Ahh, Anguilla: the quiet slice of Caribbean paradise beloved by vacationers (and many celebrities) for its winning mix of white sand beaches, inspired cuisine, and lavish accommodations. Naturally, such a tempting combination of virtues has also established Anguilla as one of the region’s most desirable wedding destinations, drawing lovers from far and wide for ceremonies and honeymoons in the lap of (barefoot) luxury. With so many vistas, beaches, and properties to choose from, picking a venue in Anguilla can be a challenge – even for the most steely and decisive bride and groom. If you’re ready to say “I do” to your partner but not to a venue, we’ve compiled a few choice picks for ceremonies of all sizes sure to get you in a matrimonial mood.
Santosha Villa Estate
Ideal for: small but lavish ceremonies, couples who prize peace and privacy
Anguilla’s lovely Long Bay Village holds a treasure for soon-to-be-weds: a tropical estate right on a secluded beach that puts privacy and serenity first. The marvelous Santosha Villa Estate answers the age-old question of “What would it be like if we had an entire Caribbean resort to ourselves?” with a very emphatic “awesome!”. The beachfront villa itself is the largest private property in Anguilla and stuns with its character and architecture: classic West Indies decor, sea-facing verandahs, bespoke rooms resplendent with one-of-a-kind antiques, and adjoining pools and tennis courts ensure this exceptional estate will please wedding parties of all preferences. The Santosha team also prides itself on delivering an experience customized to each couple: five-star catering, a dedicated butler and concierge, and a passionate wedding planning team are just a few of the resources available in the lead up to tying the knot. As a product of its size and focus on privacy, the Estate is ideal for a small ceremony attended by friends and family. Four additional guesthouses on the property combine to accommodate up to 21 guests. Available to rent either for a single day or, more commonly, for between four to fourteen days, Santosha should rocket to the top of the list for couples desiring an idyllic venue they can truly call their own.
Cap Juluca, A Belmond Hotel
Ideal for: Small to moderate parties, seekers of a storybook wedding in paradise
A breathtaking collection of Moorish-style villas hugging the white-sand crescent of the eminently desirable Maundays Bay, the Cap Juluca, a Belmond Hotel, should be the first choice for the couple whose ceremony simply must look like the cover of a romance novel. The Cap Juluca offers unabashed barefoot luxury refined to a science, and its wedding programming follows the same vein: your sunset ceremony (either on the beach or within the 1800 sq ft event pavilion) will be complemented by a pre and post-vow offering of five-star Peruvian gastronomy, traipses through lush gardens, and midday dips in warm waters of deepest blue. Cap Juluca’s eighteen globally regarded luxury villas are further split into six beautifully appointed suites, complete with tasteful decor, king-size beds, adjoining private pools, and stargazing balconies. While the often-moderate accommodation capacity may pose challenges to couples with long guest lists, Cap Juluca’s wedding facilities can easily accommodate up to 150 attendees at the ceremony itself. For intimate events with a close circle or even a passionate elopement, Cap Juluca is hard to beat: its 180 acres of prime beachfront and dreamy villas epitomize the Caribbean splendour many wistfully daydream about.
Four Seasons Resort & Residences
Ideal for: Large events, couples who’d rather celebrate than plan
All bliss, no stress: the sprawling Four Seasons is the venue of choice for couples who want to spend less time planning their big day and more time enjoying their big day. As one might expect from one of Anguilla’s largest properties on island, the Four Seasons has developed a robust offering of picturesque nuptial environs, with numerous terraces, restaurants, and bars overlooking the turquoise waters of Barnes and Meads Bay. The Four Seasons is the ideal choice for larger destination weddings: its facilities can accommodate up to 250 guests for a spirited celebration of love in paradise. It goes without saying, of course, that the property’s many amenities and exceptional staff make honeymooning on Anguilla a dream: catered beach dinners, bespoke island-hopping itineraries, and masterful massages on the island’s white sands are just the tip of the iceberg for newlyweds.
As we alluded to previously, the Four Seasons really establishes its wedding bona fides with its broad selection of wedding packages designed to let couples focus on their romance. Take, for example, the ‘Romance in Paradise’ package: photography, cake, bridal makeup, decor, a couple’s massage – and much more, all courtesy of the Four Seasons’ dedicated team of onsite wedding planners and facilitators. Peace of mind is priceless – especially on your big day – making the Four Seasons a top recommendation.
