How to Plan a Caribbean Wedding with Kids & Family-Friendly Activities

Let’s be honest: most weddings aren’t designed with six-year-olds in mind. They’re long, formal, and full of grown-ups saying things like “shhh” and “don’t touch that.” But what if your wedding could be different? What if the kids actually LOVED it? Here at Beaches Resorts, we’re experts not just in the islands we call home, but in family-friendly Caribbean destination weddings that will keep the little ones engaged, entertained, and part of the party.

If you’re the kind of people who adore the little ones in your lives (whether they’re your own kids, nieces and nephews, or the minis your best friends are raising), then planning a destination wedding that’s truly family-friendly is a must. From barefoot dance parties to sunset scavenger hunts, kids can bring the magic and the mayhem (in the best possible way, of course!) And Beaches Resorts are the ideal place to make it happen. With built-in adventure and play, as well as warm, welcoming vibes, we’re a natural choice for weddings where the whole family comes along for the fun. Here’s how to plan a Caribbean wedding kids will actually enjoy.

Choose a Destination That’s Built for Play

The Caribbean isn’t just Instagram-pretty, it’s a full-blown playground for kids and adults alike. If your dream is a wedding where the little ones are thrilled to be part of the adventure, you’re already on the right track. The trick is choosing an island and a resort that delivers both fun and flexibility.

Let’s start with Jamaica. This island just gets families! For example, kids can swim with dolphins at Dolphin Cove, climb the gentle cascades at Konoko Falls (with plenty of shallow pools for cooling off), or have their first taste of delicious jerk chicken. For bigger kids and brave-hearted grown-ups, Mystic Mountain offers bobsled rides and ziplining through the jungle canopy. What an adventure!

Over in Turks & Caicos, it’s all about soft sands and clear blue water. Take the kids to Half Moon Bay to spot rock iguanas, snorkel over colorful reefs at Grace Bay Beach, or venture out to see the eerie shipwreck at Governor’s Beach on Grand Turk. It’s the kind of place where kids can play explorer, and parents can actually relax while they do.

And when you stay at a Beaches Resort, the fun doesn’t end with the excursion. Our resorts are designed for family-first travel, with water parks, kids’ clubs, teen hang-out zones, and a staff that loves making little ones feel like VIPs. So whether your guests are 3, 13, or 73, there’s something for everyone to love from the moment they check in.

Make the Ceremony Magical for Kids

The problem with ceremonies is that asking a child to sit quietly for 45 minutes while you say your vows under the tropical sun is a big ask. But your ceremony doesn’t have to feel like a formal affair. With a little creativity, it can be one of the most fun and meaningful parts of your day for everyone. Because when the ceremony feels joyful for everyone, it sets the tone for a celebration no one will forget.

Start by giving kids a role they can get excited about. Flower girls and ring bearers are classics, but think beyond the usual. Junior bridesmaids, banner holders, sand-pourers in a unity ceremony, handers-out of fans, water, or confetti. Or make all the kids ‘official bubble blowers’ – they’ll love doing this as you exit and it makes for great photos! If your wedding involves your own children, including them in the ceremony is a beautiful way to honor your bond as a chosen family.

It's also a good idea to keep the setup flexible. Have shaded seating or a casual beach blanket area for kids to fidget without judgment. Hand out ceremony fans, mini parasols, or even tropical juice boxes to keep them cool and content. For a playful twist, set up a station with flower crowns or shell necklaces they can wear proudly down the aisle.

Another tip is to keep it short and sweet. A heartfelt, simple ceremony – especially one with a few kid-led moments – often lands even more powerfully than something overly polished. (And the grown-ups will probably thank you too.)

Design a Reception That’s Fun for Everyone

Once the vows are over and the sun starts to dip, it’s time to party. And trust us, the kids are ready! A great family-friendly reception isn’t about turning your big day into a kiddie party. Rather, it’s about creating moments both big and small that keep younger guests happy and engaged, so the adults can enjoy themselves too.

Start with the space. Set up a kid-friendly corner with games, soft seating, and a few quiet activities (think coloring pages, puzzles, or even a beachy sensory bin for the tiniest guests). And how about a kids-only photo booth with props, costumes, and disposable cameras? You’ll end up with hilarious, heart-melting memories from their point of view.

Keep wedding food simple but fun with a kid-friendly menu and signature mini mocktails, so they can toast the happy couple just like the grown-ups. A DIY dessert station (think cupcake decorating or ice cream with a toppings bar) will also have them buzzing.

A wedding scavenger hunt is also bound to be a hit with all ages. Give kids a playful list (for example, “find someone wearing flip-flops,” “spot the cake before it’s cut,” “catch someone taking a selfie”) and offer a small prize for anyone who completes it. It gets them moving, observing, and feeling like part of the action.

When it’s time to hit the dance floor, kick things off with a kids-only dance-off. Play a few of their favorite songs and let them go wild. Not only does it burn off energy (you’re welcome, parents), but it sets the tone for a party that’s relaxed, inclusive, and full of joy.

Plan a Family-Friendly Wedding Week

The beauty of a destination wedding is that it’s a whole experience rather than just one day. When you’re travelling with kids, that experience matters even more. That’s why a little bit of planning will go a long way in turning your wedding week into a tropical holiday the whole family will remember. Think of the whole week as a build-up to the main event. When the wedding day finally arrives, your guests (kids included) aren’t just spectators, but part of the celebration.

When planning your wedding itinerary, consider adding one or two casual events before or after the big day that are geared toward connection and play. For example, host a beach picnic welcome party with lawn games, music, and chilled vibes. Set up sandcastle stations, provide beach balls, and let the kids run wild while the adults catch up, cocktail-in-hand. Or why not plan a poolside movie night featuring popcorn and mocktails. (Bonus points if everyone shows up in pajamas!)

While it’s great to be together, don’t forget it’s also essential to build in breaks. Beaches Resorts’ kids’ camp and supervised activities let little ones play and explore in safe, fun environments, so parents can sneak off for a spa treatment, nap, or a quiet beach walk.

Thoughtful Touches That Make Kids Feel Special

Planning a wedding that welcomes kids with open arms doesn’t mean giving up style, romance, or fun. It also doesn’t take much to make a child feel like an important part of your big day, but those small touches really go a long way. When you take the time to include them intentionally, kids go from tag-alongs to mini VIPs. That’s how to make your celebration a true family affair, where everyone feels included, laughter comes easy, and memories are made in flip-flops and flower crowns.

Most importantly, trust your venue to help make it all happen. At Beaches Resorts, our team is here to help take the pressure off. From coordinating fun surprises to offering age-appropriate entertainment and supervised play, we’re all about making the day feel as magical for them as it does for you.

Ready to plan a wedding that’s big on love and fun? Visit our inquiry page to start planning your celebration, your way.