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If you’ve been dreaming of a destination wedding in a tropical paradise, consider hosting your wedding in The Bahamas.
The Bahamas is a fantastic place for any kind of wedding celebration. Whether you want an intimate ceremony with your closest friends and family, or a picture-perfect party to celebrate your marriage, Bahamian weddings are the perfect choice for your big day.
We understand how important your wedding day is and want to make it as special as possible. As Bahamian locals, the team at Better Homes and Gardens MCR can offer local insights and expertise, as people who have lived in The Bahamas for years. From flying into the best airports in The Bahamas to knowing how to legally get married in the Bahamas, our team is here to provide our insights to help make this the best day of your life.
In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about having a destination wedding or honeymoon in paradise.
Table of Contents
Cost of a Bahamas Wedding
The average cost of a wedding in The Bahamas depends on several factors. For example, getting married at a resort and having a party on a private golf course will cost significantly more than having an intimate ceremony on one of The Bahamas’ stunning beaches.
That said, the average price of a destination wedding in The Bahamas is $4,500. But depending on the accommodations and entertainment you choose, the cost could be around $11,000, while a simple ceremony could cost as little as $2,000.
Reasons to Have a Wedding in The Bahamas
There are so many reasons why people want to have their wedding in paradise. Whether they wish to be close to their honeymoon destination or they want a smaller wedding in paradise with their closest family and friends, The Bahamas is the perfect place to visit and celebrate any occasion!
Gorgeous Location
The Bahamas is known for its stunning views, beautiful islands, and crystal-clear waters. No matter where you visit, you are sure to be surrounded by luxurious island living. If you want to visit the islands before planning your wedding, consider island hopping or chartering a seaplane to experience as many Bahamian islands as possible.
Easy Application Process
The Bahamas offers an easy application process to acquire a marriage license before your big day. The couple has to be on the island 24 hours before applying and the license must be obtained one day before the wedding. Other than that, The Bahamas only requires birth certificates and a notarized affidavit to legalize the marriage.
Leading Wedding Destination
As the World Travel Awards winner for Leading Wedding Destination two years in a row, The Bahamas is known for being one of the best places in the world to get married. The islands offer stunning settings for any kind of ceremony you’re dreaming of and easy access to your picture-perfect honeymoon.
Top Bahamas Wedding Destinations
You can’t go wrong when you have a wedding anywhere in The Bahamas. But there are a few islands, cities, and luxury communities in The Bahamas that will elevate your wedding and make for a memorable honeymoon.
Nassau
As the capital city of The Bahamas, Nassau is known for its lively entertainment, rich history, and gorgeous central location. The city is extremely easy to travel to, as it is the home of the Lynden-Pindling International Airport. It also has some of the best luxury rental properties around its shores.
You may also want to look at the average price of rental properties in The Bahamas before traveling to the islands. And if you just so happen to fall in love with the island during your stay, you can explore MCR Bahamas’ real estate listings for sale to make a more permanent move to paradise.
Paradise Island
Known for being one of the best and safest places to live in The Bahamas, Paradise Island is the perfect spot for a destination wedding. Located on the northern point of Nassau, Paradise Island is just as lively and beautiful as the capital city.
Paradise Island is known for its many resorts and hotels throughout the island, making it the perfect place to have an intimate beach wedding or a five-star celebration at a resort.
Harbour Island
With its beautiful pink sand beaches and candy-colored homes, Harbour Island is one of the best places for a memorable destination wedding in The Bahamas. This quintessential island is a great choice if you’re planning an intimate ceremony on one of the gorgeous pink sand beaches, or considering one of the island’s many oceanfront property rentals for your wedding party.
Exuma
The Exuma Cays provide a once-in-a-lifetime experience for the wedding couple and guests alike. Aside from stunning views, expansive beaches, and turquoise waters, Exuma is famous for its swimming pigs.
From charting boat tours to snorkeling to simply relaxing with Caribbean views, Exuma is the perfect place to escape from reality and experience a wedding like none other.
Grand Bahama Island
Grand Bahama Island is located a mere 55 miles off the coast of Florida, making it the perfect tropical destination for couples who don’t want to travel far. Like many islands in The Bahamas, there is no shortage of beautiful views, exciting activities, and romantic spots for couples throughout Grand Bahama Island.
Whether you want your wedding to be steeped in the culture of The Bahamas, or you’d like to plan a romantic getaway, Grand Bahama Island is the perfect place for a destination wedding.
Best Bahamas Wedding Venues
The Bahamas has several world-class venues available for a memorable wedding. Whether you’d like an intimate and quiet ceremony, or a full-fledged party, here are some of the best venues in The Bahamas.
1. Rosewood Baha Mar
Rosewood Baha Mar, located in Nassau, is known as one of the best wedding venues in The Bahamas. Rosewood Baha Mar offers wedding specialists, stunning indoor and outdoor venues, exquisite catering, and romantic accommodations and amenities for you and your guests. Luxury is at your fingertips when you book your wedding at Rosewood Baha Mar.
2. Ocean View Club
The Ocean View Club in Harbour Island is the perfect place for an intimate wedding venue. This family-run hotel offers guests stunning views, oceanfront rooms, and unfettered access to the pink sand beaches. The club puts on several weddings and special events on its private beaches for anyone looking for a luxury Bahamas wedding.
3. Staniel Cay Yacht Club
Nestled in Exuma Cay, the Staniel Cay Yacht Club is a hidden gem in The Bahamas. The club is a popular destination for adventure seekers, providing its guests with rentals and excursions of all types, as well as authentic Bahamian bungalows and other accommodations.
The Staniel Cay Yacht Club is no stranger to weddings. The club offers a one-of-a-kind catering service, customizing menus for every couple. The beautiful Yacht Club makes the perfect setting for both intimate ceremonies and large weddings.
4. The Ocean Club Four Seasons
Since 1962, The Ocean Club Four Seasons has been welcoming guests, celebrities, politicians, and royalty to The Bahamas. The timeless and elegant feel that pervades the resort naturally translates to the breathtaking weddings The Ocean Club Four Seasons hosts.
From one-of-a-kind venues to specialists that help plan every detail, The Ocean Club Four Seasons is the go-to for Bahamas weddings. Your wedding guests and party can choose to stay in the exclusive Ocean Club Estates rentals if they want to have an authentic Bahamian experience.
5. British Colonial
History lovers will become enchanted with the timeless island haven of the British Colonial. Located in Nassau, this historical hotel combines Bahamian history, culture, and sophistication in every room.
The British Colonial Nassau offers 18,000 square feet of unique wedding venue space for any kind of ceremony you’d like. The team offers tailored packages for cocktail hours and receptions, as well as unforgettable honeymoon options.
Requirements to Have a Wedding in The Bahamas
Although getting married in The Bahamas is extremely simple, we want to make sure you have all the information necessary to make your wedding as easy as possible.
Step 1: Apply for a License
Couples must be physically present in The Bahamas when they apply for their marriage license.
Couples getting married in Nassau will need to get their marriage licenses and certificates issued at the office of the Registrar General in Nassau. If you simply want to renew your vows in The Bahamas, you don’t need a license.
Step 2: Meet Residency Period Requirements
To qualify for a marriage license in The Bahamas, the couple must be in The Bahamas at least 24 hours beforehand. Couples can apply for their license the day after their arrival on the island and can get married the day after they receive their approved license.
Step 3: Provide Proof of Identification and Residency
Both parties must present a valid passport, birth certificate, and photo ID, as well as evidence of the date of their arrival to The Bahamas. If you permanently reside in The Bahamas, you will not need to present evidence of when you arrived.
Step 4: Bring Witnesses
The couple must have two witnesses, at least 18 years old, present and willing to sign their marriage license. If they do not have witnesses, the Island of The Bahamas will provide them.
Step 5: Pay the Fees
The final step to securing a marriage license in The Bahamas is to pay the required fees. A marriage license costs $120 to obtain and $20 for each additional copy.
More on Bahamas Weddings
If you still have a few questions about weddings in The Bahamas, we’re here to answer them!
How much does a Bahamas wedding cost?
The cost of a wedding in The Bahamas differs, depending on where you want to get married, and what type of venue, entertainment, and other accommodations you choose. Typically, weddings in The Bahamas are significantly more affordable than weddings in The United States. Couples should expect to spend anywhere between $2,000 and $15,000 on a Bahamian wedding.
Is a marriage in The Bahamas legal in the US?
Yes, even if you aren’t a Bahamian citizen or considering moving to The Bahamas, your marriage is legal in the United States. The U. S. will recognize your marriage and you can use your Bahamian marriage certificate to change your name, apply for joint property, or do anything else that requires a legalized certificate.
What is the best time to get married in The Bahamas?
The Bahamas is known for its year-round stunning weather. With daily average temperatures between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit, you’ll rarely be too hot or too cold in The Bahamas.
Although May and June are popular months for weddings, The Bahamas’ rainy season takes place from May to October, making November through April the best time to get married in The Bahamas.
Celebrate Your Dream Wedding in The Bahamas
If you’re ready to say ‘“I do” to the perfect destination wedding, start planning your wedding in The Bahamas today! The Bahamas is an amazing place to visit and live, and just as wonderful to celebrate special memories, like weddings and honeymoons.
For those of you considering a more permanent stay in The Bahamas after the big day, contact Better Homes and Gardens MCR to discuss your real estate needs. With the majority of our team born and raised here, MCR Bahamas understands the islands like no one else.
Call Better Homes and Gardens MCR Bahamas for more information on luxury Bahamas real estate for sale or rent!