We celebrate weddings at 11:00am, 2:00pm and sunset. Most guests chose to marry at sunset. Simply because it is the most romantic time!

Will there be other weddings taking place at the same time as ours?

• No way. Your special time is yours and only yours.

If we want our wedding on the beach, what is the set-up?

• We can provide a decorated arch (at an additional cost) and chairs for guests.

How do I get the free wedding that is advertised?

• This complimentary wedding package is available when booking a Junior Suite Preferred Club Ocean View category or higher, for a minimum of 7-night stay or if a minimum of 5 rooms for a minimum of 3 nights at any room category.

What if I don’t have a witness?

• If there are no witnesses available, these will be provided by the resort at no additional cost.

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Cost of a Destination Wedding at Secrets St. James Montego Bay

What is the cost of a destination wedding at your resort, or is it included in the price of our stay?

• We offer three packages. Ministers/legal fees are separate. Room rates and inclusions depend on which you prefer and are separate also. Please refer to the resort’s main wedding page for details.

Are there any other fees that are associated with getting married or hosting a wedding at the resort?

• There are set wedding package prices which can be found on the Romance tab of the website. For a legal ceremony, the minister’s/ legal fees is $300, For Symbolic or renewals its $150. And there are those extra amenities and services outside the package that may incur an extra cost.

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

• We have three set packages (a package must be selected to perform a ceremony). We cannot discount, subtract or substitute from the packages, however, we can add anything additional you wish.

Can you email a price list to me? Do you expect those prices to change by the date of my wedding?

• Prices for our wedding packages are included on our website. For those little extra touches, a separate price list can be obtained from the wedding coordinator. These prices are always subject to change as services are provided by outside vendors.

If I want to bring friends and family members, do you offer a discount on the price of rooms?

• Group rates are available when booking 10 rooms or more. We would be more than happy to forward any information to our groups sales manager for further assistance.

How many guests are permitted at your standard destination wedding? What do you charge if we exceed that number?

• Packages are valid for up to 10 or 20 guests. Additional guests would incur an additional charge.

Do you require a down payment?

• Yes. For the Wedding in Paradise Package, a $100 deposit is required. For the Secrets of Love and Secrets Ultimate Wedding Package, a $500 deposit is required. The deposits are necessary to hold and confirm the wedding dates and will be applied to the total cost of the wedding package or the legal/ministers fees.

How much? When is the balance due?

• Wedding charges needs to be settled at least the day before the wedding, after the final details are confirmed with the wedding coordinator. A credit line must be opened at check in to make this possible.

What is your cancellation policy?

• The wedding can be canceled six or more months prior to the confirmed date without penalties. If the wedding is canceled within six months, the non-refundable deposit will be kept as a penalty.

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Wedding Details & Decor

Who performs the ceremony at your resort?

• A non- denominational minister will come to the resort to perform your ceremony. The legal fees will be charged separately and are not included in any of the packages.

What if we want a ceremony that honors a particular religion; can someone of that faith be provided?

• No, but feel free to bring your own official of that religion. Let us know in advance. If a legal ceremony is required, a Jamaican minister must perform the ceremony. Only if the symbolic or a renewal can accommodate your own minister.

On the other hand, what if we want a ceremony that does not bring in religion?

• Non religious ceremonies are definitely an option.

How long is the ceremony?

• The ceremony itself lasts about 20 minutes.

What do brides and grooms typically wear at your resort for destination weddings?

• Brides usually wear beautiful white gowns, while grooms usually prefer khakis and a white dress shirt.

Will someone be available to iron my wedding dress?

• Ironing of the wedding dress and suit is included in all the wedding packages.

What do you do if I schedule an outside ceremony and reception -- and it rains? Do you have a picture of the back up plan?

• Yes, our backup plan is our main ballroom area. Please contact the wedding coordinator for more information. Ours can accommodate up to 800 guests.

What time are the sunset and the approximate temperature an hour before?

• Depending on the season, sunset can be anywhere from 5:00 – 7:00 pm.

What types of flowers are available locally? Is there a florist onsite?

• Our most popular flowers for Jamaica are tropical flowers, such as purple and white dendrobium orchids, ginger lilies, and anthuriums. However, almost all kinds of flowers can be provided. We work with local florists to make sure the most options are available.

Is live music available? Can you email me an mp3 file of your house musicians?

• Yes, live music is available. Some of these bands have their own websites. If interested, please contact the wedding coordinator for specific music styles and details.

Can we supply our own music on CD?

• Yes, we would be happy to accommodate your own music (Sound system equipment has an extra charge).

Can you email me suggested menus for the reception?

• Yes, our wedding coordinator can give you different menu options to choose from.

What can you supply in the way of a wedding cake?

• We have three standard wedding cake options available included in the package. Pictures of different cakes can be emailed to you. However you can also send us the picture of your choice and we will be more than happy accommodate you (possibly at an additional cost). Flavors are chocolate and vanilla. Jamaican fruit cake is available at an additional cost.

Do you provide photography/videography services? What is the cost and what do we get for that amount?

• Yes, we have several options to choose from for our video and photography services. The cost will depend on what you choose. You will be able to meet with your photographer once you arrive on property.

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Legalities

Is there someone who can handle the legal details for us and will guide us through the process?

• Yes, the wedding coordinator deals directly with the local officials to coordinate the legalized wedding process.

Is the wedding a legal marriage in other countries?

• Yes, a civil ceremony will be legal marriage worldwide. The marriage certificates can be used as proof.

What are the requirements to get a marriage license in your destination?

• In order to get legally married by a Marriage officer recognized by the Jamaican Government, the following documents are required to be sent via courier to the Wedding Coordinator at least four weeks prior to the couple’s arrival to the hotel:
  • Notarized copies of the Bride & Groom birth certificate
  • Notarized copies of Bride & Groom official ID ( Passports)
  • Notarized copies of Divorce decrees or death certificates (if applicable)

Are witnesses required?

• Yes. If there are no witnesses available, these will be provided by the resort at no extra cost.

I was divorced less then one year ago. Can I have my civil ceremony at the resort?

• Yes. As long as the divorce decree can be provided at least one month before the wedding date

Do we need proof of any medical tests?

• No medical tests necessary.

Do I need a blood test and if so, what diseases does it check for?

• No blood test is needed for ceremonies in Jamaica

If we have to travel offsite to get the license, does your resort provide transportation?

• The wedding coordinator provides the license to you two to three months after the ceremony and it is sent via postal service.

If my name is different from my passport and birth certificate, will this present a problem?

• Yes, in order for the documents to be finalized in Jamaica, there must be proof for different names in order to get married. (I.e. divorce decrees or any name change documents).

Will the minister perform the ceremony if all of our documents are not in order? Are there any exceptions?

• No, there are no exceptions. All documents must be presented, and they must be in order for the ceremony to take place. If not, there is no ceremony.

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What about our family and friends that cannot attend?

How long will it take to get our pictures back, and can they be quickly posted on an online album?

• If you choose a photographer provided by our wedding coordinator, expect to receive your photos and photo album within 72 hours after the ceremony. Depending on the package chosen, your images will appear on DVD or in a lovely album that also includes the negatives.

What type of Internet access is available at your property?

• Secrets St. James Montego Bay offers wireless internet access for a charge in the main buildings of both properties, however if you are a Preferred Club Member it is complimentary. We also have a separate business center equipped with computers, printers, and faxes.

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Miscellaneous Questions

Do you have a dedicated honeymoon suite?

• All our rooms are suits and offer an ocean view. We have the Preferred Club equipped with sun beds and soak tubs on the balconies, swim out suits, master suits and Presidential Suite. These have indoor and outdoor, jetted whirlpool bathtub, and a host of other amenities.

Is there a private terrace or outdoor area where we can hold a rehearsal dinner?

• We can accommodate a rehearsal dinner at any one of our restaurants, or bars, depending on the number of guests, as well as a private location, for an extra charge.

Is there a charge for guests to participate in sports at the resort?

• No, all non motorized sports are included.

Can you arrange a special tour or activity for our guests?

• These may be arranged through the preferred tour company set up in the resort lobby. They are more then happy to arrange the best group outing to fit your needs. If you would need to arrange this in advance, we would be happy to assist by forwarding any information to the necessary persons.

Do I need any immunizations before traveling?

• In order to travel to Jamaica you do not need any immunizations.

What is the time zone?

• Jamaica is in the Eastern Standard Time Zone

Can I drink the water?

• Yes, all of our resorts have their own water purification system allowing the water you drink to be clean and pure. Please be careful when venturing out of the resort.

Can I bring dollars?

• Yes, American dollars are recognized, accepted and welcome in Jamaica.

Is it easy to enter into Jamaica?

• You must have a valid passport to enter.

Do you mind me asking all these questions?

• Not at all! Our wedding coordinator is happy to assist you in planning your perfect day, so please feel free to ask away.

Contact the wedding coordinator directly at weddings.sesmb@secretsresorts.com

And be sure to browse the Secrets St. James Montego Bay Wedding Guide for further details.

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