Belize anyone??

[gkashmira]

I produced a couple shows in Belize though I never went there myself. One on Ambergris Caye (seems like the location of the above mentioned wedding planner) and another in the north in Corozal. FYI: My friend who went to Corozal didn't like it at all!

Basically there's Ambergris Caye which is the main tourist destination - white sand beaches, travel by boat or golf cart (no cars) and lots of scuba diving, snorkeling, etc.

There's also smaller Cayes (islands) in the area and if you're looking for something more remote these could be worth checking out - or just asking Jill as she seems to have been there a lot!

On the mainland there's the jungles and mountains and ruins and all that other great stuff. My friends stayed at the "Jaguar Paw" and just loved it. It would be a really cool place for a very small wedding. Here's the website, Jaguar Paw Resort Belize

I also know a great person there who can help with logistics and other stuff on Ambergris Caye. We've hired her on numerous occassions as our productiojn assistant but really she did a lot more. And her boyfriend has a boat that you can rent for a pretty reasonable price (including him driving). There's a ton of beachside restaurants and hotels and private villas, etc.

Anyway I just thought I'd share what i know!

[Tlseege]

Alright, so the place that I ate in Belize was the Jaguar Paw Resort! I never would have guessed! It was part of our canopy zip tour, so we had NO idea where we would be eating. But, after looking at the photos that Kashmira posted, it's obvious that's where we ate! The food was delicious! And I thought it was BEAUTIFUL! I have a few pictures if you'd like to see them.

[Heidi]

I figure I'll post Belize info I find out as I get it to help anyone else who may be interested...

I found this great package for anyone who (like me & my fiance) is struggling between beach vs. jungle/mountains... it's called "Los Dos Cayos" package.
Full info is here: los dos cayos: The Victoria House, Ambergris Caye, Belize
...and this is what the website says about it:

Experience the best of both worlds that Belize has to offer. Enjoy an 8-day 7-night inland-island package visiting both Victoria House island resort and Chaa Creek Jungle Lodge. The Los Dos Cayos package consists of an active 3 or 4 nights stay at Chaa Creek and 3 or 4 nights at Victoria House (it's your choice)

The Los Dos package includes:
Chaa Creek Jungle Lodge: The inland portion of the package includes:
-Thatch cottage accommodations
-All meals
-Excursions to the ancient Mayan Ruins of Tikal, Xunantunich and Chumpiate Cave
-A visit to the sanctuary of Belize Zoo; Natural History Center and Butterfly Farm
-River canoeing and nature walks
-Transfers to and from Belize City airports

Victoria House, Ambergris Caye: Then on to a relaxing 3 or 4 nights stay at Victoria House on the picturesque island of Ambergris Caye.
The island portion of the package includes:
-Accommodations in a charming thatch roof casita
-A welcome cocktail
-Breakfast, lunch and dinner
-One day golf cart to explore the town of San Pedro
-Two half days of snorkeling or one half day of diving.
-Transfers to/from the hotel

All hotel taxes and gratuities at the resorts.
The Rainforest and Island Package is priced per couple for 7 nights in Casita accommodation in Chaa Creek and Victoria House and based on double occupancy. The package includes all accommodations, meals and tours as specified above, transfers, taxes and service charges. We are pleased to upgrade to a Plantation Room at Victoria House for an additional cost.

**Roundtrip flights from Belize City to San Pedro are not included, but can be added for an additional cost.

2007 Rates Los Dos Cayos Package

High Season Low Season
Palapa Casita $5,323 per couple $4,750 per couple
Plantation Room $5,395 per couple $4,822 per couple

[Heidi]

I had asked for more info from some resorts in Belize a while ago & all of these places just sent me info...figured I'd post here in case anyone becomes interseted:

Xanadu Island Resort:
Travel Belize - Xanadu Island Resort, Ambergris Caye
BASIC WEDDING PACKAGE:

Our Basic Wedding Package includes:
- Application and processing of wedding license
- Courier service and notarizing
- Registration of marriage
- Certified copy of marriage certificate
- Minister's fee
- Basic decoration
- Small bridal bouquet
- Groom's flower
- Bottle of wine
Cost is US$1000.00 and is added to your room charges.
Legal Requirements for Non-Resident Marriage in Belize

If neither of the parties has been previously married:
1) Fully completed marriage license application form notarized by a J.P.
2) Photocopy of front 2 pages of passport and page showing arrival date into Belize.
3) Both of the parties must be in country 3 full days prior to filing the petition for the license.

If either or both of the parties have been previously married:
Same as 1-3) above plus: Final divorce decree. Must be certified original.

If either or both parties is a widow or widower:
Same as 1-3) above plus: Copy of the original death certificate.

Most of our wedding couples prefer a late afternoon ceremony. This allows enough light for nice photos both during and after the ceremony, then followed by cocktails and dinner/reception either catered on-site or at a recommended restaurant. If you're planning an afternoon or sunset ceremony and an on-site reception, a recommended a schedule might be:

Ceremony....................4:00-4:30
Photos.........................4:30-5:30
Champagne Toast .......5:30-6:00
Dinner/Reception.........6:00-10:00

Below is wedding details for your perusal. If there is something specific that you would like that is not covered below, please let me know and I will be happy to provide additional information for you.

CEREMONY:
Our ceremony officiant, David Simpson, is a non-denominational minister. He is very jovial and kind and performs an excellent ceremony. I've attached his standard wedding vows. You may make any changes or deletions that you wish. Or, choose your own vows if you would prefer.

PHOTOGRAPHER:
There are three photographers on the island: Roy Novello - www.belicolor, Kay Scott - Kay Scott Photography - Weddings in Belize! or Redirect Page, and Jennifer Sharp - Belize Photography, Aqualand Underwater Scuba Diving and WildlifePhotographs . Please contact the photographers direct for additional information and to confirm.

FLOWERS:
Dulce Wolfe of Sweet Decorations - SWEETDECORATIONS.COM - is one of the top florists in San Pedro. She can let you know what is in season and what colors and types of flowers will work best for your bouquet, centerpieces, etc. Please contact her direct at denwolfe@btl.net.

MUSIC:
Music options for your ceremony and/or reception:

Will & Dale (Guitar/Keyboard/Accoustics)
Ceremony only .......... US$300 (guitar duo only)
Ceremony + Reception (4 hrs. max) .......... US$600

David Marin (DJ Service)
4 hrs. minimum .......... US$300
Ea. additional hr........... US$50

Marimba Music (Mayan Entertainment)
2-3 hrs........... US$300

Javier Castillo's Spanish Guitar (Mariachi)
4 hrs. minimum ..........US$300

CHAMPAGNE TOAST:
Table set up by the pool or on the beach with tropical tablecloth, florals, champagne, glasses, and 1 server.

Cost as follows:

25-30 persons:
Riunart (champagne) .......... US$400
Conche Torro (sparkling wine) .......... US$250

15-20 persons:
Riunart (champagne) .......... US$350
Conche Torro (sparkling wine) .......... US$200

10-15 persons:
Riunart (champagne) .......... US$300
Conche Torro (sparkling wine) .......... US$150

5-10 persons:
Riunart (champagne) .......... US$250
Conche Torro (sparkling wine) .......... US$125

2-5 persons:
Riunart (champagne) .......... US$200
Conche Torro (sparkling wine) ..........US$100

CAKE:
A traditional vanilla wedding cake topped with tropical flowers can be arranged for your reception. Or if you'd prefer, you can bring a keepsake topper of your own.

Cake sizes and prices:
Large (12" round + 9" round + 7" round) .......... US$200 (serves 40-50)
Medium (10" round + 8" round + 6" round) .......... US$175 (serves 30-35)
Medium (12" round + 9" round) .......... US$150 (serves 25-30)
Small (10" round + 8" round) .......... US$125 (serves 20-25)

DINNER/RECEPTION:

We can either have your reception catered on site or recommend a restaurant off site.

Catered events require a minimum of 20 guests. Suggested menus are Beach BBQ, Mexican and Traditional Belizean (see attached). These menus can of course be modified. Please inquire.

Recommended restaurants for your reception are: Blue Water Grill, Capricorn, and Rico's. Any of these restaurants can arrange a banquet or buffet menu of your choosing from their standard menu. Attached please find menus from these restaurants for your reference.


Journey's End Resort: they send me SIX emails full of information!!! I'd be happy to forward to anyone intersted.
Your Paradise Belize Dive Travel Vacation Resort
Belize Weddings ★ at Journey's End Resort - wedding info
wedding photos: Journey's End Resort - Weddings at Journey's End Resort

Kanantik
Luxury Belize Resort - Kanantik. Unique and Private Caribbean Getaway
Kanantik is an eco-sensitive resort built within the natural environment and attempts to preserve the pristine setting established by nature. The resort is located on a 1300-foot of private, remote, palm fringed and gold sandy beach, just few miles from the Cockscomb Basin Jaguar Preserve; our property encompasses over 300 acres of natural and untouched land which is full of wildlife.

We offer only 25 individual thatched, secluded, beachside cabañas, indulgently spacious, all with air conditioning, each set apart for maximum privacy, either with four-posted king size or two twin beds. Nestled between the lush green forest and the Caribbean sea, cabañas are designed with an unique blend of the local Mayan tradition and contemporary style, all with handcrafted furniture and a large private deck for relaxation.

The private resort offers a one-of-a-kind blend of luxury, seclusion, superb service and excellent cuisine.

The Romantic Beachfront Wedding and Honeymoon is a 7 nights - 8 days package and it offers:

Roundtrip direct transfer flight from Belize International airport to Kanantik’s private airstrip by Tropic Air on scheduled flight, with arrival at the Resort on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays & Mondays only

Transfers from and to Kanantik’s private airstrip.
Welcome tropical Belizean rum cocktail.
Accommodation in a beachside, fully air conditioned, secluded thatched roof cabaña with wrap-around deck that includes a king size four-posted bed.
Flowers, flowers and more flowers…
Romantic oceanfront candlelight dinner.
Full meal plan: breakfast a la carte, lunch, three courses dinner.
Coffee, teas, soft drinks and fresh squeezed juices are provided daily.

Three tours:

- Cockscomb Basin Jaguar Preserve looking for wildlife, black howler monkeys, birds, wild flowers, exotic trees. (half day)
- Snorkeling at the barrier reef at South Water Caye marine reserve(full day)
- Xunantunich Mayan ruin, an exciting full day trip which will take you all across Belize to the western Guatemalan border; lunch at Clarissa Fall with typical Belizean food. (full day)

Room service
Unlimited use of sea kayaks, Hobie Cats
Oceanfront outdoor swimming pool and whirlpool
Internet access in main lodge
Laundry service
Parks entrance fees
Complete wedding package: marriage license, Pastor, Priest or Judge of Peace, bridal bouquet, photographer, wedding cake and one chilled bottle of real French Champagne Môet & Chandon

Total cost US$4,910.00
Price is for two people and includes all Taxes and service charge.


I have to say, I thought I had decided on Jamaica and ruled out Belize....but after getting all of this information, I'm reconsidering!!!!

[tvt]

Heidi, I thought you were decided on Jamaica??!!! You are too funny but I can totally relate!

[Heidi]

Originally Posted by tvt

Heidi, I thought you were decided on Jamaica??!!! You are too funny but I can totally relate!

haha, I know - tell me about it!!! Jamaica is MUCH more affordable for guests...so we'll probably stay there. Plus, Reggie REALLY wants Jamaica - he's originally from the islands, and wants to get married in the Caribbean. (My 1st choice would be Costa Rica or Belize!) Who knows....

[ajncooter]

i used to work on a cruise ship and have been there about 100 times... if you have any questions ask away

[xiaosie]

Thanks for posting all that info, Heidi! My fiance and I are considering Belize and may actually make a quick last minute trip there this weekend to check things out - if we can get a flight!!

Does anyone know a great place to get last minute flights to Belize?

I'm loving the Journey's End Resort right now...

[Kristie Ottinger]

Originally Posted by xiaosie

Thanks for posting all that info, Heidi! My fiance and I are considering Belize and may actually make a quick last minute trip there this weekend to check things out - if we can get a flight!!

Does anyone know a great place to get last minute flights to Belize?

I'm loving the Journey's End Resort right now...

WOW, what a neat place, i love how they have sand on the ground in the indoor area.

[jillhigginsphotography]

I got my most recent tickets to Belize on travelocity and got a really good deal. Unfortunately, airline tickets are really high right now. Houston and Miama are the cheapest places to depart from so I would check to see what carrier in your area has a hub there. American Airlines is usually cheapest. But...Delta has a great direct flight out of Atlanta that is sometimes priced really well.

:)