Catholic Jamaican Wedding

[driftaway]

I sent a reply earlier, but it did not post. So, I'll try again. I have about 8 people not staying at our resort and one toddler. It was going to cost around $130 per person for a day pass. Plus $15 per person for the mini-reception after the ceremony (50 people total) On top of paying for the reception for everyone ect...

(I don't understand why people pay for food/drink at an all-inclusive resort just because they are getting married??)

 

Also, was not a lot of options for time of day. The resort packages were either full of things we did not want ex. T-shirts,too little, or too big! The prices were way high for the decorations and flowers. For example, to purchase bouquets for my bridesmaids. I was quoted $125 each.

 

Going outside the resort, I picked my colors, arch, cake, bouquets and boutonnieres, flower type, location, photo package ect.. I just e-mailed Almarie the pictures of things I wanted. I found it easier to get a hold of Almarie, as well. If I e-mailed she got back to me that day. If I phoned, she always answered all my questions and also e-mailed me after the phone call. That way I had a physical copy of all her answers/quotes ect...

 

Reception: We are going on a booze cruise/dinner party through Red Stripe Charters.(Buffet jerk chicken,jerk pork, open bar) Very casual! To get a 3 hour private cruise with transportation to the resort afterward was $76.00. Where to pay the resort for a 3 hour private wedding reception & dinner is 75.00 per person(how is that all inclusive??)

 

Going out of the resort lets us see more of Jamaica. My guests are looking forward to going on the cruise and going to my wedding site. They want to see Jamaica, but are a little afraid to go adventuring by themselves.

 

Hope this helps,

Sorry its so long, but there were a lot of reasons, not just one!

[ladam10854]

I can clearly undestand your reasons. All of my party willbe staying at the resort. My fiance is Jamaican but his family is all in the states, except for his grandmother. She may not be able to make the trip to Ocho Rios so we will probably travel to see her.

 

I think I am going to give the wc at Riu a try. Contacting the priest this week to see if they have worked with the hotel. Crossing my fingers!

 

Your wedding and reception sound awesome. Hopefully you can share pictures! Anxious to see your review!

[MsSunshine]

Hi ladies, I was just reading your posts and also thinking about having a catholic church wedding. I was wondering what the process was to get married in a church there? Thanks

[driftaway]

Sorry, it took so long to reply. I just got back from Jamaica, yesterday! Father John Bosco married me in Our Lady of Fatima Church.(I have pictures, if you want) He was so helpful and kind.

 

To get married in a Catholic Church in Jamaica is the same as getting married in a Catholic Church in your home town. First, I phoned the priest to see if the date I wanted to get married was booked. I saved the date. Next, you have to complete the pre-marrital course offered through your church. After the course your Pastor will then have to fax your pre-marrital papers/course certificate/baptismal and birth certificates to the main office in Montego Bay. Once that is complete you are good to go.

 

Everything is done by your priest back home. He actually has all say on whether you get married in a church in Jamaica or not.

 

If you want the phone numbers & addresses and any more detailed let me know. I'll p.m. you everything.

 

PS. I would higher recommend Father John. Even if you decide on a civil ceremony outside. Father John was amazing. He impressed everyone at my wedding. He is fantastic. He even did my Civil Ceremony outside the day before!! You could not ask for a more helpful, friendly minister. He went out of his way to make our day special for everyone at our wedding.

[MsSunshine]

I'm curious to know but what did your parish priest say when you told him you wanted to have a DW in Jamaica? did he try to advise you not to?

[driftaway]

My parish priest was fine with it. He actually already had all the information for the church and priest in Ocho Rios because someone else from here got married in the same church a year earlier. Around here everyone leaves for destination weddings. It is cheaper for everyone involved. You get a all inclusive vacation. A break from our long cold winters and it cost just as much to rent a hotel room here.

My priest had no problems and was very helpful.

[kandm2011]

Hi Driftaway, I wanted to say congratulations first of all!!

 

Did you post any pics of the wedding or reception? I'm new to here so in case you did excuse the question. :-)

 

I have chosen also to get married at our lady of fatima and am probably staying at the riu - i'm excited to contact the wc you used to see what the options are compared to the resort.

 

I was wondering if there were any dress restrictions at this church? I have read that at some catholic churches they don't allow things such as sleeveless dresses (don't remember it this was DR or Mexico) and I really don't want to compromise on my backless dress!

 

Thanks,

Michelle