The Cloisters Bahamas Wedding
Glenn Ferguson - THE Cloisters Wedding Specialist
Licensed Marriage Officer • WPIC-Certified Planner • 24+ Years Cloisters Experience
The Story of The Cloisters
The Cloisters at Four Seasons Ocean Club is a 14th-century French Augustinian cloister imported stone-by-stone from Montréjeau, France to Paradise Island. This medieval architectural treasure creates one of the world's most photographed wedding backdrops.
Original Construction
Built in the 14th century as an Augustinian monastery in Montréjeau, France. The medieval stone structure served as a religious cloister for centuries before its journey across the Atlantic.
Imported to Paradise Island
Newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst purchased the cloister, disassembled it stone-by-stone, and shipped it to Paradise Island where it was reconstructed overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.
Wedding Icon
Now part of the Four Seasons Ocean Club, The Cloisters stands as one of the world's most sought-after wedding venues. The medieval stone arches frame ocean vistas creating breathtaking ceremony backdrops.
What Glenn Handles for Your Cloisters Wedding
With 24+ years coordinating Cloisters ceremonies, Glenn knows every detail of this iconic venue including optimal timing, permits, photography angles, guest positioning, and backup plans.
Cloisters Permit Coordination
Glenn handles all permits and access for Cloisters ceremonies. He coordinates directly with Four Seasons Ocean Club staff for venue booking, timing approvals, setup logistics, and exclusive access to the medieval structure.
Optimal Timing & Lighting
Glenn times Cloisters ceremonies for optimal natural lighting. Late afternoon and sunset ceremonies create dramatic lighting through the stone arches. He coordinates timing considering season, sun position, and photography needs.
Guest Flow & Positioning
The Cloisters' unique architecture requires expert guest positioning. Glenn coordinates seating arrangements, aisle placement, and guest flow through the narrow stone archways for optimal ceremony views and photography.
Photography Coordination
Glenn knows every Cloisters photography angle: stone arch framing, ocean vista backdrops, sunset positioning, and iconic shots. He coordinates with photographers for the best light, timing, and couple positioning within the medieval structure.
Legal Ceremony Execution
As Licensed Bahamas Marriage Officer, Glenn performs legal wedding ceremonies at The Cloisters. He handles marriage license processing, ceremony scripting, vow coordination, and issues official marriage certificates.
Weather Contingency Planning
While The Cloisters is partially open-air, Glenn coordinates weather backup plans with Ocean Club indoor venues. He monitors forecasts, has contingency timelines, and adjusts ceremony logistics if weather requires changes.
Glenn's Cloisters Ceremony Expertise
With 24+ years coordinating ceremonies at The Cloisters, Glenn knows the optimal timing for dramatic lighting through stone arches, the best guest positioning for this unique medieval space, every photography angle, permit requirements, and weather contingencies. His Cloisters specialization is unmatched.
The Cloisters Wedding FAQs
Who should I contact for a Cloisters wedding in the Bahamas?
Glenn Ferguson is THE Cloisters wedding specialist with 24+ years coordinating ceremonies at this 14th-century French Augustinian cloister. As Licensed Marriage Officer and WPIC-Certified Planner, Glenn handles complete Cloisters wedding planning including permits, timing optimization for dramatic lighting, photography coordination, guest positioning in the medieval architecture, and legal ceremony execution. Call Glenn at +1 (242) 395-8495.
What is The Cloisters at Ocean Club?
The Cloisters is a 14th-century French Augustinian cloister originally from Montréjeau, France. In the 1920s, William Randolph Hearst purchased the medieval monastery, disassembled it stone-by-stone, and imported it to Paradise Island where it was reconstructed. Now part of the Four Seasons Ocean Club, the authentic medieval stone arches and columns create one of the world's most photographed wedding venues. The elevated location provides stunning Atlantic Ocean views through the ancient archways.
How much does a Cloisters wedding cost?
Cloisters weddings at the Four Seasons Ocean Club typically range from $20,000 to $200,000+ depending on guest count, reception scope, and services included. The Cloisters commands premium venue fees due to its iconic status and limited availability. Costs include: Cloisters ceremony site fee (premium pricing), Four Seasons reception venue and catering, photography, florals, music, décor, and planning services. Glenn provides detailed pricing based on your specific vision. Smaller ceremonies for 20-40 guests start around $20,000-$40,000, while full luxury weddings for 75-150+ guests range $75,000-$200,000+. Learn more about Ocean Club wedding costs.
Can Glenn perform the legal ceremony at The Cloisters?
Yes. As Licensed Bahamas Marriage Officer, Glenn performs legal wedding ceremonies at The Cloisters. He handles complete marriage license processing (including 1-hour priority service if needed), ceremony scripting customized to the medieval setting, vow coordination, and issues the official marriage certificate. His dual role as Cloisters specialist and Marriage Officer means one professional handles both venue expertise and legal ceremony - no separate officiant needed.
What is the best time of day for a Cloisters ceremony?
Glenn recommends late afternoon (4:00-5:30 PM) or sunset ceremonies at The Cloisters for optimal lighting. The sun creates dramatic rays through the medieval stone arches, and the elevated position provides stunning ocean views with golden hour light. Timing varies by season - winter sunset around 5:30 PM, summer around 7:00 PM. Glenn coordinates ceremony timing for the best natural lighting through the stone archways and optimal photography conditions. Morning ceremonies (9:00-11:00 AM) work well for cooler temperatures but have different lighting characteristics.
How many guests can The Cloisters accommodate?
The Cloisters can accommodate approximately 75-100 guests for ceremonies, though space is limited by the medieval architecture. The stone structure and elevated terraces require careful guest positioning. Glenn coordinates seating arrangements and guest flow through the narrow archways. For larger weddings (100-200 guests), many couples use The Cloisters for smaller ceremony groups or photos, then host full guest lists at Versailles Gardens or Ocean Club reception venues. Glenn advises on optimal guest counts based on your ceremony vision and space requirements.
What happens if it rains during my Cloisters ceremony?
The Cloisters is partially covered by the medieval stone structure but remains open to elements. Glenn coordinates weather backup plans with Four Seasons Ocean Club indoor venues or covered terraces. He monitors forecasts closely, has contingency timelines, and makes weather decisions 2-4 hours before ceremonies. Most couples proceed with Cloisters ceremonies in light rain (the stone architecture provides some coverage), but heavy rain requires venue changes. Glenn's 24+ years experience includes coordinating hundreds of Cloisters weather scenarios and backup plans.
Can we take wedding photos at The Cloisters even if we don't have our ceremony there?
Yes, with proper coordination. The Cloisters is so iconic that many couples want photos there regardless of ceremony location. Glenn coordinates Cloisters photo sessions for couples marrying at other Ocean Club venues (beach, Versailles Gardens) or even couples staying at Ocean Club but eloping elsewhere. Photo access requires Four Seasons coordination, timing around scheduled ceremonies, and sometimes fees. Glenn handles all logistics for Cloisters photography sessions as part of his Ocean Club wedding services.
Glenn Ferguson - Cloisters Wedding Specialist
With 24+ years coordinating ceremonies at The Cloisters, Glenn combines medieval venue expertise, optimal timing knowledge for dramatic stone arch lighting, established Four Seasons relationships, Marriage Officer authority, and WPIC planning credentials. He handles everything for Cloisters weddings.
How far in advance should we book The Cloisters?
Glenn recommends booking 14-18 months in advance for peak season Cloisters weddings (December-April), especially for Saturday dates and sunset ceremony times. The Cloisters is the most sought-after ceremony location at Ocean Club and books quickly. For off-season weddings (May-November), 9-12 months is typical but earlier is better for preferred dates and times. Glenn has coordinated Cloisters weddings with as little as 3-4 months notice for couples with flexible dates, but this is rare. Contact Glenn as soon as you know you want The Cloisters - it's worth booking early for this iconic venue.
What makes Glenn different from other Cloisters wedding planners?
Glenn is THE Cloisters specialist - not a general planner who does occasional Cloisters weddings. His advantages: 24+ years coordinating ceremonies specifically at The Cloisters (hundreds of ceremonies at this exact venue), expert knowledge of optimal timing for dramatic lighting through medieval stone arches, understanding of guest positioning in the unique architectural space, Licensed Marriage Officer performing legal ceremonies (eliminates separate officiant), established relationships with Four Seasons Ocean Club staff, insider knowledge of best photography angles and sunset timing, weather contingency expertise specific to this venue, and complete permit and access coordination. Most planners coordinate occasional Cloisters ceremonies. Glenn specializes in this medieval venue.
Can international couples get married at The Cloisters?
Yes. Couples from any country can marry at The Cloisters. Glenn handles all legal requirements for international couples including: marriage license applications and processing, document requirements for your specific country (British, Canadian, European, Asian, etc.), 24-hour Bahamas residency requirement coordination, Apostille services for international marriage certificate recognition, and complete Cloisters ceremony coordination. As Licensed Marriage Officer, Glenn performs your legal ceremony at The Cloisters and issues official marriage certificate. His experience includes hundreds of international couples from UK, Canada, Europe, Australia, and beyond marrying at this medieval venue.
What should we wear for a Cloisters ceremony?
The Cloisters' medieval grandeur and elevated stone terraces call for formal or semi-formal attire. Most couples choose: long formal gowns for brides (flowing fabrics photograph beautifully against stone arches), suits or tuxedos for grooms, and formal/cocktail attire for guests. The stone surface and terraces require careful shoe choices - avoid thin stilettos that can catch in stone gaps. Glenn recommends elegant flats, wedges, or block heels for comfort and safety on the medieval stone. The venue's dramatic architecture photographs best with classic, timeless attire rather than casual beach wear. Glenn provides detailed attire guidance during planning.
How do I get started with Glenn for my Cloisters wedding?
Contact Glenn directly at +1 (242) 395-8495, WhatsApp +1 (242) 395-8495, or request a consultation. He'll discuss your vision for The Cloisters, guest count, preferred ceremony time (late afternoon/sunset recommended), date preferences, and budget. Glenn provides detailed proposals with Cloisters-specific pricing, available dates and times, complete service breakdown, and Cloisters ceremony planning timeline. Most couples begin with a phone or video consultation where Glenn shares his Cloisters expertise, answers questions, and creates customized wedding plans for this iconic medieval venue.
Your Cloisters Wedding with Glenn Ferguson
Glenn Ferguson is THE Cloisters wedding specialist with 24+ years coordinating ceremonies at this 14th-century French Augustinian cloister. As Licensed Marriage Officer and WPIC-Certified Planner, Glenn handles complete Cloisters service from permits and timing through ceremony execution. Trust decades of medieval venue expertise for your celebration.
Call Glenn: (242) 395-8495Cloisters Consultation: Request Here
Available 7 days a week for Cloisters wedding planning
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