Destination Wedding: Cayman Islands

This past Spring Break, I had the incredible opportunity to experience the luxury lifestyle of Grand Cayman at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel.  As I ran on the 7 mile beach each day, I saw many weddings taking place and thought to myself how perfect it would be to get married on the soft white sand beach of Grand Cayman facing the vast ocean with multiple different shades of blue.

So, why here? Couples with keen insight who want more than a destination wedding  head to the Cayman Islands for the ultimate in hospitality and tropical romance. Whether you choose to marry at a smaller resort or a five-star hotel, this destination has the resources to cater to every couple's personal style, guest list size, and whim. Not to mention the backdrop is absolutely gorgeous. Think tranquil turquoise waters, and sugary white sandy beaches dotted with palm and pine trees.

Here's a few things to know about Grand Cayman. The three islands are home to a wealth of reputable wedding vendors, from full-scale event planners to photographers, florists, and bakers. High season begins the week before Christmas and goes through April 16 with an average temperature of 80 degrees. Avoid hurricane season, which is May-November. The Cayman Islands is practically the safest destination in the Caribbean, which makes it a great destination for multigenerational families.

Your guest have a plethera of options should they have some downtime in between wedding events. Stingray City is just a 10-minute boat ride away, where adventure seekers can swim with tropical fish and snorkel among the reefs. At the Turtle Farm at Boatswain's Beach, kids and adults alike will marvel at hundreds of giant turtles and other creatures of the deep. For the shoppers, there is also historic Georgetown, where sparkling jewelry retailers abound.

The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman opened in December 2005, the Ritz has brought five-star luxury to the Cayman Islands. With its location on the famous Seven Mile Beach, ceremonies and receptions have a set up on the Great Lawn, by the sea on the hotel's private beach, or in a the 9,000-square-foot Cayman Islands Royal Ballroom. The Ritz is staffed with an incredible in-house team of four floral designers (who keep the hotel smelling as beautiful as it looks), as well as a pastry chef to create your wedding's requisite bouquets and confections. What's more, Silver Rain, a La Prairie Spa at The Ritz-Carlton, has a menu of indulgent spa treatments (I recommend the hot stone massage!) that will wash you clean of any pre-wedding jitters!