Imagine this: You’re standing barefoot on powdery white sand, the ocean breeze is playfully teasing your hair, and the love of your life is gazing into your eyes as you say, “I do.” The Bahamas isn’t just a wedding location; it’s a dream turned reality.
But let’s be real—before the dreamy part comes the planning, and destination weddings can feel like juggling coconuts blindfolded. Don’t worry, though! I’ve got you covered. This guide will take you through everything you need to know to plan a perfect Bahamas wedding, from picking the best venue to making sure you don’t forget your passport (because trust me, it happens).
Step 1: Choose Your Perfect Bahamian Paradise
The Bahamas has 700 islands and 2,400 cays—so choosing one for your wedding can feel like picking a favorite dessert (impossible, right?). To make life easier, here are the top spots to say “I do”:
🏝 Nassau & Paradise Island
Perfect for: Couples who love luxury, nightlife, and accessibility.
- Home to Atlantis Paradise Island (atlantisbahamas.com), a venue that screams “fairytale wedding with a side of opulence.”
- Nassau also has great historic sites, like the Cloisters, a European monastery ruin brought over stone by stone. Romantic? Oh yes.
🌊 Exuma
Perfect for: Couples who want turquoise waters, seclusion, and swimming pigs.
- Seriously, where else can you have a wedding and then take a boat to hang out with pigs on the beach? (swimmingpigstour.com)
- Consider Grand Isle Resort (grandisleresort.com)—a boutique luxury resort ideal for intimate weddings.
🏝 Eleuthera & Harbour Island
Perfect for: Pink sand beaches, chic vibes, and a relaxed atmosphere.
Each island has its own vibe, so pick the one that matches your love story best.
Step 2: Get the Legal Stuff Sorted (AKA, How to Actually Get Married Here)
I know, paperwork is about as exciting as watching paint dry, but it’s essential. Here’s the quick and easy version:
✅ Be in the Bahamas for at least 24 hours before applying for a marriage license.
✅ Visit the Registrar General’s Office in Nassau and bring:
- Passports
- Birth certificates
- Proof of arrival (like your immigration card)
- If divorced: Divorce decree
- If widowed: Death certificate of previous spouse
✅ Pay the marriage license fee (~$120).
✅ Get married anywhere you like—on a beach, a yacht, or even underwater (yes, it’s a thing).
For the full details, check out The Bahamas Government site.
Step 3: Pick the Best Time for Your Bahamas Wedding
Timing is everything, and in the Bahamas, it can mean the difference between paradise and hurricane-induced chaos.
☀️ Best time: November – April (sunny, dry, and perfect for weddings)
🌧 Rainy season: May – October (cheaper rates but a chance of storms)
🌪 Hurricane season: June – November (riskier, but venues often have great discounts)
Pro tip: Always have a Plan B indoor option if you’re booking during the rainy months.
Step 4: Budgeting – What Does a Bahamas Wedding Cost?
💰 Average cost: $10,500 – $25,000+, depending on your guest list and venue.
Here’s where your money goes:
- Venue & Decor – $3,000 – $10,000
- Photographer (that’s me! 😉) – $2,500 – $6,000
- Marriage License & Officiant – $250 – $500
- Food & Drinks – $100+ per person
- Accommodations – $200 – $800 per night
💡 Money-saving tip: Opt for a wedding package at a resort—places like Sandals Royal Bahamian offer free weddings if you stay a certain number of nights!
Step 5: Add Local Flavors & Fun!
A Bahamas wedding isn’t complete without a little island culture:
🥥 Food: Treat guests to conch fritters, Bahamian rock lobster, and guava duff (a dessert that tastes like heaven).
🎶 Music: Surprise everyone with a Junkanoo band—it’s an explosion of colors, drums, and pure Caribbean joy.
🛥 Activities: Plan a snorkeling trip, private boat tour, or sunset cruise for your guests (because why not turn your wedding into a vacation?).
Step 6: Capture Every Moment (Because This is Once-in-a-Lifetime!)
Let’s be honest—your wedding photos are what will keep the memories alive. A destination wedding means you need a photographer who understands how to work with natural light, vibrant colors, and fast-changing island weather.
As a destination wedding photographer, I’ve captured love stories in some of the most breathtaking places on earth. I’ll make sure your Bahamas wedding photos look just as magical as the day itself.
📸 Explore my portfolio: yourhappymoments.net/blog/
📦 Check out my wedding photography packages: yourhappymoments.net/investment/
💌 Let’s talk about your dream wedding: yourhappymoments.net/contact/
Final Thoughts: The Bahamas Wedding of Your Dreams Awaits
Planning a Bahamas wedding is a mix of paradise and logistics, but with the right guidance (and a little rum punch), it’s absolutely worth it.
Picture yourself walking hand in hand along the shore, the sun setting behind you, the waves serenading your love story. If that sounds like your kind of wedding, let’s make it happen together.
I’d love to capture your once-in-a-lifetime day—reach out, and let’s start planning! 💙🌴✨
