Best Time of Year to Get Married in the Bahamas (2026 Month-by-Month Guide) | Glenn Ferguson
Beach wedding in the Bahamas with turquoise water and palm trees
Glenn Ferguson | Wedding Planner | Licensed Marriage Officer | WPIC-Certified | 200+ Weddings

Best Time of Year to Get Married in the Bahamas

Month-by-month weather, pricing seasons, hurricane risk, legal requirements, and booking advice from 24+ years of performing destination weddings across the Bahamas.

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

When is the best time to get married in the Bahamas? December through April is the best time for a Bahamas wedding. Temperatures stay between 72-82F, rainfall is minimal (3-8 days per month), humidity is low, and there is zero hurricane risk. February and March are the most popular wedding months. For couples on a budget, May and November offer excellent weather at 30-40% lower hotel rates. Glenn Ferguson has performed 200+ weddings across all 12 months -- including during hurricane season. His wedding package prices stay the same year-round, starting at $1,495.

Before You Book

What Couples Ask Before Booking a Bahamas Wedding

Before choosing your wedding month, most couples have bigger questions about whether a Bahamas wedding works for them at all. Here are the answers Glenn gives to the questions he hears every week from couples in the planning stage.

Is my Bahamas marriage legal in the US, UK, and Canada? Yes. A marriage performed in the Bahamas by a Licensed Bahamas Marriage Officer is legally recognized in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and virtually every country worldwide. You will receive a certified Bahamas Marriage Certificate. Some countries require an apostille (a government certification seal) -- Glenn handles this process.
What documents do I need? Valid passports, birth certificates, and proof of single status (an affidavit of singlehood sworn before a notary). If previously married, bring a certified divorce decree or former spouse's death certificate. Glenn handles the entire marriage license application at the Registrar General's office in Nassau.
How much does a Bahamas wedding cost? Glenn's packages range from $1,495 for an elopement to $11,995 for a luxury celebration. Total destination wedding costs including guest hotel stays and flights typically range from $5,000-$15,000 depending on guest count, season, and venue. See the full Bahamas wedding cost breakdown.
Can foreigners get married in the Bahamas? Yes. The Bahamas is one of the easiest destinations for foreigners to marry legally. There is no citizenship or residency requirement beyond a 24-hour waiting period -- both parties must be in the Bahamas for at least 24 hours before applying for a marriage license. Ceremonies must take place between sunrise and sunset.
Do I need a local wedding planner? Bahamas law requires all legal ceremonies to be performed by a Licensed Marriage Officer. Glenn Ferguson serves as both your wedding planner and marriage officer -- handling the license, ceremony, vendor coordination, and weather backup plans. This dual role simplifies planning and reduces costs compared to hiring separately.
What is the best time of day for a ceremony? Late afternoon (4:00-5:30 PM) is the most popular for golden-hour photography. Morning ceremonies (9:00-10:30 AM) work well in summer to avoid afternoon heat and showers. Sunset in the Bahamas ranges from 5:30 PM in December to 8:00 PM in June. Glenn coordinates timing based on your month, venue, and photography priorities.
Glenn's Tip: "I handle the marriage license, the ceremony as your licensed marriage officer, all vendor coordination, and weather contingencies. When you book one of my wedding packages, you are not just hiring a planner -- you are getting the person who will legally marry you, who knows every beach and venue in Nassau, and who has performed over 200 weddings in every month of the year."
Seasons

Three Bahamas Wedding Seasons You Need to Know

The Bahamas has a tropical maritime climate with warm temperatures year-round. But not every month is equal for a destination wedding. Understanding the three pricing and weather seasons helps you pick the right month for your budget and comfort level.

The weather data on this page comes from NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) historical climate records for Nassau, the Bahamas Department of Meteorology monthly climate summaries, and Glenn's 24 years of firsthand weather observations on wedding days across every month of the year.

Peak / Dry Season

December - April. Best weather, lowest rainfall, no hurricane risk. Hotel rates are highest ($250-$600+/night). Most popular for destination weddings. Book 6-12 months ahead. Temperatures: 72-82F. Average 3-8 rainy days per month.

Shoulder Season

May and November. The sweet spot. Good weather, lower prices (20-40% off peak), fewer crowds. May brings warmer temps before heavy summer rains. November marks the end of hurricane season with drier conditions returning.

Off-Season / Wet Season

June - October. Hurricane season (peak August-October). Brief afternoon showers, not all-day rain. Hotel rates drop 30-50%. Glenn schedules ceremonies around weather windows. Package prices stay the same year-round.

Glenn's Tip: "I've married couples in every month of the year. December through April gives you the safest weather, but I've done beautiful June and November weddings where the conditions were perfect. The biggest factor most couples overlook is hotel pricing -- your wedding package stays the same, but your guests' hotel bills can vary by hundreds of dollars per night depending on the month."
Destination wedding ceremony setup on a Bahamas beach with ocean backdrop
At a Glance

Bahamas Wedding Weather: Month-by-Month Comparison

This table summarizes Nassau, Bahamas weather data relevant to wedding planning. Temperature, rainfall, humidity, and hurricane risk by month, plus hotel pricing season, sunset time, and Glenn's overall wedding rating.

MonthTemp (F)Rain DaysHumidityHurricane RiskHotel PricingSunsetWedding Rating
January72-783-572%NonePeak5:40 PMExcellent
February72-793-571%NonePeak6:05 PMExcellent
March74-804-671%NonePeak6:25 PMExcellent
April76-825-773%NonePeak7:40 PMExcellent
May78-848-1076%Very LowShoulder7:55 PMVery Good
June80-8712-1579%LowOff-Peak8:00 PMGood
July81-8813-1678%ModerateOff-Peak7:55 PMGood
August81-8814-1980%HighLowest7:35 PMFair
September80-8714-1880%HighestLowest7:05 PMFair
October79-8512-1678%ModerateOff-Peak6:35 PMFair
November76-817-1075%Very LowShoulder5:30 PMVery Good
December73-794-673%NonePeak5:25 PMExcellent
Glenn's Tip: "The sunset column matters more than most couples realize. In December and January, the sun sets before 6 PM, which means a 4:30 PM ceremony catches the golden hour perfectly. In June, sunset is near 8 PM, so you can push your ceremony to 6 PM and still get stunning light. I plan ceremony timing around these windows for every single wedding."
Every Month

Bahamas Wedding Weather: Every Month Explained

Every month has advantages depending on your priorities. Glenn has performed weddings in all 12 months over 24+ years. Below is detailed guidance for each month, including the weather data, insider tips, and booking strategy.

JanuaryPeak Season
72-78F
Temperature
3-5
Rain Days
None
Storm Risk
One of the driest, most comfortable months for an outdoor ceremony. January offers the coolest temperatures of the year with low humidity and minimal rain. Occasional cold fronts can bring evening temps to the mid-60s, but daytime is ideal at 72-78F. The ocean stays a swimmable 76F. New Year's Eve and early January dates book 12+ months ahead. Hotels are at peak pricing but January weekdays often have better availability than February or March.
FebruaryPeak -- Most Popular
72-79F
Temperature
3-5
Rain Days
None
Storm Risk
The single most popular month for Bahamas weddings. February combines the driest weather of the year with Valentine's Day and Presidents' Day travel windows. This is Glenn's busiest month. Hotel rates are at peak levels and the best resort dates book far ahead. Nuptial Beach in Nassau is an excellent venue choice in February -- no facility fees while resorts charge premium rates.
MarchPeak Season
74-80F
Temperature
4-6
Rain Days
None
Storm Risk
Spring break energy with dry-season weather. March is the second most popular wedding month. Slightly warmer than February with equally low rainfall. Spring break brings higher hotel demand, especially during Easter week. For couples with guests travelling from the UK, March aligns well with school half-term breaks. Glenn recommends booking March weddings 8-12 months ahead.
AprilPeak Season
76-82F
Temperature
5-7
Rain Days
None
Storm Risk
Last month of peak season with the warmest dry-season temperatures. April is ideal for couples who want warmth without hurricane risk. Rain days tick up slightly but remain low. Easter week (when it falls in April) brings peak pricing. Late April offers excellent conditions with slightly less demand. Junkanoo festival celebrations can add cultural flair to your wedding weekend.
MayShoulder -- Best Value
78-84F
Temperature
8-10
Rain Days
Very Low
Storm Risk
Glenn's top recommendation for budget-conscious couples who want reliable weather. May sits in the sweet spot: hurricane season officially starts June 1 but historical storm activity in May is near zero. Hotel prices drop 20-35% from peak while weather remains warm and mostly dry. Memorial Day weekend is a natural travel window for American couples. Showers are possible but brief. The best value month for a Bahamas elopement with near-peak weather.
JuneOff-Peak
80-87F
Temperature
12-15
Rain Days
Low
Storm Risk
Start of hurricane season, but historically low risk in June. Most tropical systems in June are weak and form far from the Bahamas. Rain showers are more frequent but brief. Hotel rates drop 30-40% and beaches are uncrowded. The longest daylight hours of the year (sunset near 8 PM) give maximum flexibility for ceremony timing. Glenn schedules morning ceremonies and has weather backup plans for every wedding. Travel insurance is recommended.
JulyOff-Peak
81-88F
Temperature
13-16
Rain Days
Moderate
Storm Risk
Hot and humid, but popular for family weddings. July is the second most popular tourist month despite the heat. Families with school-age children plan summer weddings around the school calendar. Late afternoon ceremonies (after 4 PM) catch the cooling sea breeze and golden-hour light for photos. Glenn recommends villa weddings with air-conditioned reception spaces for large summer groups.
AugustPeak Hurricane
81-88F
Temperature
14-19
Rain Days
High
Storm Risk
Highest hurricane risk month alongside September. August and September are the peak of Atlantic hurricane season. The Bahamas historically sees activity during these months. Glenn still performs weddings in August but strongly recommends comprehensive travel insurance purchased before any storm is named. Hotel rates are at their lowest -- resorts like Baha Mar and Atlantis offer significant summer promotions.
SeptemberPeak Hurricane
80-87F
Temperature
14-18
Rain Days
Highest
Storm Risk
The month Glenn recommends avoiding if you have flexibility. September is historically the most active hurricane month in the Atlantic. While most days are still sunny, the risk of disruption is at its highest. If you must book September, choose the last week when storm activity begins to decrease. Glenn monitors NOAA forecasts daily and coordinates backup plans for every September ceremony.
OctoberOff-Peak
79-85F
Temperature
12-16
Rain Days
Moderate
Storm Risk
Storm risk declining, prices still low. October is the transition month. Hurricane risk drops noticeably in the second half. Temperatures begin cooling from summer highs. Hotel pricing remains at off-peak levels. Glenn has performed many successful October weddings, particularly in the last two weeks when conditions often mirror November weather. A strong choice for couples wanting off-peak pricing with improving weather odds.
NovemberShoulder -- Hidden Gem
76-81F
Temperature
7-10
Rain Days
Very Low
Storm Risk
Glenn's second-favourite month for value-conscious couples. Hurricane season ends November 30, but risk drops sharply after mid-month. Temperatures return to comfortable levels. Hotel pricing is still 20-30% below December rates. Thanksgiving week offers a natural travel window for American couples combining a Bahamas elopement or small wedding with a holiday getaway.
DecemberPeak Season
73-79F
Temperature
4-6
Rain Days
None
Storm Risk
Holiday weddings with dry, comfortable weather. December kicks off peak season with cooler temperatures, dry skies, and festive energy across Nassau and Paradise Island. Christmas and New Year's Eve wedding dates book 12+ months ahead. Hotel rates reach their annual maximum during the holidays. Glenn recommends Nuptial Beach for December weddings -- no facility fees while resorts charge premium rates.

Have a Month in Mind?

Tell Glenn your preferred dates, budget, and guest count. He will confirm availability and recommend the best venues for your season.

Call Glenn: +1-(242)-395-8495WhatsApp GlennAsk Glenn Online
Hurricane Season

Can You Get Married in the Bahamas During Hurricane Season?

Yes. Atlantic hurricane season officially runs June 1 through November 30, with the peak months being August, September, and October. According to NOAA's National Hurricane Center, approximately 97% of all tropical activity occurs between August 1 and November 30, with the single highest-risk week historically falling in mid-September. But hurricane season does not mean constant storms. Most days during these months are sunny with brief afternoon showers lasting 20-45 minutes.

Glenn has performed dozens of weddings during hurricane season over 24 years. The key differences are preparedness and flexibility. Here is how Glenn approaches hurricane-season weddings:

Glenn Monitors Forecasts Daily

Modern weather tracking gives 5-7 days advance notice of tropical systems. Glenn watches NOAA and the Bahamas Department of Meteorology so you do not have to. He communicates any concerns well before your travel dates.

Every Wedding Has a Backup Plan

Rain plan, indoor backup, and timing adjustments are standard for every hurricane-season wedding. Glenn schedules morning or late-afternoon ceremonies to avoid the typical 2-4 PM shower window.

Travel Insurance Is Non-Negotiable

Glenn strongly recommends comprehensive travel insurance purchased before any storm is named. Most policies exclude named storms, so buy early. This should cover trip cancellation, interruption, and medical coverage.

Glenn's Tip: "If you are set on getting married during hurricane season, the best strategy is June or late November -- you get the off-peak pricing with significantly lower storm risk than the August-September peak. If September is your only option, choose the last week. And always, always get travel insurance before you book flights."
Budget

How Does Wedding Month Affect Your Total Cost?

Glenn's wedding package prices stay the same year-round. Whether you book January or August, your elopement package is still $1,495 and your ceremony package is the same price. The cost difference comes from everything around the wedding: hotel rooms for your guests, flights, and resort activity pricing.

A couple with 20 guests staying 3 nights at a Nassau resort might save $4,000-$8,000 total by choosing May or November instead of February. That savings alone could upgrade their wedding package, add a professional photographer, fund a longer honeymoon, or cover the cost of apostille services for international couples.

Peak Season Costs (Dec-Apr)

Hotels: $250-$600+/night. Flights: Highest prices, especially holiday weeks. Pros: Best weather, no storm risk. Tip: Book Nuptial Beach to avoid resort facility fees ($500-$2,000+).

Shoulder Season Costs (May, Nov)

Hotels: $150-$400/night (20-40% off). Flights: Moderate pricing. Pros: Good weather, lower prices, fewer crowds. Tip: May gives near storm-free weather at off-peak hotel pricing.

Off-Peak Costs (Jun-Oct)

Hotels: $120-$300/night (30-50% off). Flights: Lowest prices, especially Sep-Oct. Pros: Maximum savings, empty beaches. Tip: Use savings to upgrade your wedding package or add photography.

Choose Your Season

Which Bahamas Wedding Season Is Right for You?

Every couple has different priorities. Use this decision framework to match your season to your top priority. According to data from the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, December through April accounts for over 60% of destination weddings in the Bahamas, but couples who book shoulder or off-peak months often report higher satisfaction with value and privacy.

Choose December-April If:

Weather is your top priority. You want guaranteed dry skies and comfortable temperatures. You are OK with peak hotel pricing. You have 6-12 months to plan. Glenn recommends: Island Nuptial Signature or Luxury Celebration packages to maximize the perfect conditions. Book Nuptial Beach to avoid resort facility fees ($500-$2,000+).

Choose May or November If:

Budget is your top priority without sacrificing weather. You want fewer crowds and more privacy on the beach. You are flexible on exact dates. Glenn recommends: Use hotel savings to upgrade from an elopement package ($1,495) to a ceremony package that includes professional photography.

Choose June-October If:

Maximum savings is your goal. Your guest count is small (making weather flexibility easier). You are comfortable with a backup rain plan. You want travel insurance. Glenn recommends: The Sweet Beginning Elopement for couples-only, or a villa wedding with built-in indoor backup for groups.

Glenn's Tip: "In my 24 years of performing weddings in Nassau, the couples who are happiest with their decision are the ones who matched their month to their actual top priority -- not someone else's idea of the perfect wedding. I have had couples marry in September with 10 guests who saved enough to honeymoon for two weeks. I have had February couples with 50 guests who wanted nothing left to chance. Both groups left thrilled. The key is knowing what matters most to you."
Planning

How Far in Advance Should You Book?

Booking timelines vary by season and wedding size. Here is what Glenn recommends based on 24 years of coordinating destination weddings across the Bahamas:

Peak season (December-April): Book 6-12 months ahead, especially for February, March, and holiday dates. Valentine's Day, New Year's Eve, and Easter week dates fill 12+ months in advance. Hotel blocks for large groups need even more lead time.

Shoulder season (May, November): Book 3-6 months ahead. More flexibility on exact dates, but Thanksgiving week and Memorial Day weekend fill quickly.

Off-season (June-October): Book 2-4 months ahead. Maximum flexibility on dates and venues. Glenn can sometimes accommodate weddings with 3-4 weeks notice during off-season.

Elopements (any month): Glenn can arrange elopements in as little as 2-3 weeks, though 4-6 weeks gives more venue options. Marriage license processing requires documents submitted at least 3 business days before the ceremony.

Cruise ship weddings: Book as soon as you have your ship itinerary. Glenn confirms the port schedule and coordinates your ceremony around port call times. Cruise passengers must obtain a letter from the ship's purser confirming their arrival to satisfy the 24-hour residency requirement.

Glenn's Tip: "A 35% deposit holds your date. The sooner you book, the more choices you have -- not just for my calendar, but for photographer and musician availability. Once you book, I send you a complete planning checklist with document requirements and a timeline tailored to your wedding month."
Reviews

What Couples Say About Their Wedding Month

5.0 / 5.0
"We got married in February and the weather was absolutely perfect. Low 80s, not a cloud in the sky. Glenn told us February was the driest month and he was right. Our beach ceremony photos look like a magazine. He handled everything from our marriage license to the ceremony itself."
Rachel & Tim
February Wedding -- Boston, MA
5.0 / 5.0
"We chose November to save money and Glenn was right -- the weather was beautiful and our hotel was 35% cheaper than peak rates. The beach was practically empty for our ceremony. Glenn even helped us with the apostille paperwork since we are Canadian and needed our marriage certificate certified."
Priya & James
November Wedding -- London, UK
5.0 / 5.0
"We were nervous about a June wedding during hurricane season, but Glenn monitored everything. We had one brief shower the day before and then three perfect sunny days. The savings on hotels let us upgrade to the photography package. Glenn made the license process so easy we could not believe it."
Amanda & Carlos
June Wedding -- Toronto, Canada
Glenn Ferguson Licensed Bahamas Marriage Officer and WPIC-Certified Wedding Planner
Your Wedding Specialist

Why Trust Glenn Ferguson on Bahamas Wedding Timing?

Glenn Ferguson has lived in Nassau for over 24 years and performed 200+ weddings across every month of the year. He knows when the afternoon showers hit, which beaches are sheltered from winter winds, which resorts charge facility fees, and how to read a forecast for ceremony timing.

As both your Licensed Marriage Officer and WPIC-Certified Wedding Planner, Glenn handles the marriage license, ceremony, vendors, and weather contingencies -- so you can focus on showing up and getting married. His packages serve couples on every island including Harbour Island, Exuma, and Nassau/Paradise Island venues like Baha Mar, Atlantis, and Four Seasons Ocean Club.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions About Bahamas Wedding Timing

What is the best month to get married in the Bahamas?
February and March are the most popular months for Bahamas weddings. They offer the lowest rainfall, comfortable temperatures (72-80F), low humidity, and zero hurricane risk. December through April all rate as "excellent" for wedding weather. Glenn has performed 200+ weddings across every month. View wedding packages.
Is a Bahamas wedding legal in the United States, UK, and Canada?
Yes. A legal Bahamas marriage is recognized in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, the European Union, and virtually every country worldwide. The ceremony must be performed by a Licensed Bahamas Marriage Officer (Glenn Ferguson holds this license). You will receive a certified Bahamas Marriage Certificate. Some countries require an apostille -- Glenn coordinates this through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Can you get married in the Bahamas during hurricane season?
Yes. Hurricane season runs June 1 through November 30, with peak risk August through October. Most days during hurricane season are sunny with brief afternoon showers. Glenn monitors NOAA forecasts daily and has weather backup plans for every wedding. Hotel rates drop 30-50% during these months. Travel insurance is strongly recommended -- purchase before any storm is named.
What documents do I need to get married in the Bahamas?
You need: valid passports for both parties, birth certificates, and proof of single status (an affidavit of singlehood sworn before a notary public in your home country). If previously married, bring a certified divorce decree or former spouse's death certificate. Glenn handles the entire marriage license application at the Registrar General's office. See the full document requirements guide.
How much does a destination wedding in the Bahamas cost?
Glenn's wedding packages range from $1,495 for a beach elopement to $11,995 for a luxury celebration. Total destination wedding costs (including guest hotels, flights, and extras) typically range from $5,000-$15,000 depending on guest count, season, and venue. Choosing May or November over February can save $4,000-$8,000 in hotel costs for a 20-guest wedding. See the complete cost breakdown.
What is the cheapest month to get married in the Bahamas?
September and October offer the lowest hotel and flight prices -- rates can drop 30-50% below peak season. May and November are also affordable with significantly lower hurricane risk. Glenn's wedding package prices stay the same year-round regardless of season.
Can foreigners get married in the Bahamas?
Yes. The Bahamas is one of the easiest destinations in the world for foreigners to marry legally. There is no citizenship requirement. The only residency requirement is the 24-hour rule: both parties must be physically present in the Bahamas for at least 24 hours before applying for a marriage license. Glenn handles all legal requirements for international couples from the US, UK, Canada, and worldwide.
What is the 24-hour residency rule for Bahamas weddings?
Both parties must be physically in the Bahamas for at least 24 hours before applying for a marriage license. This means if you arrive Thursday, you can apply Friday and potentially marry Saturday. Cruise ship passengers must obtain a letter from the ship's purser confirming their 24-hour presence. Glenn handles all timing logistics and license coordination.
Does it rain every day in the Bahamas during summer?
No. Summer rain in the Bahamas typically falls as brief afternoon showers lasting 20-45 minutes, usually between 2-4 PM. Mornings and evenings are usually clear and sunny. Glenn schedules summer ceremonies for morning or late afternoon to avoid the brief shower window. In 24 years of performing weddings, all-day rain has been extremely rare.
What is the weather like in Nassau for a wedding?
Nassau has a tropical maritime climate with temperatures between 72-88F year-round. The dry season (December-April) averages 3-8 rainy days per month with low humidity around 71-73%. The wet season (May-November) averages 10-19 rainy days but these are brief afternoon showers, not all-day rain. Sea temperature ranges from 76F in winter to 85F in summer -- warm enough for beach photos in any month.
What time of day is best for a Bahamas beach wedding?
Late afternoon (4:00-5:30 PM) is the most popular for golden-hour photography. Morning ceremonies (9:00-10:30 AM) work well in summer to avoid heat and afternoon showers. Bahamas law requires all ceremonies to take place between sunrise and sunset. Sunset ranges from 5:25 PM in December to 8:00 PM in June. Glenn coordinates timing based on your month, venue, and photography priorities.
Do I need a wedding planner for a Bahamas wedding?
A local planner is strongly recommended. Bahamas law requires a Licensed Marriage Officer to perform all legal ceremonies -- you cannot bring your own officiant from home for a legal wedding. Glenn Ferguson serves as both planner and marriage officer, which simplifies coordination and reduces costs. He handles the license, ceremony, vendor booking, weather contingencies, and apostille services.
When is the cheapest time to fly to the Bahamas for a wedding?
The cheapest flights to Nassau are typically in September, October, and early November. Shoulder months (May and late November) also offer savings. Peak pricing runs December through April, especially around Christmas, Valentine's Day, Presidents' Day, Easter, and spring break. For the best deals, Glenn recommends booking flights 3-6 months ahead and monitoring airline sales.
Should I get wedding insurance for a hurricane season wedding?
Absolutely. Glenn recommends travel insurance for any destination wedding, but especially during hurricane season (June-November). The critical detail: purchase insurance before a storm is named. Most policies exclude named storms from coverage. Good travel insurance should cover trip cancellation, trip interruption, and emergency medical expenses. Glenn helps couples develop weather contingency plans for every hurricane-season wedding.
What is the best time of year for a Bahamas elopement?
Every month works for elopements. Peak season (December-April) offers the best weather. Shoulder months (May, November) combine good weather with lower prices. Even during hurricane season, Glenn schedules elopements around weather windows since they need less lead time than large weddings. Elopements from $1,495 with Glenn handling the license, ceremony, and officiation.
How far in advance should I book a Bahamas wedding?
Peak season: 6-12 months. Shoulder: 3-6 months. Off-season: 2-4 months. Elopements: As little as 2-3 weeks. Glenn requires a 35% deposit to hold your date. Popular dates like Valentine's Day and New Year's Eve book 12+ months out. Marriage license documents must be submitted at least 3 business days before the ceremony.
Can I get married on the beach in the Bahamas?
Yes. Beach weddings are the most popular ceremony style in the Bahamas. Public beaches like Nuptial Beach in Nassau have no facility fees. Resort beaches typically charge facility fees of $500-$2,000 or more on top of your wedding package. Glenn recommends Nuptial Beach for couples who want a beautiful beach ceremony without resort markup. Private island and villa beach ceremonies are also available on Harbour Island, Exuma, and other islands.
Is January too cold for a Bahamas beach wedding?
No. January temperatures in Nassau average 72-78F with low humidity and minimal rain. It is one of the most comfortable months for an outdoor ceremony. Occasional cool fronts can drop evening temperatures to the mid-60s, but daytime conditions are ideal for beach weddings. The ocean stays a comfortable 76F year-round in winter -- warm enough for wedding photos in the water.
How many days do I need in the Bahamas for a wedding?
Plan for a minimum of 3-4 days. Per the Bahamas Registrar General's office, both parties must be in the Bahamas for at least 24 hours before applying for a marriage license. The license is typically issued the same or next business day. Most couples arrive Thursday, apply Friday, and marry Saturday or Sunday. Glenn recommends 4-5 days to allow time for a rehearsal walk-through, licence processing, and enjoying the islands before or after the ceremony.
Can my pastor or officiant from the US perform my Bahamas wedding?
Not for a legal ceremony. Bahamas law requires that all legal marriages be performed by a Licensed Bahamas Marriage Officer. Your pastor, rabbi, or personal officiant is welcome to participate in the ceremony alongside the licensed officer -- many couples have their home officiant give a reading, blessing, or prayer while Glenn handles the legal portions. For a purely symbolic ceremony (no legal standing), any person can officiate. Glenn coordinates with visiting officiants regularly to blend personal and legal elements.
What should guests wear to a Bahamas beach wedding?
Beach weddings in the Bahamas are typically smart casual to semi-formal. Women usually wear lightweight sundresses, maxi dresses, or dressy separates in light colours. Men wear linen or cotton trousers with a button-down shirt -- jackets are optional. Avoid stiletto heels on sand. Glenn recommends couples include dress code guidance on their wedding website or invitation. For peak season (December-April), evenings can be slightly cooler -- a light wrap or blazer is a good idea.
Is a Bahamas wedding cheaper than a US wedding?
Typically yes. The average US wedding costs approximately $35,000-$40,000 according to industry surveys. A Bahamas destination wedding through Glenn ranges from $1,495 (elopement) to $11,995 (luxury celebration) for the ceremony and planning. Even including guest hotel and flight costs, most Bahamas weddings come in well under the US average -- especially for smaller guest counts of 10-30 people. The smaller, more intimate guest list that comes naturally with a destination wedding is the biggest cost saver.

Ready to Pick Your Wedding Date?

Wedding Planner | Licensed Marriage Officer | WPIC-Certified | 200+ Weddings | 24+ Years | 5.0 Rating

Glenn Ferguson helps you choose the perfect month for your budget, weather preference, and guest count. One call covers everything: timing, packages, legal requirements, and venue options.

2026 peak season dates (December-April) are booking now. A 35% deposit holds your date.

Call +1-(242)-395-8495WhatsApp GlennView Packages from $1,495

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