The start of a sunset magic show around the Pitons, as seen from Cosmos St Lucia. Photograph by Fran Mart

We’re receiving a record number of bookings reflecting a surge towards small weddings in St Lucia, especially as people adjust to the changes brought by the pandemic. In the US, Google data shows a +130% rise in year-on-year searches for “small intimate wedding venues” since February 2020. With so much uncertainty around restrictions on larger weddings, intimate events with shorter guest lists just make sense. Read on to find out more about small weddings in St Lucia.

With a maximum of 25 guests – 16 of whom can be accommodated on the property – Cosmos St Lucia offers an extraordinary open-air experience that is also private, picturesque and incredibly romantic. The team at Cosmos are highly experienced in managing all aspects of small weddings – sharing recommendations for local services, liaising with suppliers and supporting the bridal party in the run up and on the day. Think tropical flowers from the local rainforest, an open air ceremony framed by the majestic Pitons, a sunset reception with bespoke cocktails, a dramatic tiered cake from a top patissier, a five course Flavours of the Caribbean menu and fantastic local musicians. View our Guide to Sunset Weddings at Cosmos St Lucia for more details on what’s available.

Newlyweds embrace on the deck outside The Lodge at Cosmos St Lucia. Photograph by Daniel Marcion of Belle Portwe

WEDDING PLANNER EXPERTISE

For more elaborate weddings with highly specific custom themes, we recommend working with a wedding planner. Late last year, Cosmos hosted a wedding that was organised by St Lucian wedding planner Michele Ince, who co-founded Awesome Caribbean Weddings over 20 years ago. We caught up with Michele to ask her expert view on what’s going on and why, and what tips she can share with couples planning a wedding.

Cosmos: Over the years you’ve worked with many couples to design weddings in St Lucia. What do you think is the appeal of marrying on a Caribbean island instead of staying home?

Michele: Getting married in the Caribbean is a departure from a traditional wedding back home in more ways than a simple change of surroundings to the tropics. Unexpectedly, with all the constraints of doing it at home, holding your wedding in St Lucia can in fact be a release. You can arrange it in any way you like and don’t have to worry about your older relatives’ expectations (the fussy ones probably won’t come anyway!).

For those couples having a second marriage, they want something simple and to be able to combine a wedding and honeymoon in one package.

A lot of our couples are adventurous and spirited. They just want to do something unique and different. Having your wedding on a deck with the majestic twin Piton mountains as your backdrop is definitely different!

Cosmos: What do you think is fueling a trend for smaller, more intimate weddings, and do you think it will last?

Michele: The pandemic for sure is fueling smaller and more intimate weddings, but even before the onset of the virus outbreak we have always coordinated weddings for smaller groups. For some couples, the smaller and more intimate the wedding, the happier they are, and this is something that I do think will continue. We have taken to calling them “Micro Weddings” as couples are having many of the same elements you would see in a larger wedding – a 3-tier cake, a beautifully decorated canopy, Chiavari chairs, elegant lighting and reception decor – for much smaller groups.

Ceremony flower arch organised by Awesome Caribbean Weddings. Photograph by Daniel Marcion of Belle Portwe

Cosmos: Can you tell us what you and your clients think about Cosmos as an intimate wedding location?

Michele: In all honesty, my recent clients Miranda and Michael chose Cosmos because their original venue of choice was unable to obtain their Covid-19 certification from the government in time, so I reached out to Anastasia to see if she had availability. For me, as a wedding planner, it was a happy outcome as Cosmos is a perfect venue for an intimate wedding.

Every single person at the wedding told me how it was actually the venue best suited to the couple. On arrival they were enthralled by the villa first and foremost, they loved the organic nature of it, and then they stepped out onto the pool deck and felt like they were literally at the base of the mountains. The view took their breath away.

Shermika and her staff were warm, welcoming and super friendly and no request was an issue. The Pitons Terrace was the perfect space for the beautifully decorated wedding arch and seating for the ceremony. Inside the villa, we served champagne while the violinist entertained everyone during photos.

“Best Wedding Experience EVER! This truly was the most incredible experience I could have ever dreamed, even during a global pandemic! Every detail was addressed. So professional and helpful, it truly led to the wedding of my dreams.” Miranda, Bride, client of Awesome Caribbean Weddings, wedding held at Cosmos St Lucia

A Bride celebrates with her Bridesmaids outside the Pavilion Lounge at Cosmos St Lucia. Photograph by Sylvester Peter Rameau

Cosmos: When it comes to what the bride and groom wear on their big day, what do you think works well for a wedding in the St Lucian climate?

Michele: Generally it is one of two wedding dress styles – light, airy and floaty, or strappy and fitted. Both are perfect for a wedding in a tropical climate. Choose light fabrics such as chiffon, tulle and organza that give off a gorgeous, ethereal vibe without any additional bulk. Or go for slightly thicker fabrics, such as lace and crepe, that are perfect for streamlined ballgowns and sheaths as they hold their shape well. Backless, sleeveless, spaghetti straps and almost always with a train – brides are choosing comfort as well as elegance for their destination weddings.

For men, breathable fabrics are ideal, specifically cotton or linen. Suits are still very popular for the grooms and dads, but we see a lot of vests rather than jackets for the groomsmen. For many grooms their ideal is still just linen pants and a shirt, they would prefer to opt for comfort every time!

A Ceremony set up on the Pitons Terrace at Cosmos St Lucia. Photograph by Sylvester Peter Rameau

Cosmos: Any unusual tips you think helpful to share?

Michele: Have as much fun as possible when planning a wedding. I had a couple that did “Wedding Wednesdays” and every Wednesday evening after work, they got takeaway food, opened a bottle of wine and talked about the wedding. They got so much more achieved by being focused on the wedding on just one day of the week, rather than allowing it to consume their every waking moment. And on those Wednesdays, they laughed and they cried and found out so much more about each other. For them, it strengthened an already strong relationship. So for any couple planning a wedding, find your version of a “Wedding Wednesday”.

Many thanks to Michele for taking the time to share her wealth of knowledge. We hope it helps any couples thinking about a small wedding in St Lucia.

The Cantilever at Cosmos St Lucia looks west to the sunset. Photograph by Fran Mart

SUNSET WEDDINGS AT COSMOS

There are many different venues across the island that offer different wedding experiences. While we might be biased (!) we know intimate and small works best at Cosmos St Lucia. Most couples choose a late afternoon ceremony held on our Pitons Terrace, with a cooling breeze and soft, natural light. With stunning views of mountain, sea and sky, couples are embraced by the serenity and beauty of the natural elements. It’s a magnificent setting to come together with close friends and family to declare your commitment to one another.

Get inspired by our Guide to Sunset Weddings at Cosmos St Lucia, and get in touch to make a booking enquiry.

Please note: Wedding bookings require the entire property to be reserved for a minimum of seven nights in high-mid season (December- April) and four nights in low season (May-November), accommodating up to 16 people in seven bedrooms.

Photographs by Fran Mart, Daniel Marcion of Belle Portwe and Sylvester Peter Rameau.