The Bahamas wins for most couples. It has the easiest legal process (marry within 24 hours, no blood test, 2 witnesses, English throughout), the lowest costs with an independent planner ($1,495-$11,995), and the shortest flights from the US East Coast (2.5 hours from Miami). Mexico is the best choice for same-sex couples seeking a legal ceremony, and offers the widest selection of large all-inclusive resorts. Jamaica offers a culturally rich experience but has longer paperwork timelines and does not recognise same-sex marriage. All three are significantly cheaper than the $36,000 average US wedding. The Bahamas is the only destination where you receive a certified marriage certificate the same day — Mexico and Jamaica both take weeks to process.
The Complete Comparison — Every Factor That Matters
This is the table I wish existed when couples first ask me "why the Bahamas?" Here's every factor side by side, with real data from my 24 years as a Licensed Marriage Officer in the Bahamas.
| Factor | 🇧🇸 Bahamas | 🇲🇽 Mexico | 🇯🇲 Jamaica |
|---|---|---|---|
| Language | English | Spanish (translations required) | English |
| Arrive before wedding | Can marry next day | 3-4 business days (for blood tests, paperwork) | 24 hours |
| Blood test required | No | Yes ($250-$300/couple) | No |
| Witnesses needed | 2 (provided by Glenn) | 4 (with valid ID) | 2 |
| Documents sent in advance | Not required | 2 months before | 2-6 weeks before (via courier) |
| Sworn translations needed | No | Yes (Spanish, certified) | No (English docs) |
| Legal ceremony type | Marriage Officer (beach, garden, anywhere) | Civil Registry only (church is separate) | Licensed Marriage Officer |
| Ceremony location freedom | Any beach, resort, villa, sandbar, cay | Civil: Registry office or extra fee for other locations | Any approved venue |
| Most couples do | Legal ceremony | Symbolic (get legally married at home) | Legal ceremony |
| Certificate timing | Same day | Weeks (apply after ceremony) | 1-4 weeks (express available) |
| Apostille available | Yes (Hague Convention) | Yes (must arrange separately) | Yes (extra fee for some nationalities) |
| Same-sex legal wedding | Not recognised | Legal since 2022 | Constitutionally banned |
| LGBTQ+ safety climate | Moderate (not criminalised) | Progressive in tourist areas | Hostile climate |
| Flight from Miami | 2.5 hrs, $200-$400 | 3 hrs, $250-$500 | 3.5 hrs, $350-$700 |
| Flight from NYC | 3 hrs, $300-$600 | 3.5 hrs, $300-$600 | 4 hrs, $350-$700 |
| Flight from London | 9 hrs, $600-$1,000 | 10 hrs, $600-$1,000 | 9.5 hrs, $500-$900 |
| Flight from Toronto | 3.5 hrs, $350-$600 | 4.5 hrs, $400-$800 | 4 hrs, $350-$700 |
| Elopement package cost | $1,495 (Glenn, all-inclusive) | $3,500-$6,500 (resort) | $3,000-$5,000 (resort) |
| Full wedding cost | $2,495-$11,995 (Glenn) | $5,000-$45,000 (resort) | $5,000-$30,000 (resort) |
| Licence fee included | Yes (in Glenn's packages) | No ($30+ extra) | No (~$50-80 licence + officer fees) |
| Officiant included | Yes (Glenn is your officer) | No (civil judge assigned) | Varies by package |
| Passport required | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Visa for US citizens | No (up to 90 days) | No (up to 180 days) | No (up to 90 days) |
| Hurricane season | Jun-Nov (peak: Aug-Oct) | Jun-Nov (peak: Aug-Oct) | Jun-Nov (peak: Aug-Oct) |
| Best weather months | Nov-May | Nov-May | Nov-May |
| US State Dept. travel advisory | Level 2: Exercise increased caution | Level 2: Exercise increased caution | Level 2: Exercise increased caution |
| Currency | BSD (1:1 with USD) | MXN | JMD |
The Bahamas offers the simplest legal wedding process in the Caribbean: no blood test, no sworn translations, no minimum residency, just 2 witnesses, and a certified marriage certificate issued the same day. Mexico requires blood tests ($250-$300), 4 witnesses, documents sent 2 months early, sworn Spanish translations, and arrival 3-4 business days before the ceremony — which is why most couples in Mexico choose a symbolic ceremony instead. Jamaica falls in the middle: no blood test, but documents must be couriered 2-6 weeks ahead and the official certificate takes 1-4 weeks to process. For US and Canadian couples seeking the easiest, most affordable legal destination wedding, the Bahamas wins on virtually every metric.
Legal Process — Where It Gets Real
This is where the three destinations differ most. The legal requirements determine how much planning stress you'll carry — and whether your "destination wedding" is actually a legal wedding or just a symbolic ceremony you'll need to follow up at home.
Bahamas
- No residency requirement
- No blood test
- Only 2 witnesses (provided by Glenn)
- All documents in English
- Marry within 24 hours of arrival
- Certified certificate same day
- Glenn handles entire licence process
- Hague Convention member (Apostille available)
Mexico
- Arrive 3-4 business days early (for blood tests, paperwork)
- Blood test required ($250-$300/couple)
- 4 witnesses with valid ID
- All documents need sworn Spanish translation
- Documents sent 2 months ahead
- Certificate takes weeks after ceremony
- Most couples skip legal and do symbolic
- Requirements vary by Mexican state
Jamaica
- No residency requirement
- No blood test
- 2 witnesses
- Documents in English
- Documents sent 2-6 weeks ahead via courier
- Official certificate processed 1-4 weeks (express available)
- ~$80-$250 in licence + officer fees (not in most packages)
The difference is stark. In Mexico, the legal complexity is so high that most couples opt for a symbolic ceremony and get legally married at home. That means two ceremonies, two sets of planning, and your actual "wedding" isn't legally binding at your destination. In the Bahamas, your ceremony on the beach IS your legal wedding — handled start to finish by Glenn.
"We originally planned Mexico but the blood test and translation requirements were overwhelming. Glenn made our Bahamas wedding so easy — we arrived on Thursday and were married on the beach by Friday afternoon with our certificate in hand. Best decision we ever made."
What You'll Actually Spend — Honest Numbers
Resort pricing in all three destinations looks similar on paper. The difference is what you get for that price — and what's hiding in the fine print. I've broken down every real cost so you can compare apples to apples.
| Cost Item | 🇧🇸 Bahamas (Glenn) | 🇲🇽 Mexico (Resort Avg) | 🇯🇲 Jamaica (Resort Avg) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elopement (2 people) | $1,495 | $3,500-$6,500 | $3,000-$5,000 |
| Beach wedding (10-25 guests) | $2,495-$5,415 | $6,000-$15,000 | $5,000-$10,000 |
| Full reception (25-50 guests) | $6,595-$11,995 | $28,000-$45,000 | $15,000-$30,000 |
| Licence & legal fees | Included | $300-$500 extra | ~$80-$250 extra |
| Officiant | Included (Glenn) | Extra fee or assigned judge | Varies |
| Certificate | Included (same day) | Extra fee, weeks wait | Extra fee, 1-4 weeks wait |
| Blood tests | $0 | $250-$300 | $0 |
| Document translations | $0 | $200-$500 | $0 |
| Flights (2 people, from Florida) | $400-$800 | $500-$1,000 | $700-$1,400 |
| Apostille (if needed) | $120 | $150-$300 | $100-$200 |
The Bahamas with Glenn Ferguson
A complete, legal Bahamas elopement costs $1,495 all-in (including licence, officiant, flowers, witnesses, certificate). The equivalent in Mexico or Jamaica through a resort starts at $3,000-$6,500 before adding legal fees, blood tests, and translations. For a fuller comparison, see the complete Bahamas wedding cost guide. All three destinations are significantly cheaper than the $36,000 average US wedding (The Knot, 2025).
The cheapest legal destination wedding in the Caribbean is the Bahamas with an independent planner. Glenn Ferguson's all-inclusive elopement package starts at $1,495, which includes a Licensed Marriage Officer, marriage licence, flowers, 2 witnesses, and a certified certificate issued the same day. Mexico resort elopement packages average $3,500-$6,500 before adding $250-$800 in hidden fees (blood tests, translations, extra legal fees). Jamaica resort packages average $3,000-$5,000 plus $80-$250 in licence and officer fees. For mid-size weddings (25-50 guests), the gap widens further: $6,595-$11,995 in the Bahamas versus $15,000-$45,000 at Caribbean resort properties. The independent planner model consistently delivers 50-70% savings over resort wedding departments.
Travel & Flight Comparison — For Your Guests Too
A destination wedding isn't just about you — it's about your guests. The easier and cheaper it is for them to get there, the more of them will actually show up. Here's how the three destinations compare for travel from major cities.
| From | 🇧🇸 Nassau, Bahamas | 🇲🇽 Cancún, Mexico | 🇯🇲 Montego Bay, Jamaica |
|---|---|---|---|
| Miami, FL | 2.5 hrs / $200-$400 | 3 hrs / $250-$500 | 3.5 hrs / $350-$700 |
| New York, NY | 3 hrs / $300-$600 | 3.5 hrs / $300-$600 | 4 hrs / $350-$700 |
| Atlanta, GA | 2.5 hrs / $250-$500 | 3 hrs / $300-$600 | 3.5 hrs / $350-$650 |
| Toronto, ON | 3.5 hrs / $350-$600 | 4.5 hrs / $400-$800 | 4 hrs / $350-$700 |
| London, UK | 9 hrs / $600-$1,000 | 10 hrs / $600-$1,000 | 9.5 hrs / $500-$900 |
| Chicago, IL | 3 hrs / $300-$550 | 3.5 hrs / $300-$550 | 4 hrs / $350-$650 |
For US and Canadian couples (who make up the vast majority of Caribbean destination wedding bookings), the Bahamas consistently offers the shortest flights and lowest airfares. Nassau's Lynden Pindling International Airport receives direct flights from all major US hubs. The Bahamian dollar trades 1:1 with the US dollar, eliminating exchange rate uncertainty for American couples and guests.
Safety, LGBTQ+ Rights & What You Need to Know
All three destinations currently hold a US State Department Level 2 advisory ("Exercise Increased Caution"). However, the specific concerns differ, and LGBTQ+ safety varies dramatically.
Bahamas — Safety
- Level 2 advisory cites crime in Nassau/Freeport
- Tourist areas and resorts are generally very safe
- English-speaking police and medical services
- Same-sex marriage not recognised but relationships not criminalised
- LGBTQ+ visitors generally safe in tourist areas
Mexico — Safety
- Level 2 advisory cites crime and kidnapping (varies by state)
- Cancún/Riviera Maya tourist zones generally safer
- Same-sex marriage legal nationwide since 2022
- Most progressive LGBTQ+ climate of the three
- Spanish-speaking emergency services
Jamaica — Safety
- Level 2 advisory cites crime, health, natural disaster
- Downgraded from Level 3 in January 2026
- Resort areas generally safe for tourists
- Same-sex marriage constitutionally banned
- Hostile climate toward LGBTQ+ individuals
For same-sex couples seeking a legal Caribbean wedding, Mexico is currently the only option among these three destinations. Same-sex marriage has been legal nationwide in Mexico since 2022. The Bahamas does not recognise same-sex marriage but does not criminalise same-sex relationships, making it a safer destination than Jamaica for LGBTQ+ travellers. Jamaica constitutionally bans same-sex marriage and criminalises male homosexual activity. All three destinations offer symbolic (non-legal) ceremonies for same-sex couples at select resorts and with independent planners.
Which Destination Is Right for You?
Choose the Bahamas if you want...
- The easiest legal process in the Caribbean
- The lowest prices with an independent planner
- English spoken everywhere
- Shortest flights from the US & Canada
- Same-day marriage certificate
- One person handling everything (Glenn)
- Variety: Nassau beaches, Exuma sandbars, Eleuthera pink sand, Harbour Island
- Currency at 1:1 with the US dollar
Choose Mexico if you want...
- A same-sex legal wedding
- The widest selection of large all-inclusive resorts
- A symbolic ceremony with zero paperwork
- Cancún/Riviera Maya nightlife and dining
- Cenotes and ruins as ceremony backdrops
- A destination where you'll handle legalities at home
Choose Jamaica if you want...
- Rich Jamaican culture (reggae, jerk cuisine, rum)
- Waterfall or garden ceremony backdrops
- A laid-back island vibe with strong hospitality
- Villa wedding options in Discovery Bay or Ocho Rios
- You're comfortable waiting 1-4 weeks for the official certificate
Decided on the Bahamas?
Glenn handles everything from licence to ceremony. One call is all it takes to get started.
How to Get Legally Married in the Bahamas — 6 Simple Steps
This is the step-by-step process I walk every couple through. It's why the Bahamas is the easiest Caribbean destination for a legal wedding.
Contact Glenn
Reach out via WhatsApp or phone. We'll discuss your date, package, guest count, and any questions you have. No commitment needed for this first conversation.
Share Your Documents
Provide copies of your passports (and divorce decree if previously married). Glenn confirms everything is in order — no translations or apostilles needed.
Fly to the Bahamas
Arrive in Nassau, Paradise Island, Exuma, or your chosen island. No minimum stay required before the ceremony — you can marry the next day.
Glenn Handles the Licence
Glenn processes your marriage licence application with the Registrar General's office. No blood test, no queues, no stress for you.
Get Married
Your legal ceremony takes place on the beach, at a resort, on a sandbar, or at your chosen location. Glenn officiates as your Licensed Marriage Officer.
Certificate in Hand
You receive your certified marriage certificate the same day — legally recognised in the US, UK, Canada, and worldwide. Need an Apostille? Glenn can arrange that too ($120).
