Featured in MunaLuchi Bride Magazine Issue 31, this helpful guide has everything you need to plan your dream destination wedding in the Cayman Islands.
On December 4 – 7th, 2023, MunaLuchi headed to the beautiful Cayman Islands for its 9th annual Coterie Retreat. While staying at the luxurious Westin Grand Cayman Seven Mile Beach Resort and Spa, we explored the island’s dreamy offerings in romance, culture, and adventure.
We are excited to share our destination wedding guide on how to plan your dream nuptials at this exquisite island getaway. From the best time to travel to finding the perfect wedding venue, securing your on-island vendor team, and more – we’ve got you covered!
*Purchase a print copy of Issue 31 in our Muna Shop!
**All featured photos are courtesy of the Cayman Islands Department of Tourism
Best time to travel:
While Cayman offers tropical weather year-round, like many Caribbean destinations it also has a hurricane season. This typically occurs between June and November. With this in mind, you’re probably wondering when is the best time of year to plan a wedding in Cayman.
In a 2023 article written by Rotsen J Pascual for Celebrations Weddings Grand Cayman (an event planning company that’s been executing events on the island for the last 30 years– including portions of MunaLuchi’s 9th-annual Coterie Retreat!), the company recommends Spring as the perfect time of year to wed in Cayman.
Pascual further explains, “The weather is idyllic, with warm and sunny days, and comfortable evenings. It’s the perfect season for an outdoor ceremony, with the refreshing sea breeze and sparkling ocean views.”
While Spring may be the ideal time for weddings according to on-island vendors, Cayman is happy to host destination weddings and events year-round. The only catch is that Mother Nature can be unpredictable. Especially during Hurricane Season.
To give couples and fellow travelers peace of mind, the Cayman Islands Department of Tourism continues to provide visitors with a Worry Free Hurricane Guarantee. This special promise, made in cooperation with participating on-island partners, covers cancellations due to a hurricane watch being issued or compensation if time on the island is cut short due to inclement weather.
Find out more details on Cayman’s Hurricane Guarantee at www.visitcaymanislands.com.
Choosing your wedding location:
Made up of three main islands including Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac, and Little Cayman, each location adds its own unique flair to the destination (with ample places to say “I do!”).
Couples can exchange vows on the bluffs of Cayman Brac, sail away to Little Cayman’s Owen Island for an intimate, private island experience, or hop on a quick flight to Grand Cayman for a stay at one of the island’s many luxurious accommodations.
Fall in love with these Muna-approved wedding venues:
Westin Grand Cayman Seven Mile Beach Resort and Spa:
As our host venue for Coterie Retreat 2023, this luxurious resort and spa offers stunning views of Cayman’s famous Seven Mile Beach. With their all-inclusive Love Well Package, couples don’t have to worry about planning all the details. They can simply say “I do” with their toes in the sand on Seven Mile Beach, celebrate under the stars on the Governor’s Lawn, or dance the night away indoors at the Governor’s Ballroom while enjoying custom culinary creations and cocktails. Discover more at www.bit.ly/westingrandcayman.
Grand Old House:
The site of our fabulous Welcome Party, Grand Old House is one of Cayman’s premier waterfront wedding venues. Established in 1908 and formerly known as the Petra Plantation House, today the sought-after venue effortlessly mixes old-world charm with contemporary elegance. Couples can imagine exchanging vows at sunset on their oceanfront deck or escaping the heat indoors in one of their 10 private dining rooms. For your reception or cocktail hour, enjoy live music paired with local and international cuisines and an award-winning Wine List. As a bonus, they also make wedding cakes! Learn more at www.grandoldhouse.com.
Rum Point Beach Club:
A quick 30-minute sailboat ride from Seven Mile Beach will take you to the exclusive beachfront property of Rum Point Club. The host of last year’s always-anticipated White Party, Rum Point Club stretches over 4 acres of land and can accommodate everything from intimate celebrations to large destination weddings and events. With multiple restaurants on-site including The Rum Deck and Solis Restaurant, you can have your wedding festivities spread out at different locations and enjoy authentic Caymanian cuisines and cocktails. Discover more at www.rumpointclub.com.
Pedro St. James Castle:
The host of our finale gala, the most anticipated and formal event of the Coterie Retreat, Pedro St. James Castle is a versatile option for an outdoor wedding in Grand Cayman. Nestled in the historic heart of Grand Cayman, Pedro St. James stands as a testament to the island’s rich heritage. Known as the “Birthplace of Democracy” in the Cayman Islands, this majestic estate offers couples a blend of culture and romance for their special day. With its lush gardens, panoramic sea views, and charming colonial architecture, Pedro St. James provides an enchanting backdrop for weddings steeped in history and elegance. Discover more at www.pedrostjames.ky.
Black Urchin:
Perched atop a picturesque bluff overlooking the azure Caribbean waters, Black Urchin Luxury Villa epitomizes opulence on Grand Cayman. With its sleek modern design, infinity pool, and private beach access, this exclusive retreat offers couples an unparalleled setting for their dream wedding. Designed to accommodate up to 22 guests in the private residences or up to 12 guests in the 4BR suites, imagine exchanging vows against the backdrop of breathtaking sunsets and gentle sea breezes. For an unforgettable celebration in paradise, Black Urchin Luxury Villa sets the stage for an unforgettable union. Explore more at www.blackurchin.com.
Seascape Villa:
The epitome of quiet luxury, Seascape Villa offers a distinctive blend of luxury and intimacy for couples seeking an unforgettable wedding destination. This exclusive estate, which can sleep up to 21 guests, stands out with its harmonious fusion of contemporary design and Caribbean charm, providing a unique backdrop for exchanging vows. With its secluded location along 7-mile beach, lavish amenities, and personalized service, Seascape Villa ensures an unparalleled level of privacy and elegance. With serene gardens and private beach access, every detail at Seascape Villa is crafted to exceed expectations, making it a truly exceptional choice for couples seeking a one-of-a-kind wedding experience. Discover more at https://seascapevilla.com/.
Selecting your vendor team:
Planning a wedding is a challenge no matter where you are; however, planning one from afar adds even more pressure. That’s why it’s so important to do research and choose the right vendors for you and your vision. Luckily, MunaLuchi has worked with several amazing Cayman companies who would be excellent additions to any vendor team.
Check out these on-island vendors that helped bring MunaLuchi’s 2023 Coterie Retreat to life:
Decor + Design + Rentals:
With over three decades of service in the wedding and events industry, Celebrations Weddings Grand Cayman creates luxurious experiences with personalized, quality “Caymankind” services. Offering full-time planning, floral design, and production teams, and an inventory of over 200,000 decor items, Celebrations Weddings Grand Cayman will help bring your dream destination wedding to life from start to finish!
Rum Tasting:
Cayman Spirits Co. made a name for itself distilling alcohol in non-traditional ways. In the early 2000s, owners Walker Romanica and Nelson Dilbert and a small group of friends took to the sea to explore the concept of aging rum on the ocean floor. With some trial and error, they cracked the code and created the first-ever undersea rum maturation site. On May 27, 2008, they officially launched their Seven Fathoms Rum and have since created several premium rum flavors and even opened a distillery and tasting room. We recommend booking Cayman Spirits Co. for a rum tasting at your wedding reception or cocktail hour!
Rentals:
Located in Goerge Town, Cayman Islands, Crown Event Rentals & Services provides top-notch event equipment for all of your wedding planning needs. With an emphasis on quality customer service, they are dedicated to providing memorable moments and have all the rentals necessary to help make your vision a reality.
Cuisine + Catering:
Dubbed the Culinary Capital of the Caribbean, it’s no surprise that Cayman has some of the most delicious cuisines. Thatch & Barrel is one of our top culinary options for Cayman celebrations. The renowned restaurant not only boasts panoramic ocean views of the historic Pedro St. James but also dreams up globally inspired cocktails and masterful culinary fusions using locally sourced ingredients– the perfect equation for your wedding menu!
Live Band:
Bringing energy and passion to the Coterie Retreat stage, James Geary Music performed live at our final Gala event. Mixing classic songs and today’s hits with island vibes, his soulful voice and energetic performance are the perfect touch for your wedding reception or cocktail hour entertainment.
Gifting:
Isy B. Cayman Islands creates effortlessly elegant resort fashion and accessories inspired by the vibrant colors of the Caribbean and Cayman folktales. Brides can indulge their bridal party with unique gifts such as sleep masks, journals, and colorful kimonos or kaftans, or treat themselves to a new Isy B. bathing suit for their romantic honeymoon in Cayman!
Planning your island itinerary:
Following their wedding, honeymooners can spend the rest of their days delving into local culture while shopping at Heritage House Craft Market, exploring coral reefs, shipwrecks, and sea life while scuba diving, and immersing themselves in nature at Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park.
Our top activities for couples in Cayman include:
Swim with sting rays:
Nature lovers can have this unique experience at one of Cayman’s most well-known locations: Sting Ray City. With the guidance of a trained instructor, mingle with playful Atlantic stingrays who have made this iconic sandbar their home.
Kayak in Grand Cayman’s Bioluminescent Bay:
Set the mood for romance at this after-dark kayaking experience. In Cayman’s Bioluminescent Bay, float above a sea of tiny glowing organisms called dinoflagellates and relish in an unforgettable show of lights and colors.
Visit Cayman Spirits Co. Distillery:
This world-renowned distillery made its name by introducing a new way of aging rum along the ocean floor. Taste its expansive range of flavors yourself while touring the property (or hire its team to host a unique rum-tasting experience like we did at Coterie Retreat 2023!).
Unwind at Rum Point Beach Bars:
Located on the North Side of Cayman, couples can find a more low-key escape at Rum Point with white sand beaches, laid-back vibes, and classic tropical cocktails served at one of its many relaxed beachside bars.
Navigating the Legalities:
With all the fun of planning behind you, it’s time to get into the fine print.
According to the Cayman Islands Department of Tourism (CIDOT), with the right preparation, couples can legally marry in Cayman as soon as the same day they arrive. However, there are a few things you need to know before making things official in Cayman.
Documentation needed to legally wed in the Cayman Islands includes Proof Of Citizenship and Age (Passport or Birth Certificate and Photo ID), Proof Of Marital Status (Divorce Decree or Death Certificate, if needed), Immigration Department Cards for Non-Cruise Passengers, and International Embarkation/Disembarkation Cards for Cruise Passengers.
At your ceremony (even if you’re eloping) you will also need to have two witnesses, a Non-Residents Marriage License, and a letter from the authorized Marriage Officer who will be officiating your nuptials.
Not sure where to get these on-island documents?
Couples can obtain non-resident marriage licenses and a list of licensed Marriage Officers from the Passport and Corporate Services Office or on Cayman’s Sister Islands from the District Commissioner’s Office.
Getting there:
You’re almost to the best part (a.k.a. the wedding!). But first, you have to book your flight.
Located only 480 miles south of Miami, Cayman is only an hour away by plane! The Cayman Islands offer flights with most major airlines including Delta, Southwest, JetBlue, and American Airlines just to name a few, and flies out of most major hubs across the U.S., Canada, and the United Kingdom.
However, if you’re looking to experience true Caymankind hospitality, we recommend booking your flight with Cayman Airways.
The exclusive airline offers nonstop service to eight international gateways with direct flights between Grand Cayman and the following major US Cities: Miami and Tampa, Florida; New York, New York; Denver, Colorado, and Los Angeles, California. Nonstop service is also provided between Grand Cayman and regional destinations, including Kingston, Jamaica; Havana, Cuba; Bridgetown, Barbados, and La Ceiba, Honduras.
Cayman Airways also offers special travel packages for destination weddings so you can relax, distress, and unwind on your flight. Their affordable and specially tailored offerings include priority check-in for the bride and groom, complimentary champagne, access to the “Sir Turtle” Club Lounge on departure from Cayman, and a 5% discount on your next trip to the Cayman Islands (valid for 1 year after your trip). Group fares are also available, so your entire wedding party can experience the luxuries of flying the Cayman way.
Ultimately, we hope this Destination Wedding Guide for The Cayman Islands helps you jumpstart your wedding planning journey.
While wedding planning in itself can be stressful, destination weddings present even more unique challenges. It’s critical couples take the time to research and explore the wedding destination of their dreams to discover everything it has to offer and what to expect. This will help alleviate any anxiety and simultaneously elevate pre-wedding excitement. After all, you’re getting married! This is a time to celebrate!
With Cayman’s endless venue options, delicious cuisines, and on-island vendors providing quality Caymankind service at every moment of the wedding planning process, we promise you’re in good hands.
From the Muna Family to Yours – Happy Planning!
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