Your Bahamas Wedding Planning Checklist
A step-by-step checklist and timeline from WPIC-Certified Wedding Planner and Licensed Marriage Officer Glenn Ferguson — from 12 months out to your wedding day.
Every Item Tested Across 200+ Real Weddings
Most Bahamas wedding checklists you'll find online are written by people who've never set foot in the Registrar General's Office. This one is written by Glenn Ferguson — the Licensed Bahamas Marriage Officer who has personally walked over 200 couples through every step of this process.
As a WPIC-Certified Wedding Planner (Wedding Planners Institute of Canada), Glenn knows the exact timeline, the documents you actually need, the shortcuts that save days, and the mistakes that cost couples thousands. Every item on this checklist comes from 24 years of real-world Bahamas wedding experience.
Use this checklist whether you're planning on your own or booking a package with Glenn. Either way, you'll be the most prepared couple on the island.
Your Complete Bahamas Wedding Planning Timeline
Click any task to mark it complete. Glenn's insider tips are included throughout — these are the details that save you time, money, and headaches.
Set Your Vision & Budget
12–9 months before • 8 tasks
Define your wedding style
Beach barefoot ceremony? Resort elegance? Intimate elopement? Your vision shapes every decision. Browse beach wedding ideas and elopement options.
Set your guest count
Just the two of you? Family of 10? Full celebration of 50? Guest count determines venue, package, transportation, and budget.
Establish your budget
All-inclusive packages with Glenn start at $1,495 for elopements and range to $11,995 for 50-guest celebrations. Average couples invest $3,000–$5,000.
Research Bahamas wedding planners
A local planner who is also a Licensed Marriage Officer saves time, money, and stress. Glenn handles planning, paperwork, and ceremony — one point of contact for everything.
Contact Glenn Ferguson for a free consultation
Call or WhatsApp 1-(242)-395-8495 or submit questions online. Glenn personally answers every inquiry — average response under 2 hours.
Choose your island & venue
Nassau, Paradise Island, or Harbour Island? Beach, resort, or private island? Glenn recommends Nuptial Beach for intimate ceremonies, Atlantis and Baha Mar for resort weddings.
Pick your wedding date
November–April is peak season (best weather). December–March books fast. Summer offers lower rates and fewer crowds.
Book your package & secure date with deposit
Review all 12 wedding packages and lock in your date. Glenn sends a detailed checklist of required documents and next steps.
Legal Documents & Paperwork
9–6 months before • 7 tasks
Verify passport validity
Both passports must be valid through your travel dates and at least 6 months beyond. Renew immediately if needed — passport processing takes 6–8 weeks.
Obtain certified birth certificates
Original birth certificates with raised seal required for your Bahamas marriage license. Order certified copies from your vital records office if needed.
Gather divorce decrees or death certificates (if applicable)
If either partner was previously married, you'll need certified copies of final divorce decrees or death certificates.
Glenn prepares affidavits of singlehood
Required for your marriage license — Glenn prepares these at $95 each. These sworn statements confirm you're legally free to marry.
Send document copies to Glenn for review
Glenn reviews all documents before you travel to ensure nothing is missing or incorrect. This prevents delays at the Registrar General's Office.
Understand the marriage license process
Glenn personally escorts you to the Registrar General's Office. His Priority License Service means you can arrive one day and marry the next.
Decide on Apostille needs
Need your marriage recognized internationally? Glenn handles Apostille processing and worldwide courier delivery of your certified certificate.
Travel & Accommodation
6–4 months before • 6 tasks
Book flights to Nassau
Nassau (NAS) has direct flights from most US cities plus Toronto, London, and major hubs. Book early for best rates, especially December–April.
Book hotel or resort accommodation
Glenn recommends properties near your venue. Options range from boutique hotels to Atlantis, Baha Mar (Grand Hyatt, Rosewood, SLS), and Comfort Suites Paradise Island.
Arrange guest travel (if applicable)
Send save-the-dates with flight info and hotel options. Consider group room blocks for discounts. Glenn can advise on guest logistics.
Purchase travel insurance
Covers flight cancellations, weather delays, and medical emergencies. Essential for destination weddings — especially during June–November hurricane season.
Plan arrival day logistics
Glenn coordinates airport pickup, hotel check-in timing, and schedules your Registrar General visit for the earliest possible slot after arrival.
Arrange cruise port logistics (if applicable)
Getting married during a cruise stop? Glenn specializes in cruise ship weddings — he meets you at port and coordinates everything within your schedule.
Ceremony & Reception Details
4–2 months before • 7 tasks
Finalize ceremony location & time
Glenn scouts the exact spot on your beach for best light and backdrop. Late afternoon (4–5:30 PM) offers the best natural light. All Bahamas weddings must be held before sunset.
Discuss ceremony style with Glenn
Traditional, non-denominational, spiritual, or custom vows? Glenn officiates all styles and tailors the ceremony to reflect your love story.
Confirm photography & videography
Glenn coordinates professional Bahamas wedding photography. Most packages include 1–2 hours of professional coverage.
Select music for ceremony
Options include live soloist (violin, saxophone, flute), classical trio, steel band, or DJ. Glenn books vetted local musicians he's worked with for years.
Choose floral arrangements
All packages include tropical bouquet and boutonniere. Upgrade to arbor florals, aisle arrangements, and centerpieces for larger celebrations.
Plan reception details (if applicable)
Dinner menu, cake, open bar, table setup, and DJ. Glenn coordinates complete receptions for packages $5,995+ or customizes à la carte.
Confirm transportation arrangements
Limo for the couple, bus for guests, or both. All mid-tier+ packages include roundtrip transport to your ceremony beach.
Personal Preparation
2–1 months before • 6 tasks
Finalize wedding attire
Beach weddings call for lightweight fabrics. Flowing dresses, linen suits, khakis — comfort is key on the sand. Bring a backup outfit for travel wrinkles.
Book hair & makeup (if desired)
Glenn connects you with professional stylists experienced with humidity-proof beach wedding looks. Available as an add-on to any package.
Write personal vows (if applicable)
Glenn can share sample vows and help structure meaningful, personal ceremony words that reflect your story.
Purchase wedding rings
Bring rings from home or shop on Bay Street in Nassau. Keep them in carry-on luggage — never in checked bags.
Organize document originals for travel
Place passports, birth certificates, divorce decrees, and all originals in your carry-on bag. Glenn confirms your document checklist before departure.
Final consultation with Glenn
Review the complete timeline, confirm all vendor bookings, transportation schedule, and ceremony details. Glenn provides a finalized itinerary.
Final Week Countdown
7 days before • 5 tasks
Confirm all flights and hotel reservations
Double-check booking confirmations, check-in times, and airport transfer arrangements for yourself and guests.
Glenn confirms all vendor bookings
Photographer, musician, florist, transportation, cake — Glenn reconfirms every vendor and provides you with a final day-of schedule.
Pack your wedding day essentials bag
Include: wedding attire, rings, documents, sunscreen, comfortable shoes for the beach, touch-up kit, and something to celebrate with after the ceremony.
Communicate final details to guests
Share the ceremony time, dress code (beach casual), transportation pickup points, and Glenn's contact number for day-of questions.
Relax — Glenn has everything handled
This is the point where you let go. Glenn has coordinated 200+ weddings in Nassau. Your job now is to enjoy the anticipation.
Arrival Day in Nassau
Day before or morning of • 5 tasks
Arrive in Nassau & check into hotel
Keep immigration card — you may need it for the marriage license process. Glenn coordinates timing around your arrival.
Glenn escorts you to the Registrar General's Office
Glenn personally drives you to the office, handles all paperwork, guides you through the license interview, and processes your marriage license application.
Marriage license approved — same-day priority processing
Glenn's priority service means no waiting days. License processed and approved so you can marry as early as the next day.
Final venue walk-through with Glenn
Glenn shows you the exact ceremony spot, confirms setup positions for arbor, chairs, musician, and photographer.
Rehearsal (if applicable) and early night
For larger weddings, Glenn runs a brief ceremony rehearsal. Then rest up — tomorrow is the day.
Your Wedding Day
The big day • 5 tasks
Hair, makeup & getting ready
Glenn coordinates timing so you're ready with time to spare. Photographer captures getting-ready moments if included in your package.
Transportation to ceremony venue
Limo, bus, or private vehicle picks you up at your hotel. Glenn coordinates all transport for the couple and guests.
Glenn officiates your beach wedding ceremony
As your Licensed Marriage Officer, Glenn performs the legal ceremony — reading your vows, exchanging rings, and pronouncing you married on the beautiful Bahamas sand.
Photography & celebration on the beach
Professional photos with the turquoise ocean as your backdrop. Toast with champagne, enjoy the moment — you're married.
Reception dinner & celebration (if applicable)
For larger packages: sit-down dinner, wedding cake, open bar, DJ, dancing under the stars. Glenn runs the full reception — you just show up.
After Your Wedding
Post-ceremony • 3 tasks
Receive your certified Bahamas marriage certificate
Glenn delivers your official Bahamas marriage certificate — a legal document recognized worldwide.
Apostille processing (if needed)
For international recognition, Glenn handles Apostille certification and couriers the documents to your home address worldwide.
Update legal name (if applicable)
Use your certified marriage certificate to update your name with Social Security, DMV, passport, bank accounts, and employer when you return home.
Want Glenn to Handle All of This For You?
All-inclusive packages from $1,495 include every item on this checklist — plus Glenn as your Licensed Marriage Officer and personal wedding planner.
Bahamas Wedding Documents — What You Actually Need
Glenn has reviewed thousands of document packages. Here's the definitive list — no more, no less — of what's required for your Bahamas marriage license.
Required for Everyone
- Valid passports (both partners)
- Original birth certificates (raised seal)
- Affidavits of singlehood ($95 each — Glenn prepares)
- Proof of arrival date (airline ticket or immigration card)
- Photo ID (passport suffices)
If Previously Married
- Certified final divorce decree (raised seal)
- Death certificate of former spouse (if widowed)
- Name change documentation (if applicable)
- All documents must be originals or certified copies
Glenn Handles For You
- Marriage license application preparation
- Personal escort to Registrar General's Office
- Priority processing & interview guidance
- Affidavits of singlehood ($95 each)
- Certified marriage certificate delivery
- Apostille & worldwide courier (if needed)
How Much Does a Bahamas Wedding Really Cost?
Glenn's all-inclusive packages mean no hidden costs. Here's what real couples invest — every package includes Glenn as your Licensed Marriage Officer, planner, and officiant.
Elopement
Just the two of you. License, officiant, flowers, witnesses, transport, and certificate.
View Elopement Packages →Intimate Ceremony
2–10 guests. Adds photography, limo, video, live musician, and Apostille.
Most Popular RangeFull Wedding
Up to 50 guests. Ceremony + reception, dinner, cake, DJ, musicians, full transport.
View Nassau Packages →Premium Celebration
50 guests. 2-hour photo + video, trio + steel band + DJ, arbor, 5 centerpieces, full reception.
View All 12 Packages →Glenn's Top Nassau Beach Wedding Venues
After 200+ weddings across Nassau, these are the venues Glenn recommends most — each chosen for beauty, accessibility, and photo opportunities.
Nuptial Beach
Glenn's signature venue. Semi-private, secluded, pristine.
Atlantis Paradise Island
Iconic resort. Multiple beach + garden settings.
Baha Mar Cable Beach
Luxury resort strip. Grand Hyatt, Rosewood, SLS.
Cabbage Beach
Paradise Island. Powdery white sand, turquoise water.
Blue Lagoon Beach
Private island. Crystal-clear shallow waters.
Why Couples Trust Glenn with Their Bahamas Wedding
"Glenn organized our wedding with precision, professionalism, and flexibility. From start to finish it was perfect. For anyone apprehensive about getting married abroad: don't be. Glenn had all the paperwork completed for our arrival and organized a priority wedding license at the government building before taking us to the beach for the wedding. A perfect spot which was secluded and beautiful."
"We found Glenn online, told him we had one day to do everything and he made it happen. He knows the process and paperwork. Glenn knows the perfect spots on the beach we would have never found. He was barefoot in the sand with us!"
"In 31 days' time, Glenn managed to put together a dream Bahamas elopement for my wife and I. Quick to respond, professional, charismatic nature that always put us at ease. I can't say enough for the quality and value of Glenn's services."
Bahamas Wedding Planning FAQ
The most common planning questions Glenn receives — answered by 24 years of experience. Don't see yours? Ask Glenn directly.
Ready to Start Planning?
Whether you use this checklist to plan independently or want Glenn to handle everything from $1,495 — he personally answers every inquiry. Share your vision and receive expert guidance within hours.
Average response time: Under 2 hours
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