Belize is truly one of the most awesome countries in the Western Hemisphere, and Ambergris Caye, the country’s largest island, it is definitely going to be the coolest place ever to have your wedding. Before you go, there are a few facts you and your guests might not know:

1. The official language is English. Belize is a former British colony, and it is the only country in Central America to speak mostly English. This makes communication super easy as there is no language barrier to cross. They also accept the American dollar, which is worth two Belizean dollars. If you pay in American cash, you’ll most likely get Belizean money as change.

2. You can travel by passenger plane, speedboat, and golf cart all in one day. Ambergris Caye is a short hop over from the mainland, and if you’re lucky you can even sit in the front of the tiny plane. Depending on which hotel you’re staying at, a speed boat will then take you to your resort. If you’d prefer to drive yourself, you can rent a golf cart, the small island’s most popular mode of transportation.

3. A good portion of the food you will eat is produced by Mennonite farmers. Thousands of Mennonites have settled in the country over the past dozen decades, and they have created large sections of farmland in the tropical jungle. If you have never tried cheese produced by Mennonites (known as Menonita cheese in Mexico), get ready to have your life changed. We’re already jealous of your wedding guests and the decadent dinner they will have at your reception! Other food you must try includes ceviche, conch fritters, and chocolate. Check out the Belize Chocolate Company next to the San Pedro airport before you take off, a shop that uses Belizean sugar and cacao to make their delicious chocolate bars.

4. It’s pretty windy. The wind is warm and smells like the sea, but you might want to get magnetic veil weights. Wrapping something around any draping on your altar, such as a bundle of tropical flowers, is also a good way to prevent you and your honey from being blown away.

5. Garbage has to be shipped off the island. Be careful where you’re setting down your trash after a day exploring--the wind will pick it up easily, and it has nowhere to go but the beach and the road.

6. Belize hosts the second largest Barrier Reef in the world. Since Australia’s famous Great Barrier Reef is dying, Belize can also take the title of having the largest living coral reef system. This beautiful ecosystem is something you have to see before it’s too late. Encourage your guests to snorkel right off the coast, as it could be the only chance they get to witness such a world wonder!

7. Another once in a lifetime experience is on the mainland. Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) is a famous cave in Belize that cannot be missed. You’ll hike through the jungle to the mouth of the cave, and then swim into it to begin the adventure (wear shoes you don’t mind getting soaking wet!). Ancient Mayan ceramics are still exactly where they’ve been left centuries ago, and multiple skeletons also lay untouched in the main chamber. You may have heard of “The Crystal Maiden” before, the calcified skeleton of an 18-year old woman who may have been sacrificed, though you probably haven’t seen too many photos. That’s because a few years ago cameras were banned from the cave, and we wouldn’t be surprised if one day they completely banned tourists from visiting this stunning and fragile cave frozen in time.

8. Hiring a wedding planner will make your day completely stress free. Let us take care of the calls, emails, and minutiae that goes into planning a wedding thousands of miles away. After all, we’ve done it before! Your only job is get ready to embrace the sun, sand, and your future spouse.

Check out some wedding photos here and watch the video below from Island Films if you’re still not convinced that Belize is the perfect destination for your wedding. Cover photo by Funky Town Photography.