8 of the Best Wedding Venues in Antigua
With a stunning 95 mile shoreline, the stunning island of Antigua is best known for its beautiful scenery, crystal clear blue waters, friendly and welcoming people and wonderfully enjoyable climate. Nicknamed the land of 365 beaches (one for every day of the year!), it has a rich cultural heritage made up of British and African influences, with English being the official language of the island. With a population of under 100,000 people, it’s a serene, calm and intimate spot for a wedding and just downright dreamy.
Below we’ve listed 8 of our favourite spots on the island, to help you on the hunt for the perfect wedding venue.
1. Jumby Bay
A stunning 300 acre private island located off the northern coast of Antigua, Jumby Bay is part of the esteemed Oetker Collection, who are known for their luxurious stays. With various event spaces across the hotel, along with private suites and residences on the shoreline, the hotel has an abundance of beautiful spots to celebrate in. All their packages are entirely tailor made to you and your style of wedding, with the ability to take over the hotel if you wish.
2. Curtain Bluff
One of the most impressive luxury resorts on the island, the charming yet chic Curtain Bluff was originally owned and run by the late Chelle Hulford and her husband, who built the resort back in the 1970s. She was the personification of the elegant yet friendly nature of the hotel, and could always be seen spreading welcoming cheer as she made her way throughout the hotel. This legacy wholeheartedly remains, and is part of what makes this venue extra special. Wedding ceremonies can take place at The Bluff House or on the beach, followed by a reception within the Seagrape Restaurant. They can host weddings from 2 to 140 guests, with the option of taking over the full hotel for a minimum of 3 days.
3. Royalton Antigua
Located along the sandy coast of St Johns Deep Bay, set below the British built Fort Barrington, Royalton Antigua is a glamorous choice for an all-inclusive wedding venue. Host your ceremony and reception of up to 80 guests on either their Sky Terrace, Private Beach or by their Beach Gazebo, all with views looking out to the stunning Caribbean Sea. The venue is also home to 3 impressive swimming pools, 8 restaurants, 5 bars and luxury accommodation which includes overwater bungalows.
4. Catherine’s Cafe
A beautifully designed boho chic spot, Catherine’s Cafe is a charming French inspired restaurant tucked away within Pigeon Point Beach. Surrounded by lush greenery yet right on the beach, it is a refined and chic, sun dappled space to celebrate your wedding. All their events are run via their events branch Rocks Group Events, who specialise in creating bespoke, fine dining and trend-setting celebrations. Their events team have 50 years of experience between them and have worked with a number of notable brands and of course, brides and grooms! During your wedding you’ll dine on a delicious menu of French cuisine with a relaxed beachy twist, all made using local and responsibly sourced ingredients.
5. The Inn at English Harbour
Located at the heart of the English Harbour, a National Park positioned just across from the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Nelson’s Dockyard, The Inn at English Harbour is a charming and chic spot. Nestled right on the white sandy beach with a private dock, guests can enjoy swimming and snorkeling with sea turtles, reef fish and even the occasional friendly stingray. Get married in their picturesque gardens, on their open terrace or on the private beach, followed by delicious dishes inspired by Italian traditions alongside local Caribbean flavours. The venue has an abundance of amenities too, including tennis courts, a gym, library, games room, spa and a large pool looking out to sea.
6. Hammock Cove
The island’s newest all-inclusive adult only retreat, Hammock Cove excels in 5 star luxury, with its very own Michelin starred dining options. Located on Antigua’s north-east coast with views of Devil’s Bridge National Park and the Caribbean Sea, it is the perfect spot for elopements and micro weddings up to 6 people. The resort is dotted with lots of private villas with indoor/outdoor living, plunge pools and modern amenities, that are wonderfully sized for an intimate wedding.
7. Hermitage Bay
Nestled on the hillside of a hidden sandy bay in a quiet corner of Antigua, Hermitage Bay is home to luxury accommodation and delicious dining facilities, with a focus on wellness. Say your vows alongside miles of white sandy shoreline with nothing but the sound of lapping waves, followed by a reception surrounded by their lush tropical gardens. They only host one wedding there per week, and keep things super simple by just offering one package to cover all you need, to keep things relaxed and stress free.
8. Santa Clara
One of the most renowned and biggest wedding venues in Antigua, Santa Clara is a breathtakingly beautiful ancient church ruin that is perfect for a laidback yet unique wedding. Founded in 1700, the church was destroyed in 1773 by an earthquake, leaving behind some of its remains, including the intricate church stonework facade, arches, gardens and partial sections of the courtyard. The venue can host up to 250 guests and has multiple spaces to choose from. From our research on the venue, it seems you need to be a little ‘in the know’ on how to book this spot, however we came across this amazing article by Addy Florales Weddings which explains literally everything you need to know.