Couples tying the knot in the Caribbean will now have to pay their own administration costs following an increase in fees by a number of the islands' governments.

Previously all-inclusive resorts such as Sandals and SuperClubs absorbed the cost and promoted 'free wedding' packages, but both companies will pass on the fees from 1 November.

Couples marrying at Sandals in Jamaica and Cuba will have to pay $150 (£89), and those whose weddings are in Bahamas, St Lucia, Antigua or the Turks and Caicos will be charged $225.

SuperClubs will charge clients in Jamaica $150, and those in the Bahamas and Curaçao will pay $225. Renewing vows costs $100 in all its resorts.

Couples Resorts, which has three properties in Jamaica, is raising its fees from $50 to $150 from November. Couples in the UK can expect to pay around £100 to marry at a register office, but fees for UK church weddings can be more than £280.

Phil Boswell, weddings manager of Kuoni, says that the Caribbean will remain the most popular wedding destination: 'Couples aren't always after a freebie. The quality of the hotel is more important.'