Your Ultimate Family-Friendly Wedding Itinerary in Negril (at Beaches Negril)

When you imagine your ultimate destination wedding, do you see palm fronds swaying in the warm Caribbean breeze? Kids building castles on a white sand beach while the adults mingle and unwind? If this sounds like your dream, then Beaches Negril is the place for you. Known for its striking location on the widest stretch of Jamaica’s famous Seven Mile Beach, Beaches Negril has everything from lazy beach days to adventurous excursions, making it the perfect spot to celebrate with your loved ones.

But what makes a destination wedding at Beaches Negril even more captivating is the chance to extend the celebration over several days. Unlike traditional at-home weddings that often feel rushed, a wedding here gives you and your guests the luxury of slowing down, and truly enjoying the island life. Let’s take a look at how to plan a weekend wedding itinerary at Beaches Negril that’ll make the most of your time, keep the whole family entertained, and make memories that will last forever!

Why Create a Wedding Itinerary? 

Creating an itinerary for your destination wedding is a game-changer. It allows you to thoughtfully plan out the events, ensuring you don’t miss out on any important moments. Whatever you have planned, a clear schedule helps make the most of your time and keeps everyone on track. That said, it’s important not to over-schedule. A wedding weekend should still feel relaxed, especially when you’re in a place as chilled out as Jamaica. Nobody wants to feel like they’re rushing from one event to another. Instead, focus on striking the right balance of group activities and free time for guests to enjoy everything Beaches Negril has to offer.

Day 1: Arrival & Welcome

The first day of your wedding weekend is all about setting the tone for what’s to come. Your guests have traveled to be with you, so the goal is to make them feel welcome, rested, and ready to celebrate!

Arrival & Check-in

Beaches Negril makes it easy for families by offering airport transfers to the resort as part of the service. As soon as your guests arrive, they’ll be greeted with the warm, island-style welcome that we Jamaicans are famous for. The check-in process is smooth and stress-free, allowing families to quickly settle into one of our newly renovated rooms or suites.

Afternoon Activities

If some of your guests arrive early, suggest taking advantage of the resort’s kid-friendly facilities. Pirates Island Waterpark is located right on the beach, and kids can try out one of the slides, get up on the splash deck, or float along in the lazy river. For adults, there’s no better way to unwind than kicking back with a cocktail by the pool.

Welcome Party

When evening comes and all the guests have arrived, it’s time to kick off the festivities with a welcome party! Depending on your vibe, you could host it at one of the resort’s signature restaurants, like the vibrant Kimonos or Yaku, which specializes in Peruvian cuisine. If you’re looking for something a bit more casual, consider a beach bonfire under the stars, where everyone can mingle, roast marshmallows, and enjoy the sound of the waves crashing in the background. Alternatively, a catamaran cruise could be an impressive way to welcome your guests, with spectacular views of the coastline and a fun atmosphere on the water.

Day 2: Group Activities

Now that everyone’s settled and in the island groove, it’s time for a day of bonding! A day dedicated to group activities ensures everyone gets to spend quality time together before the big day.

Morning

Start the day with an informal breakfast together at the resort followed by a fun group activity. For example, a scavenger hunt or a lively beach volleyball match that’ll get everyone moving.

Afternoon

The afternoon can be a blend of relaxation and exploration. For those interested in getting out and seeing the sights, Beaches Negril offers a variety of off-resort excursions. For example, a trip to see Dunn’s River Falls, one of Jamaica’s most magnificent natural treasures, or a reggae catamaran and snorkeling cruise. If you prefer to stay closer to the resort, you can take your pick of water sports, including paddleboarding, kayaking, and windsurfing.

Dine-Around Rehearsal Dinner

After a long day, you’ll want an early night so that everyone is fresh for the wedding. A fun, low-key option is a dine-around rehearsal dinner, where each course is served at a different restaurant. This is a great opportunity for guests to experience more of the 11 restaurants at Beaches Negril. 

Day 3: Wedding Day

The big day has arrived! With everything already prepped, it’s time to take it easy and let the magic happen. 

Wedding Prep

The morning of the wedding should be calm and enjoyable. While the adults get ready for the ceremony, kids can be entertained in a safe, fun environment at our Kids Camp. Children of all ages can enjoy age-appropriate activities supervised by our INA and IBCCES-certified nannies and Kids Camp staffers.

Ceremony & Reception 

Beaches Negril offers a variety of captivating venues for your ceremony and reception. You could exchange vows on the beach or at an oceanfront gazebo in the resort’s lush gardens. After the ceremony, host a kid-friendly reception with a dedicated area featuring games, and a fun menu designed just for them.

Afterparty

After the reception, keep the flow going with a fun after party! Head to Club Liquid, the resort’s nightclub, for dancing and cocktails, or choose one of the resort’s lively bars to continue the fun. 

Day 4: Farewell

The last day of your wedding weekend is all about family and memories. Start the day with brunch and then throw in one final bonding activity before everyone heads home.

Farewell Brunch 

Consider a casual brunch at The Mill, where everyone can reflect on the weekend and enjoy their final moments together. This is a great chance to thank everyone for coming and celebrate all the memories made.

Family Bonding Activity

A family bonding activity like a beach relay race or a last dip in the sea is a great way to end a weekend filled with love and laughter on a high note before everyone heads home. 

Sample Itinerary

Thursday (Day 1)

• 3:00 pm: Arrival & check-in
• 5:00 pm: Welcome party (beach bonfire or catamaran cruise) 

Friday (Day 2)

• 8:00 am: Breakfast
• 10:00 am: Group scavenger hunt or beach games
• 12:00 pm: Off-resort excursion
• 4:00 pm: Free time / family relaxation
• 7:00 pm: Dine-around rehearsal dinner

Saturday (Day 3)

• 10:00 am: Wedding day prep & Kids Club
• 4:00 pm: Wedding ceremony & cocktail reception
• 6:00 pm: Dinner reception 
• 8:00 pm: Afterparty

Sunday (Day 4)

• 9:00 am: Farewell brunch
• 11:00 am: Family bonding activity
• 1:00 pm: Departure

Creating a wedding itinerary at Beaches Negril isn’t just about celebrating the big day. It’s all about creating core memories that will be talked about for years. With family-friendly activities, beautiful venues, and plenty of opportunities for relaxation and fun, your wedding weekend will be an unforgettable celebration for everyone involved. 

Ready to start planning your dream destination wedding? Whether you’re dreaming of sandy beaches or lush tropical gardens, we’re here to help you create your ideal wedding. Visit our inquiry page and fill out the form to begin your journey!