Picture this: the salty breeze kissing your skin, the softest pink sands beneath your feet, and the love of your life standing beside you as the sun melts into the horizon. No stress, no overwhelming guest list—just an intimate, breathtaking celebration of love. If this sounds like your dream, then a small wedding in the Bahamas might just be perfect for you!
Why Choose the Bahamas for a Small Wedding?
The Bahamas isn’t just another tropical paradise—it’s a place where intimate weddings come to life in the most magical way possible. Here’s why couples are saying “I do” in this sun-soaked wonderland:
🌴 Secluded, romantic beaches – No overcrowded resorts, just endless ocean views and soft, powdery sand.
💍 Easy & legal – Getting married here is simple, and there’s no residency requirement.
☀️ Perfect weather year-round – Though the best time is November–April to avoid hurricane season.
🛶 Endless adventure – From swimming with pigs in Exuma to sailing to hidden cays, your wedding trip doubles as the most epic honeymoon ever!
Top 5 Locations for an Intimate Wedding in the Bahamas
Not all beaches are created equal. Here are the absolute best locations for a small and romantic wedding:
1️⃣ Exuma – The Ultimate Secluded Paradise
Imagine exchanging vows on a sandbar in the middle of the ocean, surrounded by nothing but crystal-clear water. Exuma is famous for its untouched beauty, swimming pigs, and ultra-private beach spots.
📍 Best venue: Kahari Resort – Perfect for barefoot beachfront ceremonies.
2️⃣ Eleuthera – Pink Sands & Unmatched Serenity
For couples looking for a hidden-gem experience, Eleuthera offers endless pink-sand beaches and a laid-back vibe.
📍 Best venue: La Bougainvillea – A boutique resort with private beach access and lush gardens.
3️⃣ Paradise Island – Easy & Luxurious
If you want a mix of privacy and world-class resorts, this is the place. It’s just minutes from Nassau and has everything from small beach hideaways to luxury five-star hotels.
📍 Best venue: The Ocean Club, Four Seasons – Ideal for intimate yet elegant ceremonies.
4️⃣ Harbour Island – Where the Sand is Pink
This tiny island is straight out of a dream, with pastel-colored houses, boutique hotels, and some of the prettiest beaches in the world.
📍 Best venue: Valentines Resort – Cozy, stylish, and steps from the famous Pink Sands Beach.
5️⃣ Nassau – For a Stress-Free Wedding
If you want an easy, quick wedding with everything at your fingertips, Nassau is the way to go. Plenty of planners, venues, and beaches make this a hassle-free option.
📍 Best venue: The Island House – An intimate, stylish boutique hotel with lush gardens.
How Much Does a Small Wedding in the Bahamas Cost?
Your budget depends on what you want, but here’s a rough breakdown:
💰 Marriage license: $120
💰 Venue rental: $0 (public beach) – $10,000 (luxury resort)
💰 Officiant: $250 – $600
💰 Photography: $1,500 – $5,000 (because memories last forever 😉)
💰 Florals & decor: $500 – $3,000
💰 Hair & makeup: $200 – $500
💰 Food & drinks: $100 – $250 per guest (for small private dining experiences)
👛 How to save:
✔️ Skip the resort packages and opt for a private beach rental.
✔️ Have a morning wedding with a brunch reception (cheaper & cooler).
✔️ Choose a local bakery instead of an expensive wedding cake vendor.
Planning Tips for the Perfect Intimate Bahamas Wedding
🗓️ When to Get Married in the Bahamas?
The best months are November to April – clear skies, warm water, and no hurricanes.
📋 Legal Requirements?
✔️ Passports & birth certificates.
✔️ Proof of arrival in the Bahamas (like a stamped passport).
✔️ Application fee: $120.
📌 More details here: Bahamas Government Marriage Info
🌅 Best Time for Photos?
The golden hour just before sunset creates magical, soft lighting. Midday? Too harsh, unless you love squinting in photos.
How to Make a Small Wedding Feel Special?
Just because your wedding is small doesn’t mean it has to feel simple! Here are ways to make it unforgettable:
🎶 Add a Junkanoo Band – Imagine a Caribbean parade after you say “I do”!
🍹 Signature Bahamian Cocktails – Go beyond champagne with a Goombay Smash or Bahama Mama.
🚤 Private Boat Excursion – Say goodbye to guests and hello to a private sunset cruise as newlyweds.
📸 Adventure Photoshoot – Swim with turtles, explore sandbars, or get dreamy shots in a turquoise lagoon.
FAQ – Everything You Need to Know
❓ Do I need a wedding planner?
Not always, but it helps! Many resorts include one in their packages. If you’re eloping, you might not need one.
❓ How do I find a private beach?
Work with a local photographer (like me 😉) or a planner who knows all the hidden gems!
❓ Can I legally marry on a public beach?
Yes! But some locations require a special permit—your planner can help with that.
❓ What if it rains?
Most venues have a backup plan, or you can choose a morning wedding when showers are less likely.
Capture Your Happy Moments in Paradise 📸
Your wedding day is filled with fleeting moments—stolen glances, joyful tears, barefoot dances on the sand. As a destination wedding photographer, I specialize in capturing these raw, unscripted emotions so you can relive them forever.
📖 See love stories come to life in my portfolio: Wedding Stories
📸 Explore my photography packages for intimate Bahamas weddings: Photography Packages
💌 Let’s make magic together—contact me here: Contact Me
Final Thought: Your Dream Wedding, Your Way
A small, intimate wedding in the Bahamas isn’t just a celebration—it’s an experience, a memory, a once-in-a-lifetime moment in one of the most stunning places on Earth. So, are you ready to say “I do” with your toes in the sand and the ocean as your witness?
Let’s make it happen. 💙
