Planning a wedding abroad? Wedding co-ordinator for the stunning St James’s Club in Antigua, Paula Martin, reveals her top tips for getting married on the beautiful Caribbean island…
How do you make weddings at St James’s Club Special?
Depending on the wedding couple, I use special details to make their wedding memorable. We specialise in customising through specially designed Champagne receptions, location, flower colour, menus and music.
Creativity is the key to a memorable wedding experience so I do what I think the wedding couple will like. If people are having a good time, they will remember the wedding and especially the venue where it all happened – so I try to make it fun for everybody!
What’s the most popular location for people to get married at the resort?
The Hibiscus Gazebo is our most popular location. This gazebo is located on the Atlantic side of the resort and has an amazing view of the Atlantic Ocean. The Hibiscus Gazebo has a cosy intimate setting and some of the most beautiful natural scenery on the resort. Our second most popular location would be directly on Mamora Beach. What could be better than getting married while sinking your toes into the sand, right beside the sea under a romantic bamboo arch?!
What does the wedding planner do on the big day itself?
I get to know my wedding couples and find out exactly the type of look they’re trying to achieve. This can be done prior to their arrival or directly on site for smaller groups. I will help them to pick the suppliers that will meet their individual needs and budget, from photographers and a videographer to entertainment and more. We will review menu selections together and choose the favours. We can also provide cost-cutting ideas for couples on a budget. Guests aren’t forgotten either, as we can plan group excursions, transfers to and from the airport and more.
What’s new at St James’s Club for couples getting married this year?
The newly re-modelled Tranquility Spa is now open with six new treatment rooms and one outdoor area over looking the Mamora Bay for the utmost in relaxation and pampering. The spa has been very much enjoyed by the wedding parties since opening mid-January. They are offering a number of treatments such as haircuts, colour and styling to blow outs and updos for special occasions. If you bring a picture of your favourite style, the girls at the Spa are great at duplicating hairstyles! We also offer manicures and pedicures and treatments so you can look your best during your stay with us. Mamora Bar Pier was also recently renovated and is now one of our most popular locations for large weddings.
What about my dress?
The weather in Antigua is warm all year round, so think about wedding dresses that will work in the heat. Look for lightweight fabrics like chiffon – these will look beautiful blowing in the tropical breeze! Also think about your make-up – matifying products should help to keep shiny noses at bay! There’s a salon at the resort that can do wedding hair and make-up so we’d recommend having a trial before the big day so the girls can perfect your look.
What is there for my guests to do after the wedding?
St James’s Club has its own catamaran called The Verandah and that can be booked for the day and is a fantastic thing for wedding parties to do. Set sail with your own crew for a day of sunbathing, rum punch, sightseeing, snorkelling and swimming. Out and about beyond the resort there are all sorts of things to keep guests busy. The Island Jeep safari is great fun and is an exhilarating way to explore the island.
The Sting Ray City adventure is also really popular and gives people the chance to get into the water with the rays. For a bit of adventure head to the rainforest and Fig Tree Drive and try the zip line, which is a fantastic adrenalin-filled excursion. Also Sunday evenings at Shirley Heights are a legend in Antigua. Watch the sunset from one of the best viewpoints on the island with barbecue, rum punch, music and dancing later in the evening. All excursions can be booked in the resort by the St James’s Club team.
How can I book my wedding day at St James’s Club?
Just visit the website and we’ll do the rest…
