Jersey Weddings

Jersey in the Channel Islands is an entrancing and sublime wedding venue. Choose the romantic fairytale castle at Gorey, with its panorama of beach and harbour. Take your vows in a splendid manor house or amidst the fine vines and wines of the La Mare Vineyard. Or you can hold your reception overlooking the dramatic sea cliffs and lighthouse of Corbiere, as the sun sets over the western ocean.

Jersey is one of the few destinations that can offer a blend of rural charm and cosmopolitan chic within a compact nine by five mile package. You can choose a sophisticated boutique venue, or simply fall for the raw natural beauty of the north coast. Fine Jersey hotels such as the Radisson Blu Waterfront or the Royal Yacht are the epitome of Channel Islands jet-set living, with dramatic views over the St Helier marina. Yet many prefer the older, greener Jersey of yesteryear and choose a charming country wedding in such venues as the Greenhills Country Hotel. Or you can be bold and opt for one of the more exotic venues, such as Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust. How many of your friends have lemurs nosing into their wedding photos?

A Jersey wedding offers so many benefits:

1. Location, location, location! The variety is astounding. Your wedding ceremony and photographs may take place at an enchanting fairytale castle like Mont Orgueil, with magnificent sea views over to France. Or you may choose an even wilder location overlooking sea and cliffs, the opulence of a Jersey manor house or even the Gallic flavour of a working vineyard. Many venues allow for exclusive use of the facilities which will add to the intimacy of the occasion.This is a chance for you to bond with your closest family and friends.

2. Enjoy sunset over the ocean. Almost the entire west coast is a single dramatic sweep of sand known as St Ouen's Bay. Consider holding your wedding reception in the modern Crow's Nest Restaurant overlooking the spectacular and romantic Corbiere lighthouse. Check the times and hope the clement Channel Islands weather holds, and you may find that you have a stunning sunset as a backdrop to your photos.

3. France is literally on your doorstep and on the horizon. Jersey itself is suffused in Gallic tradition and heritage, with most street names written in the former mother tongue. Jersey offers a touch of France without guests having to travel too far from the UK mainland. Essentially, the wedding becomes a romantic weekend break for all the guests. And where could be a more sublime honeymoon destination than the fairytale French towns of St Malo or Dinan? Both are a short Condor ferry ride from St. Helier.

4. Jersey is beautifully photogenic, in sunshine or even with the added clarity and contrast of cloudy or rainy weather. The Island offers splendid backdrops for every season. Walk on the stunning beaches of St Brelade in summer,or stand by the imposing, magnificent ruins of Greve de Lecq in winter.

5. Jersey can offer pure escapism. Conjure up a whole weekend of entertainment for your guests so they really feel that they are 'getting away from it' and escaping their usual routine. The Island boasts internationally recognised restaurants and boutique spas where guests can literally close the door on the outside world. But be sure to embrace the bountiful local cuisine, one area of the island's culture where the Gallic influence is very strong. Ask your caterers to provide a traditional Jersey French delicacy like "Jersey wonders" or moules. La Mare Vineyards can of course supply local wine and chocolates to order. Finally, enjoy the rich Jersey ice creams, the produce of the splendid Jersey cows for which the island is famous all over the world.

• Book early and ensure that both your wedding venue and reception venue are licensed and available before making any confirmations.
• Savings can be made by having a wedding out of season or on a weekday. This also helps with obtaining exclusivity of a venue.
• Make sure you seek appropriate advice regarding the legal and, if appropriate, ecclesiastical requirements for your marriage.
• Make sure you confirm with the reception venue the exact rooms that will be available - and if there are any times that you need to leave them by. Check if there will be any other parties on the same day.
• Will there be a discounted room rate for your guests?
• What will you choose as music? Ensure that the reception venue is in agreement with your choice and the times that you have booked the music for.
• Where should the music be positioned? Most guests head to the bar after the wedding breakfast is over. There is no point in spending lots of money on a band only for no one to listen to them as they are too far away from where your guests are drinking! Speak to the reception venue about this early on.
• Make sure you and your guests give yourselves plenty of time to travel to the island in case of plane or boat delays. Beware that fog can delay flights in and out of the island! Let your guests know dates as soon as you have them so that they can book travel in advance to keep their costs down.
• Insurance, insurance, insurance ... and check what exactly it covers!
• Be prepared for bad weather - even in summer - and think about how you will deal with this.
• Where are the dresses being purchased? Can the bride easily transport her dress to Jersey? Will the suits for the groom's party be hired in the Island - will there be a chance to try them on before the wedding and make any alterations? Don't leave it to the last minute!
• If your wedding is at a venue that does not have overnight accommodation, how will your guests get back to their hotels? Will you suggest to them a hotel and negotiate a discounted room rate? Perhaps a minibus could be arranged for the end of the evening.
• Ensure that you send a comprehensive information note to your guests advising them of locations, travel arrangements and reminding them that travel insurance is required, even for UK residents.
• Driving in Jersey is a special - and usually pleasurable - experience. You might wish to forward information on local car hire.

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