Bahamas is every bride’s dream thanks to its pristine white sand beaches, clear, turquoise waters, and friendly locals. The popular destination is an excellent spot for a destination wedding, especially for couples who enjoy different water sports activities like kayaking, exploring islands, and sampling cuisines from various parts of the world.
Planning a Bahamas wedding can be daunting if you have no idea on where to start.
Our detailed guide list some of the best Bahamas wedding packages for your destination wedding. We also list some tips on how to get there, the best time to visit, and how to budget for the trip.
Table of Contents
Best Venues for Your Bahamas Destination Wedding
About Destination Weddings in Bahamas
Legal Requirements for Weddings in Bahamas
Bahamas Destination Wedding Planning Tips
Average Room Price: $400 to $1000
Drive Time to Airport: 15 minutes
Number of Rooms: 408
Weddings Per Day: 5
All Inclusive: Yes
Adult Only: Yes
LGBTQ Friendly: No
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The Royal Bahamian is another luxurious all-inclusive resort from the Sandals chain, located in Nassau, Bahamas. The resort is situated on a stunning white sand beach and offers an incredible range of amenities and services to ensure that every guest has a memorable and enjoyable vacation experience.
Royal Bahamian features luxurious accommodations, including oceanfront suites with private balconies and views of the Caribbean Sea. The resort also offers several unique room categories, including swim-up suites and villas with private pools.
Sandals Royal Bahamian is known for its exceptional dining options, with 10 world-class restaurants that offer a range of cuisines, from classic French cuisine to traditional Bahamian dishes. The resort also features several bars and lounges, including a swim-up bar, where guests can enjoy unlimited premium drinks.
The resort offers a variety of activities and amenities. A full-service spa, multiple swimming pools, and access to a range of water sports and land activities. Guests can also enjoy nightly entertainment, including live music and shows.
One of the unique features of Sandals Royal Bahamian is its offshore island, which is exclusively available to resort guests. The island features a stunning beach, two swimming pools, several restaurants and bars, and a spa.
In conclusion, Sandals Royal Bahamian is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a luxurious and unforgettable vacation experience. Sandals Royal Bahamian is the perfect destination for to relax, unwind, and have fun in a stunning tropical setting.
Average Room Price: $400 to $1000
Drive Time to Airport: 30 minutes
Number of Rooms: 379
Weddings Per Day: 2
All Inclusive: Yes
Adult Only: Yes
LGBTQ Friendly: No
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Riu Palace Paradise Island is an elegant resort on the beautiful Paradise Island in the Bahamas. It is famous for its lovely beachfront location, world-class comforts, and impeccable service. This splendid resort is a perfect destination for a tropical getaway and an exceptional wedding destination.
The adult-only hotel is ideal for couples celebrating a wedding ceremony with close family and friends. Couples can also opt for a civil or symbolic ceremony at the hotel. Riu Palace Paradise Island offers a range of wedding packages designed to cater to various preferences and budgets. Their experienced wedding planners are dedicated to handling every detail, from the ceremony setup to the reception arrangements.
The resort offers an all-inclusive experience. It includes luxurious rooms, delicious dining options, refreshing beverages, and various recreational activities.
Enjoy exquisite aperitifs, pastries, and snacks at the restaurants, relax at the Renova Spa, which features a whirlpool bath, or participate in activities like scuba diving, windsurfing, and kayaking. You and your visitors may also see Nassau’s tourist sites, sceneries, and beaches.
After the wedding celebrations, couples can unwind in the resort’s luxurious accommodations, enjoy romantic dinners, and take advantage of the amenities and services designed for loved couples.
Average Room Price: $400 to $1000
Drive Time to Airport: 15 minutes
Number of Rooms: 245
Weddings Per Day: 3
All Inclusive: Yes
Adult Only: Yes
LGBTQ Friendly: No
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Located in the Bahamas, the Sandals Emerald Bay is a luxurious all-inclusive resort that offers an idyllic setting for weddings. With its stunning ocean views and elegant accommodations, the resort provides a romantic backdrop for the couples-to-be.
The resort offers a range of wedding packages to suit different tastes and budgets. Couples can choose from several scenic locations to exchange their vows, including the beach, garden gazebo, or oceanfront pavilion, each with its unique charm. Sandals Emerald Bay’s experienced wedding planners are dedicated to creating a memorable wedding day for the couple, handling all the details, from selecting the perfect location and floral arrangements to organizing live entertainment and photographers.
The all-inclusive wedding package includes a personal wedding planning team, a wedding officiant, a bridal bouquet, a groom’s boutonniere, a wedding cake, and a one-hour cocktail reception with hors d’oeuvres. Couples can also personalize their wedding with additional add-ons, such as a steel drum band, videography, or a private candlelit dinner on the beach.
Following the wedding ceremony, the couple and their guests can enjoy the resort’s luxurious amenities, including gourmet dining, unlimited drinks, and water sports. They can also unwind and relax at the resort’s Red Lane Spa, which offers a range of rejuvenating treatments, such as massages, facials, and body wraps.
Overall, Sandals Emerald Bay is a breathtaking location to celebrate a special day. Its serene surroundings and unparalleled service ensure that couples can relax and enjoy their wedding day while making unforgettable memories.
Average Room Price: $400 to $1000
Drive Time to Airport: 15 minutes
Number of Rooms: 40
Weddings Per Day: 1
All Inclusive: Yes
Adult Only: No
LGBTQ Friendly: Yes
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Cape Santa Maria is a lovely beachfront resort on the beautiful island of Long Island in the Bahamas. It offers an idyllic setting for couples seeking an exceptional and scenic wedding destination.
It is ideal for couples that enjoy privacy. It’s only 15 minutes from Stella Maris Airport. It has a gorgeous four-mile-long sandy beach and lovely turquoise seas. The resort also has elegant, designer-style villas with complete kitchens, entertainment centers, jacuzzi spas, WiFi, and other comforts.
The resort is situated along a stretch of beach often ranked among the best in the world, with powdery white sands and sparkling blue waters as far as the eye can see. The scenic setting of the ocean and the surrounding tropical landscape create a truly romantic and beautiful atmosphere for exchanging vows.
The resort itself boasts luxurious rooms and world-class amenities. The beachfront villas offer private and ample accommodations, allowing couples to enjoy their slice of paradise. The resort also features a variety of on-site facilities, including a pool, restaurant, and bar, providing ample options for ease and entertainment.
Beyond the wedding celebrations, Cape Santa Maria Beach Resort & Villas offers numerous activities and experiences for couples and their guests. The resort provides access to boat tours, fishing trips, and other tours.
Average Room Price: $400 to $1000
Drive Time to Airport: 30 minutes
Number of Rooms: 1201
Weddings Per Day: 3
All Inclusive: Yes
Adult Only: No
LGBTQ Friendly: No
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The Royal at Atlantis is an exquisite destination wedding venue that offers a truly unforgettable experience for couples. Located on Paradise Island in the Bahamas, The Royal at Atlantis is part of the world-renowned Atlantis Paradise Island resort.
The tropical beauty of the Bahamas creates a magical atmosphere, enhancing the overall ambiance of the wedding. Moreover, it offers an impressive array of wedding venues and packages to suit every couple’s preferences and style. The wedding coordinators at The Royal at Atlantis are experienced professionals who will work closely with you to bring your dream wedding to life, ensuring every detail is taken care of.
The resort boasts an array of world-class amenities and activities, making it a perfect destination for weddings and guests. From stunning pools and water attractions to a championship golf course, a state-of-the-art spa, and a vibrant casino, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Furthermore, The Royal at Atlantis offers a variety of dining options to cater to different tastes and preferences. The resort is home to renowned restaurants featuring various cuisines, from fine dining to casual eateries.
Finally, The Royal at Atlantis offers many activities and attractions for guests to explore beyond the wedding festivities. From swimming with dolphins and snorkeling in vibrant coral reefs to exploring marine exhibits and enjoying thrilling water slides, the resort provides unparalleled entertainment for all ages.
About Destination Weddings in Bahamas
Thinking of having a Bahamas wedding? Find out why this country should be top of your list.
Why Get Married in the Bahamas
The Bahamas ranks among the top ten in-demand countries for travel. The study by Parksleepfly analyzed Google search data for flights, vacations, and hotels, and found that The Bahamas came in at number seven as the fastest-growing vacation spot.
Here are some more reasons to get married in the Bahamas.
Nothing Beats the Islands and Beaches
The Bahamas has over 600 islands to explore and the ten best beaches in the Caribbean. You can stop by The Berry Islands for a swim, head to Nassau and Paradise Island for a mix of native tropical and city features, or stop at Long Island and view the stunning coral reefs and cliffs.
All these islands have the perfect wedding setting whether you’re looking for an intimate setup or one that you can invite your family and friends to.
Memorable Experiences
Every bride dreams of a memorable experience on their big day and the Bahamas has everything you need to make this a reality. You can choose to get married in a castle on the highest point of the island, add birds or dolphins to your ceremony, or exchange vows near the lost city of Atlantis with the blue sea as your backdrop.
Additionally, you and your guests can explore activities like beach bonfires, dinner cruises, glass-bottom boat adventures, snorkeling tours, and biking.
Having a Bahamas wedding is the best way to create a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Average Cost of a Destination Wedding in the Bahamas
The average cost of a destination wedding in the Bahamas is $4,500. However, the costs can go as high as $11,000 for an extravagant wedding or be as low as $2,000 for those looking for a budget wedding package.
Ultimately, the average depends on your budget and taste preferences as the costs differ depending on the resort and the island.
Legal Requirements for Weddings in Bahamas
Getting married is exciting, but before you get to Say I Do, you need to get all the legal details sorted. Below are a few legal requirements you need to meet before having a destination wedding in the Bahamas.
Legal Weddings Vs Symbolic Weddings
Choosing whether to have a symbolic or legal wedding ceremony in the Bahamas boils down to your preferences.
You can have a symbolic ceremony in the Bahamas if you’d rather not deal with the technicalities and legalities of a marriage. The ceremony ensures that you don’t have to think about license costs, fill out forms, or get a licensed officiant to sign the marriage certificate.
That allows you to enjoy your special day anywhere and at any time you want.
However, if you don’t mind the legal process, you can go through the required steps to formalize your marriage. The best thing about the Bahamas is that they have a few requirements as all you need is to arrive 24 hours prior to your ceremony to apply for the marriage license.
Required Legal Documents & Cost
You need to get a marriage license if you’re planning a Bahamas wedding. Some of the steps you need to follow are:
Complete the Declaration Form
The first step is obtain the declaration form and have a declarant or someone aware of the impending marriage complete it. That should be done in the presence of a justice of the peace, who is a court officer involved in civil marriages.
A declarant can be a family member, friend, or any representative that you choose.
Get a Marriage License
You also need to get a marriage license before you can get married in the Bahamas legally. Both the bride/groom need to be present at the Registrar’s office when applying for the license.
The license can be issued on the same day or the day after application.
Pay the Necessary Costs
You’ll need to pay $120 for a marriage license in the Bahamas. That also covers a certified copy of your marriage certificate.
Additional costs may be incurred if you hire an officiant.
To save yourself all the trouble, you can opt for an all-inclusive package that covers legal fees and the wedding planner.
Legal Marriage Timeline
You need to be in the Bahamas 24 hours before you can apply for a marriage license. You can collect the license 24 hours after application and proceed with the ceremony.
After exchanging your vows in front of two witnesses, you need to submit the marriage license and declaration forms to the Marriage Registration Section of the Registrar General’s Department together with the required documents.
You’ll need to also have your birth certificate, passport, original final decree or a certified copy of divorce certificate if divorced, and original death certificate or a copy if widowed.
After processing and all your documents are approved, you will receive a marriage license the same or next day. That means you can get married within 48 hours after arriving in the Bahamas.
Bahamas Destination Wedding Planning Tips
Planning your dream wedding in a foregin country can be overwhelming. Here are a few tips to get you started.
Do Your Research Early
It’s essential to identify where you’d like to get married months prior to your wedding. Determine whether you want a vibrant scene in Nassau or prefera private island with fewer crowds. Next, find a resort or a location to host the ceremony and determine how much it will cost you, depending on the guests you plan to invite.
Make plans to be in the Bahamas at least two days before your special day. That will allow you to view the venue, meet a wedding planner if you have one, and discuss the wedding details with the resort.
Remember to apply for a marriage license 24 hours in advance.
Avoid Having Your Wedding During the Holidays
While it may sound like a fun idea having your wedding over Christmas or New Year’s, the experience isn’t worth it. Most resorts don’t allow destination weddings during this season. Furthermore, if you find a resort that allows weddings over peak season, you run the risk of overcrowding, which could mess up your experience.
Instead, plan your wedding early or mid year to avoid the hassle and the extra costs that come with peak season.
How to Get There
The Bahamas has three international airports that act as entry ports. Most flights fly into the Lynden Pindling International Airport in Nassau. Once you get to Nassau, you can find means to other islands if you don’t plan on staying in Paradise Island.
Some airlines also fly to Freeport on Grand Bahama.
JetBlue Airways, American Airlines, and Delta have direct flights running weekly to the Bahamas.
On average, flight time from New York to Nassau is 2 hours and 25 minutes. Flight time from Miami is 35 minutes, Atlanta 2 hours, and Philadelphia 2 hours and 45 minutes. You can also fly from Central Florida for 1 hour and 10 minutes and from Charlotte 2 hours and 10 minutes.
Bahamas Weather
The Bahamas experiences a hot season from June to Mid-October, with average daily temperature of 87 degrees Fahrenheit. August is the hottest month of the year, experiencing a high of 90 degrees Fahrenheit and a low of 79 degrees Fahrenheit.
December to March is the cool season. These months experience temperatures of 80 degrees Fahrenheit. January is the coldest month, with an average high of 77 degrees Fahrenheit and a low of 67 degrees Fahrenheit.
You can expect a lot of rain in September. May to October are the wettest months. Nonetheless, the islands are still humid and hot despite the frequent rains. Most resorts and hotels on some islands are closed for renovation and may not be the best time to travel for a destination wedding.
October to May is the dry season, with April and May experiencing mild temperatures and sunny days.
Budgeting Tips
The Bahamas can get very expensive if you’re planning a fancy wedding with detailed decor, a wedding planner, and a honeymoon package. Furthermore, you may realize that the island you decide to get married in can affect your budget.
Research on Affordable Venues
Do your homework and find something within your budget. Alternatively, if you’re on a budget and need a place to get away with friends without worrying about the wedding planning process, you can opt for an all-inclusive resort. Most resorts will include a symbolic ceremony, cake, and reception in their standard package.
Account for Unexpected Costs
Don’t forget to include unexpected costs in your budget. While you may want to stick to a budget, it’s prudent to have extra money to cover unforeseen expenses.
Avoid Unnecessary Upgrades
You can also save money by avoiding upgrades at your wedding venue. Some upgrades are unnecessary and only add costs.
Best Time of Year to Get Married in Bahamas
The best time to travel to the Bahamas for a destination wedding is between April and May. These months are warm, and not as hot or humid. It’s the mid season and this translates to lower resort prices and fewer crowds.
One thing to note is that it might rain during these months. However, the rain only lasts 30 minutes to an hour, and the rest of the day is sunny and bright.
October to November is a fantastic time to have a Bahamas wedding if you prefer a discrete and quiet time. The mid peak season is not as hot and you’re likely to find a good deal for your destination wedding.
