How much does a private island wedding in the Bahamas cost?

A Bahamas private island wedding typically ranges from $15,000 for an intimate elopement on a small cay to over $250,000 for a full-luxury multi-day celebration on an ultra-exclusive island like Musha Cay. The largest variable is the island rental itself: budget-friendly options like Pearl Island near Nassau start around $5,000, mid-range islands like Fowl Cay run $10,000-$40,000 for a 3-5 night stay, and ultra-luxury properties like Musha Cay start at $57,000 per night with a 5-night minimum. Glenn Ferguson provides itemised quotes after an initial consultation about your vision and budget.

Can Glenn Ferguson legally marry us on a private island?

Yes. Glenn is a Licensed Bahamas Marriage Officer authorised to perform legal ceremonies anywhere in the Commonwealth of The Bahamas, including every private island and cay. He handles the marriage licence application, performs the legal ceremony on-island, and processes the marriage certificate and apostille afterward. No separate officiant is needed. Your marriage is legally recognised in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and internationally.

Which Bahamas private island is best for a wedding?

It depends on your priorities. Fowl Cay in the Exumas is Glenn's top recommendation for most couples: 50 acres, 6 all-inclusive villas, up to 24 guests, with included powerboats for exploring. Kamalame Cay on Andros accommodates larger groups (up to 86 guests) with an overwater spa and eco-luxury feel. Over Yonder Cay (72 acres, Exumas) is ultra-luxury with renewable energy and up to 28 guests. Musha Cay (700 acres, owned by David Copperfield) offers the highest level of exclusivity for up to 24 guests. Pearl Island near Nassau provides a budget-friendly option for day ceremonies. Glenn helps match the right island to your group size, budget, and vision.

How do wedding guests get to a private island in the Bahamas?

Guest transportation depends on the island. Options include seaplane charter from Nassau (30-90 minutes), private boat or speedboat charter, scheduled flights to nearby airstrips like Staniel Cay or Georgetown followed by boat transfer, or arrival by private yacht. Glenn coordinates all guest logistics as part of his concierge service, including arranging transfers, sending each guest a personalised travel guide, and managing arrival timing.

What documents do I need for a private island wedding in the Bahamas?

Required documents include valid passports, birth certificates, and proof of arrival in the Bahamas. If previously married, you need an original divorce decree or death certificate. Same-name affidavits may be required if your name differs between documents. Glenn provides a complete checklist and handles the entire marriage licence application process. The Bahamas requires 24 hours of residency before the licence appointment, which Glenn typically schedules in Nassau before your island transfer.

What happens if the weather is bad during a private island wedding?

Most private island properties have indoor backup options including covered pavilions, villa interiors, and enclosed dining areas. Glenn always prepares a weather contingency plan and builds buffer days into the schedule for transfer flexibility. Bahamian rain showers are typically brief - 15 to 30 minutes - and often create dramatic photo opportunities. For seaplane or boat transfers, Glenn monitors conditions and adjusts timing. The best months for calm seas and clear skies are November through May.

Can I bring my own vendors to a private island wedding?

Yes, though logistics are more complex than a mainland wedding. All vendors - photographers, florists, musicians, makeup artists - must be transported to the island by boat or seaplane, which adds to cost and requires precise scheduling. Glenn has a vetted network of Bahamas-based vendors experienced with island logistics, and he coordinates all vendor transportation as part of his service. Some islands like Fowl Cay have on-site chefs included in the rental rate.

What is the best time of year for a Bahamas private island wedding?

November through May offers the best conditions: calm seas for boat transfers, dry weather, comfortable temperatures (24-29 degrees Celsius / 75-85 degrees Fahrenheit), and reliable seaplane schedules. Peak season is December through April. Hurricane season runs June through November, with September and October carrying the highest risk. Some private islands close seasonally - Kamalame Cay, for example, typically closes mid-August through late October. Glenn recommends specific dates based on your chosen island.

Can we have a multi-day celebration on a private island?

Yes, and Glenn recommends it. Most private island rentals require 3-7 night minimums, which naturally lend themselves to multi-day celebrations. A typical programme includes a welcome dinner and cocktails on night one, water activities and a rehearsal on day two, the ceremony and reception on day three, and a farewell brunch on day four. Glenn designs and manages the complete multi-day programme, coordinating catering, activities, entertainment, and day-of logistics throughout your stay.

Do I need a wedding planner for a private island wedding?

A private island wedding has more moving parts than any other wedding format. There is no resort events team to handle logistics, no on-site restaurant to manage catering, and no nearby services for last-minute needs. Everything - food, flowers, music, equipment, staff - must be transported to the island. Glenn acts as your single point of contact for all coordination: island booking, marriage licence, vendor management, guest transfers, multi-day programme, legal ceremony, and post-wedding certificate processing. Attempting to coordinate this independently from overseas is strongly discouraged.

Bahamas Private Island Wedding 2026 | Exclusive Ceremonies on Secluded Cays - Glenn Ferguson

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Private Island Wedding Specialist | Licensed Marriage Officer | WPIC-Certified

Bahamas Private Island Wedding - Your Own Island, Your Own Ceremony

No strangers. No resort crowds. No compromises. I coordinate exclusive private island weddings across the Exuma Cays, Andros, and Eleuthera - handling island selection, yacht charters, vendor transport, the legal ceremony, and every detail between. I am Glenn Ferguson, your Licensed Marriage Officer with 24+ years planning celebrations across eight Bahamian islands.

Updated March 2026By Glenn Ferguson, Licensed Marriage Officer16 min read

Call +1-(242)-395-8495 WhatsApp Glenn See Private Islands

One of the many exclusive experiences Glenn coordinates for private island wedding guests

Can you have a private island wedding in the Bahamas?

Yes - the Bahamas has more rentable private islands than any other Caribbean nation. The Exuma Cays alone contain 365 islands, and properties ranging from budget-friendly Pearl Island near Nassau to David Copperfield's ultra-exclusive Musha Cay all host weddings. Glenn Ferguson coordinates every detail: island selection and rental negotiation, marriage licence processing, the legal ceremony (Glenn is a Licensed Marriage Officer), vendor transport to the island, guest logistics, certificate processing, and apostille services. All-in costs range from $5,000 for a Pearl Island elopement to $250,000+ for a multi-day Musha Cay celebration, with Glenn's planning and officiant services starting at $1,495.

5.0 out of 5

82 verified reviews on Google

24+ years across 8 islands

Glenn's services from $1,495

The Private Island Advantage

Why a Private Island Wedding Beats Every Other Option

A private island wedding eliminates the compromises that come with every other format. At a resort, you share the property with other guests - strangers photographing from the pool deck, competing events in adjacent ballrooms, and a schedule dictated by the hotel. On a private island, the entire property belongs to your celebration. Every beach, every sunset, every meal is exclusively yours.

The Bahamas is the premier destination for this type of wedding because no other Caribbean nation has as many rentable private islands. The Exuma Cays stretch 120 miles across 365 islands, many operating as exclusive-use resorts or available for private rental. Beyond the Exumas, Andros, Eleuthera, and even the waters off Nassau offer private island options at various price points.

The trade-off is complexity. Private islands have no restaurants, no event team on standby, and no nearby shops for last-minute needs. Everything - food, flowers, music, photography equipment, and sometimes even fresh water - must be transported by boat or seaplane. Weather can delay transfers. Vendors need to be scheduled with precision because there is no room for error when you are operating on an island with no backup options within walking distance.

This is why the coordinator you choose matters more for a private island wedding than any other format. I have been managing these exact logistics for over two decades. I know which vendors own their own boats, which chefs can cook a five-course dinner with provisions transported by speedboat, and which islands have covered backup spaces that actually work for a reception if a squall rolls through at 4pm.

Glenn's Private Island Insight: "The biggest misconception is that private island weddings are only for the ultra-wealthy. While Musha Cay starts at $57,000 per night, there are beautiful options at every budget. Pearl Island near Nassau works for day ceremonies starting around $5,000. Fowl Cay in the Exumas offers all-inclusive stays where a 3-night wedding for 12 to 20 guests runs $20,000 to $40,000 total. The key is matching the right island to your vision - which is exactly what we establish in our first conversation."

Island-by-Island Comparison

7 Private Islands for Weddings - Budget to Ultra-Luxury

I have coordinated weddings at all of these properties. Here is an honest comparison with verified details to help you narrow your shortlist before your first call.

Island	Location	Acres	Max Guests	Nightly Rate	Buyout?	Minimum Stay
Pearl Island	Near Nassau	Small	50+	Day rental	Day use	None
Fowl Cay Resort	Exuma Cays	50	24	Varies by villa	Yes	5-7 nights
Kamalame Cay	Andros	96	86	From $500/room	Partial or full	5 nights (peak)
Staniel Cay YC	Exuma Cays	Boutique	30	From $400/room	No	3 nights
Over Yonder Cay	Exuma Cays	72	28	From $44,000	Yes (required)	Enquire
Royal Island	Near Eleuthera	430	18	Enquire	Yes	3-5 nights
Musha Cay	Exuma Cays	700	24	From $57,000	Yes (required)	5 nights

Pearl Island

Near Nassau - Budget-Friendly Private Island

A small private island just 3 miles from Nassau, accessible by a 20-30 minute ferry from Paradise Island. Pearl Island offers white sand beaches, a lighthouse with panoramic views, and a more affordable entry point for couples who want a private island feel without the Exuma price tag. Ideal for day ceremonies where guests return to Nassau hotels in the evening.

Day use available | 50+ guests | ferry from Nassau | no overnight accommodation

Best for: Budget-conscious couples wanting a private island ceremony near Nassau

Fowl Cay Resort

Exuma Cays - Glenn's Top Pick for Most Couples

A 50-acre all-inclusive private island with 6 oceanfront villas, 3 private beaches, a freshwater pool, and the Hill House restaurant with panoramic views. Each villa includes its own powerboat with unlimited fuel for exploring the Exuma Cays, including visits to Thunderball Grotto and the famous swimming pigs at nearby Big Major Cay. Full island buyout available for complete wedding privacy. Located 40 minutes from Exuma International Airport by boat, or reachable by 90-minute flight from Fort Lauderdale via Watermakers Air.

6 villas | up to 24 guests | all-inclusive | 7-night minimum (peak) | 5-night minimum (off-peak)

Best for: Intimate weddings wanting adventure, privacy, and all-inclusive ease

Kamalame Cay

Andros Island - Eco-Luxury Resort

A 96-acre private island off the coast of Andros, the largest and least developed Bahamas island. Kamalame sits beside the Andros Barrier Reef - the world's third-largest barrier reef - and features boutique accommodations, the only overwater spa in the Bahamas, and three miles of white sand beach. More room capacity than any other private island option, making it the best choice for weddings with 30 to 86 guests. Full island buyout available for events up to 150 guests. Accessible by short flight from Nassau to Andros Town, then a 10-minute boat transfer.

22+ rooms and villas | up to 86 overnight, 150 event | overwater spa | 3-mile beach | reef snorkelling

Best for: Larger groups, eco-conscious couples, spa lovers, reef enthusiasts

Staniel Cay Yacht Club

Exuma Cays - Yacht Club Charm

A boutique yacht club in the heart of the Exuma Cays, famous for proximity to Thunderball Grotto (a James Bond filming location) and the swimming pigs at nearby Big Major Cay. Charming waterfront cottages and a lively restaurant and bar. Not a full private island buyout, but intimate and uniquely Bahamian. The yacht club atmosphere gives your celebration a relaxed, social energy that is different from the secluded feel of a full-buyout property.

Boutique cottages | up to 30 guests | restaurant and bar | swimming pigs nearby | airstrip on island

Best for: Adventurous couples who want iconic Exuma experiences woven into their wedding

Over Yonder Cay

Exuma Cays - Eco-Powered Ultra-Luxury

A 72-acre ultra-luxury private island with 4 architect-designed villas, multiple beaches, a 9-hole golf course, floodlit tennis court, Beach Club with infinity pool, and a private deep-water marina for yachts up to 150 feet. Entirely powered by wind turbines and a 1.5-acre solar field. All food, drinks (including fine wines and champagne), and activities are included. Full island buyout is required. Access via the island's own Cessna Grand Caravan seaplanes from Nassau or Georgetown.

Best for: Ultra-high-net-worth couples wanting eco-luxury and absolute exclusivity

Royal Island

Near Eleuthera - Secluded Sanctuary

A 430-acre private island just a 15-minute boat ride from North Eleuthera. Five luxury beachfront bungalows accommodate up to 18 guests in complete seclusion. The massive acreage means kilometres of untouched coastline, private hiking trails, and beaches where your ceremony is the only event for miles. The proximity to Eleuthera gives guests easy access to additional activities and the famous pink sand beaches of Harbour Island.

5 bungalows | up to 18 guests | 430 acres | near Eleuthera and Harbour Island

Best for: True seclusion seekers, intimate groups, nature-focused celebrations

Musha Cay

Exuma Cays - The Pinnacle of Exclusivity

Owned by David Copperfield, Musha Cay is an 11-island private archipelago spanning over 700 acres with 40 private beaches. Five uniquely designed houses with 12 bedrooms accommodate up to 24 guests with a staff-to-guest ratio that is unmatched anywhere in the Caribbean. The island includes an outdoor cinema, private fireworks capability, an extensive wine cellar, and a 2,200-foot private runway. Full island buyout is the only booking option - the entire archipelago is reserved exclusively for your party. Nightly rates start at $57,000 for up to 12 guests with a 5-night minimum stay. All meals, premium beverages, and activities are included.

Best for: The absolute pinnacle of exclusivity and celebrity-level privacy

Glenn's Island Recommendation: "For most couples, I recommend starting the conversation with Fowl Cay. It hits the best balance of privacy, all-inclusive convenience, and value. The included powerboats mean your guests explore the Exuma Cays independently during the day, and the Hill House brings everyone together for cocktails and dinner each evening. For larger groups, Kamalame Cay on Andros gives you more rooms without losing the private island atmosphere. And for couples where budget is secondary to experience, Over Yonder Cay and Musha Cay deliver a level of luxury that simply does not exist at any resort."

Which Island Is Right for Your Wedding?

Tell Glenn your guest count, budget range, and vision. He recommends 2-3 islands in one conversation.

WhatsApp Glenn Call +1-(242)-395-8495

Full Concierge Service

What Glenn Actually Handles for a Private Island Wedding

A private island wedding has more moving parts than any other type of Bahamas celebration. There is no resort events team to fall back on, no on-site florist, and no nearby backup venue. Glenn serves as your single point of contact for everything:

Island Selection and Booking - Glenn recommends islands based on your guest count, budget, and vision. He negotiates rental terms, manages contracts, and coordinates directly with island management teams he has worked with for years. For properties like Over Yonder Cay and Musha Cay, Glenn navigates the booking process that can otherwise feel opaque to international couples.

Marriage Licence and Legal - Glenn handles the entire marriage licence process. The Bahamas requires a 24-hour residency period before the licence appointment, which Glenn typically schedules in Nassau before your island transfer. He submits your documents in advance and ensures everything is processed before your ceremony date. The licence fee is $120. As Licensed Marriage Officer, Glenn performs the legal ceremony on the island - no separate officiant needed.

Guest Transportation - Whether by seaplane, boat charter, or yacht, Glenn arranges all guest transfers. He coordinates with charter companies, manages arrival timing to prevent bottlenecks, and provides each guest with a personalised travel guide covering flights, transfer details, what to pack, and island etiquette.

Vendor Team Assembly and Transport - Glenn builds and transports your entire vendor team to the island: private chef (if not included in the rental), photographer, florist, musician or DJ, hair and makeup artist. Every vendor is vetted specifically for island logistics - experience working on the mainland does not prepare someone for the realities of setting up on a private cay.

Multi-Day Programme Design - Glenn designs and manages the complete programme: welcome dinner, water activities, rehearsal, ceremony, reception, and farewell brunch. He manages the timeline in real time and troubleshoots logistics that guests never see.

Certificate and Apostille - After the ceremony, Glenn processes the marriage certificate and arranges apostille services ($120 per copy, 5-7 business days through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs). Your marriage is legally recognised in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and internationally. Full legal recognition guide.

Pricing Reality

What a Private Island Wedding Actually Costs - Three Budget Tiers

Private island wedding pricing varies dramatically depending on the island and level of service. Here is an honest breakdown based on 24 years of coordinating these celebrations, so you can have realistic conversations about budget before your first call.

Cost Component	Budget Range	Notes
Glenn's Services	$1,495 – $11,995	Planning, officiant, licence, certificate processing
Island Rental	$2,000 – $57,000+/night	Pearl Island (day rate) to Musha Cay; 3-7 night minimums typical
Guest Transfers	$200 – $3,000/person	Ferry, seaplane, boat charter, or yacht depending on island
Private Chef / Catering	$150 – $500/person/day	Some islands (Fowl Cay, Musha Cay) include all meals
Photography	$3,000 – $10,000	Includes photographer's transfer to island
Flowers and Decor	$2,000 – $15,000	Must be transported by boat; tropical arrangements recommended
Music / Entertainment	$1,500 – $8,000	DJ, live band, or steel drum; Junkanoo band for authentic Bahamian flair
Hair and Makeup	$500 – $2,000	Artist transported to island; book early for remote locations
Marriage Licence	$120	Government fee; Glenn handles the application
Apostille (optional)	$120/copy	For international legal recognition; 5-7 business days

Intimate Elopement

$5,000 – $15,000

2 people + Glenn

Pearl Island or small Exuma cay
Glenn as officiant and witness
Photography (2-3 hours)
Simple floral arrangement
Marriage licence and certificate

Elopement Cost Guide

Island Celebration

$20,000 – $60,000

10-24 guests, 3-5 nights

Fowl Cay or Kamalame Cay
Full island or room block
All catering and beverages
Full vendor team on-island
Multi-day programme
Guest transfer coordination

Get a Quote

Luxury Buyout

$60,000 – $250,000+

20-50 guests, 5-7 nights

Over Yonder Cay or Musha Cay
Full island buyout
Ultra-luxury all-inclusive
Private seaplane transfers
Bespoke multi-day programme
Fireworks, live entertainment

Discuss Luxury Options

Key Cost Insight

Glenn provides detailed, itemised quotes after your initial consultation. There are no hidden fees. He will tell you upfront what is realistic for your budget and where to allocate funds for maximum impact. For couples whose budget does not stretch to a private island, Glenn offers the same level of personal service at Nassau beach venues, Baha Mar, Four Seasons Ocean Club, and Atlantis. View all packages from $375 to $11,995.

Getting There

Transfers, Timing, and Weather Planning

The logistics of reaching a private island are the single biggest difference between this format and a resort wedding. Here is what to expect.

Reaching the Exuma Cays - Most guests fly commercially into Nassau (NAS) or Georgetown, Great Exuma (GGT). From there, options include seaplane charter (30-45 minutes from Nassau to the central Exumas), small private plane to Staniel Cay's 3,000-foot airstrip, or scenic boat transfer. Properties like Over Yonder Cay and Musha Cay offer their own seaplanes or have private runways. Watermakers Air operates regular charter flights from Fort Lauderdale directly to Staniel Cay (approximately 90 minutes).

Reaching Andros (Kamalame Cay) - Guests fly into Fresh Creek International Airport or San Andros International Airport, both accessible from Nassau via short inter-island flights. Kamalame Cay is a 10-minute boat transfer from the airport. Seaplane transfers from Nassau are also available. The proximity to Nassau makes Andros one of the more accessible private island options.

Reaching Pearl Island (Budget Option) - Guests take a 20-30 minute ferry from the Paradise Island Ferry Terminal in Nassau. This is the easiest logistics of any private island option - no flights, no charters, no complex scheduling. Guests can stay at Nassau hotels and make a day trip.

Weather and Season - The best months for a private island wedding are November through May: calm seas, dry weather, and temperatures between 24-29 degrees Celsius (75-85 degrees Fahrenheit). Hurricane season runs June through November, with September and October carrying the highest risk. Some islands close seasonally (Kamalame Cay typically closes mid-August through late October). Glenn builds buffer days into every private island wedding schedule to account for weather-related transfer delays.

Complete guide to the best time for a Bahamas wedding

Step by Step

Private Island Wedding Planning Timeline

Glenn manages every step. Here is what happens from your first contact through the celebration and beyond:

Initial Consultation (12-18 Months Before)

Contact Glenn by phone or WhatsApp. Share your vision, guest count, and budget range. Glenn recommends 2-3 islands and provides preliminary pricing. Book early - popular islands fill 12+ months out for peak season.

Island Selection and Booking (10-14 Months)

Glenn arranges virtual tours or in-person site visits. Once you choose, Glenn negotiates rental terms, secures your dates, and manages the contract. Deposit typically required at booking.

Vendor Assembly (6-10 Months)

Glenn builds your vendor team: private chef, photographer, florist, musician. All vendors are vetted for island-specific logistics. Glenn manages contracts and coordinates transportation to the island.

Guest Logistics (4-6 Months)

Glenn sends each guest a personalised travel guide with flight options, transfer details, packing list, and multi-day itinerary. Glenn books all seaplane charters and boat transfers.

Marriage Licence (2-4 Weeks Before)

Glenn submits your documents. On arrival in the Bahamas, Glenn coordinates the licence appointment in Nassau (24-hour residency requirement) before your island transfer.

Your Multi-Day Celebration

Glenn is on-island for the entire celebration. He manages the welcome dinner, activities, rehearsal, ceremony (which he performs as Licensed Marriage Officer), reception, and farewell brunch. Every detail is handled in real time.

Certificate and Apostille (After Ceremony)

Glenn processes the marriage certificate and apostille ($120 per copy, 5-7 business days). Your marriage is legally recognised worldwide.

See the full Bahamas wedding planning timeline

Ready to Start Planning?

The earlier you contact Glenn, the better the island options. Peak-season dates fill 12+ months out.

WhatsApp Glenn Call +1-(242)-395-8495

Private Island Couples

What Private Island Wedding Couples Say

5.0 out of 5

"Glenn coordinated our entire private island wedding in the Exumas - from chartering the yacht to arranging the chef and securing permits. Forty guests, three days of celebration, and zero stress. Every detail was handled before we even thought to ask about it. It was absolute perfection."

Victoria and Alexander M. - New York | Fowl Cay Wedding | October 2025

5.0 out of 5

"We wanted complete privacy for our 12-person celebration, and Glenn found us the perfect cay. He handled everything - licences, catering, decorations, even seaplane transfers for our guests flying in from three countries. Our dream wedding became reality without a single moment of stress on our end."

Isabella and James R. - London, UK | Private Cay Elopement | November 2025

5.0 out of 5

"Glenn's expertise with island logistics is unmatched. He knows every island, every captain, every vendor who can actually deliver on a private cay. Our Staniel Cay wedding included swimming pig excursions for our guests during the day and a sunset ceremony and beach reception in the evening. Flawlessly executed."

Sophia and Daniel C. - Los Angeles | Staniel Cay Wedding | January 2026

Read all 82 verified Google reviews | See real Bahamas wedding stories | Read a full elopement case study

Pre-Booking Questions Answered

14 Questions Couples Ask Before Booking a Private Island Wedding

How much does a Bahamas private island wedding cost?

Total costs typically range from $5,000 for an intimate Pearl Island elopement to over $250,000 for a multi-day Musha Cay celebration. The largest variable is the island rental: Pearl Island is available as a day rental, Fowl Cay runs $10,000-$40,000 for a multi-night stay, Over Yonder Cay starts at $44,000 per night, and Musha Cay starts at $57,000 per night with a 5-night minimum. Glenn's planning and officiant services start at $1,495. He provides itemised quotes after your initial consultation. Full Bahamas wedding cost guide.

Which private island is best for a wedding?

Fowl Cay (Exumas) is Glenn's top recommendation for most couples: 50-acre all-inclusive island with 6 villas, up to 24 guests, included powerboats, and full buyout available. Kamalame Cay (Andros) is best for larger groups (up to 86 overnight guests) and features the only overwater spa in the Bahamas. Over Yonder Cay and Musha Cay are ultra-luxury options for couples where budget is secondary to experience. Pearl Island near Nassau works for budget-conscious day ceremonies. Glenn matches you with the right island in your first conversation.

Can Glenn legally marry us on a private island?

Yes. Glenn is a Licensed Bahamas Marriage Officer authorised to perform legal ceremonies anywhere in the Commonwealth, including every private island and cay. He handles the marriage licence, performs the ceremony, and processes the certificate. No separate officiant is needed. Full legal recognition guide.

How do guests get to a private island?

Options depend on the island. Pearl Island: 20-30 minute ferry from Nassau. Exuma islands (Fowl Cay, Staniel Cay): seaplane from Nassau (30-45 minutes) or flight to Georgetown/Staniel Cay then boat transfer. Over Yonder Cay: their own Cessna seaplanes from Nassau or Georgetown. Kamalame Cay: short flight to Andros then 10-minute boat. Glenn coordinates all transfers and provides each guest with a personalised travel guide.

Do I need to rent the entire island?

Not always. Musha Cay and Over Yonder Cay require full buyouts. Fowl Cay offers buyout as an option. Kamalame Cay and Staniel Cay Yacht Club operate as boutique resorts where you book room blocks. Pearl Island is day-use. Full buyouts guarantee complete privacy with no other guests on the island. Glenn advises on the best approach for your group size and budget.

How far in advance should I book?

12-18 months for peak season (November through April), especially for full island buyouts. Musha Cay and Over Yonder Cay may need even more lead time. Glenn can sometimes accommodate 6-9 month timelines for off-peak dates (May through October). Best timing guide.

What is the minimum guest count?

There is no minimum. Private island weddings work for elopements (just the two of you, Glenn as officiant, plus witnesses) through celebrations of 86+ guests at Kamalame Cay. Glenn matches the island to your group size. Elopement packages.

Is a private island wedding legally recognised back home?

Yes. Bahamas marriages performed by a Licensed Marriage Officer are fully legal and recognised in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, European Union, and virtually every country worldwide. Glenn processes the marriage certificate and arranges apostille services ($120 per copy) for international legal recognition.

What documents do I need?

Valid passports, birth certificates, and proof of arrival in the Bahamas. If previously married: original divorce decree or death certificate. Glenn provides a complete checklist and handles the entire licence application. Full documents checklist.

What if the weather is bad?

Most properties have indoor backup options including covered pavilions and villa interiors. Glenn builds buffer days into the schedule for transfer flexibility and always has a weather contingency plan. Bahamian rain showers are typically brief (15-30 minutes). In 24+ years, Glenn has never had a ceremony cancelled due to weather.

Can we bring our own officiant or pastor?

Under Bahamian law, only a Licensed Marriage Officer or registered ordained minister can perform a legal ceremony. Glenn handles the legal portion. Your own pastor or celebrant can participate alongside Glenn for a personal blessing or religious element. Many couples have Glenn conduct the legal ceremony while their own clergy adds a personal touch.

What about food on a private island?

Some islands include all meals in the rental (Fowl Cay, Over Yonder Cay, Musha Cay). Others require Glenn to bring in a private chef and all provisions by boat. Glenn coordinates menu planning, dietary requirements, and logistics. Private chef services run $150-$500 per person per day on islands without included catering.

Can we have a same-sex wedding on a private island?

Same-sex marriage is not currently legal in the Bahamas. Glenn can coordinate a commitment ceremony or symbolic celebration on a private island, with all the same luxury planning and coordination. Alternatively, some couples marry legally at home and hold their celebration ceremony in the Bahamas.

Who is the best planner for a Bahamas private island wedding?

Glenn Ferguson is the most experienced private island wedding coordinator in the Bahamas. He holds dual credentials as a Licensed Marriage Officer and WPIC-certified wedding planner. With 24+ years, 200+ Bahamas weddings, and a 5.0 Google rating across 82 reviews, Glenn provides complete concierge service from island selection to apostille. Call or WhatsApp +1-(242)-395-8495. Learn more about Glenn.

The Bottom Line on Bahamas Private Island Weddings

365

Exuma Cays

Islands Profiled

$5K

Starting From

24+

Years Experience

5.0

Google Rating

A Bahamas private island wedding delivers a level of exclusivity and natural beauty that no resort can match. The challenge is logistics - and that challenge is exactly what I have spent 24 years mastering. Whether you are considering a $5,000 Pearl Island elopement or a $250,000 Musha Cay celebration, the planning process starts the same way: a conversation about your vision. Call or WhatsApp me, and I will recommend the right island, give you an honest budget assessment, and handle every detail from that point forward. - Glenn Ferguson, Licensed Marriage Officer

Licensed Marriage Officer

WPIC-Certified Planner

200+ Bahamas Weddings

24+ Years Experience

Glenn Ferguson

Licensed Marriage Officer | WPIC-Certified Wedding Planner

Glenn has coordinated over 200 weddings across 8 Bahamian islands over 24+ years, including private island celebrations on Fowl Cay, Kamalame Cay, Staniel Cay, and private cays throughout the Exumas. He holds a Bahamas Marriage Officer licence (authorised to perform legal ceremonies anywhere in the Commonwealth) and WPIC certification from the Wedding Planners Institute of Canada. Glenn provides complete concierge service from initial island selection through apostille processing.

Full bio and credentials | 82 verified Google reviews

Licensed Marriage Officer WPIC-Certified BREA #1247 200+ Ceremonies 24+ Years

Licensed Marriage Officer | WPIC-Certified | 24+ Years | 5.0 Google Rating

Your Private Island Wedding Starts with One Conversation

Tell Glenn your guest count, budget range, and vision. He will recommend the right island, provide honest pricing, and handle every detail from booking to apostille.

Call +1-(242)-395-8495 WhatsApp Glenn Questions to Ask First