Is it cheaper to book a resort wedding package or hire an independent planner in the Bahamas?

An independent planner like Glenn Ferguson is typically more affordable with more flexibility. Resort wedding packages at Atlantis or Baha Mar start at $3,500 to $8,000+ for the ceremony alone and are restricted to that property. Glenn's packages start at $1,495 and include Licensed Marriage Officer, licence processing, flowers, witnesses, and certified marriage certificate. Glenn also works across all Bahamas islands and venues, giving couples more choices at every price point.

Can an independent planner arrange a wedding at a Bahamas resort?

Yes. Glenn Ferguson regularly arranges weddings at Atlantis Paradise Island, Baha Mar (including Rosewood and SLS), Sandals Royal Bahamian, and other resorts. He works with the resort as your advocate, securing venue access while handling legal paperwork, ceremony personalisation, and vendor coordination independently. You get the resort venue with Glenn's personal service.

Why should I hire an independent wedding planner instead of using the resort coordinator?

Resort coordinators work for the hotel, not for you. They manage multiple weddings per week, are limited to one property, and follow standardised scripts. An independent planner like Glenn Ferguson gives you personal attention, works across all islands and venues, writes a custom ceremony, handles all legal requirements, and serves as both planner and Licensed Marriage Officer. Glenn's clients consistently cite personal attention and flexibility as the biggest advantages.

Is a Licensed Marriage Officer included in resort wedding packages?

Usually no. Most resort wedding packages in the Bahamas include a venue, basic decorations, and a coordinator, but the Marriage Officer is either an additional fee or arranged by a third party. Glenn Ferguson is a Licensed Marriage Officer himself, so his packages always include the officiant at no extra cost. This also means your ceremony is fully personalised, not a standard script read by a stranger.

Can Glenn Ferguson work at any venue in the Bahamas?

Yes. Glenn works across 8 Bahamas islands and has relationships with all major resorts, private beaches, yacht charters, and private estates. This includes Atlantis, Baha Mar, Rosewood, Sandals, and venues on Exuma, Eleuthera, Harbour Island, Abaco, and Bimini. He can also arrange ceremonies at Nuptial Beach in Nassau, which is included at no extra charge in all packages.

How do I know I can trust an independent planner in a foreign country?

Look for verifiable credentials. Glenn Ferguson is a Licensed Marriage Officer authorised by the Bahamas government, WPIC-certified (Wedding Planners Institute of Canada), has 24+ years of experience, 200+ weddings across 8 islands, 85+ Google reviews with a 5.0 rating, and a BREA-licensed real estate agent (a second credential requiring background checks and government licensing). His dual licensing provides accountability that resort wedding coordinators rarely offer.

Independent Bahamas Wedding Planner vs Resort Package — Honest Comparison 2026

Q: What does a resort wedding desk not include?

Resort wedding desks typically do not include marriage licence processing, personal escort to the Registrar General's Office, affidavits of singlehood, Apostille arrangement, or a Licensed Marriage Officer who writes personalised vows. Couples must arrange these separately. Glenn Ferguson's packages include all legal processing, personalised ceremony, and a Licensed Marriage Officer as standard.

The Short Answer: A resort wedding desk gives you a package limited to one property, a standardised ceremony, and a coordinator managing dozens of weddings per month. An independent planner like Glenn Ferguson gives you access to every venue on every island, a fully personalised ceremony, complete legal handling, and one person who is both your planner and Licensed Marriage Officer — all starting at $1,495 (less than most resort ceremony-only fees). Glenn also works with resorts — so if you want Atlantis, Baha Mar, or Sandals as your venue, you get the resort setting with Glenn's personal service.
+1-(242)-395-8495 · WhatsApp Glenn for a Free Consultation

200+Weddings Performed

8Islands Covered

5.0Google Rating (85+ Reviews)

24+Years in the Bahamas

Resort Wedding Desk vs Independent Planner — The Core Difference

The fundamental difference comes down to one question: who does the planner work for?

A resort wedding coordinator is employed by the hotel. Their job is to sell you that hotel's wedding packages, fill their calendar, and upsell their vendors. They are not your advocate — they are the hotel's sales team. An independent planner works exclusively for you. Glenn Ferguson answers to you, recommends what is genuinely best for your wedding, and has no obligation to any property.

Resort Wedding Desk

Limited to a single property
Standardised ceremony scripts
Coordinator manages 10 to 30+ weddings per month
Staff turnover — your coordinator may change
Marriage Officer hired separately (additional fee)
Marriage licence processing is your responsibility
Vendors restricted to resort-approved list
Upselling is built into the business model
No personalised vows — standard wording
Communication through hotel channels (slow response)

Glenn Ferguson (Independent)

Works across all Bahamas islands and venues
Writes a fully personalised ceremony for every couple
One couple at a time — your wedding is his priority
Glenn is your single point of contact from start to finish
Licensed Marriage Officer included in every package
Handles all legal paperwork: licence, affidavits, certificate
Independent vendor recommendations (best quality at your budget)
Transparent pricing — no resort markups
Custom vows written with your story and values
Direct WhatsApp and phone access — responds within hours

Glenn's Perspective (WPIC-Certified Planner): "I have worked alongside resort wedding teams for over two decades. They are professional people doing their best within a system that limits them. The coordinator at Atlantis or Baha Mar cannot recommend a different venue even if it would serve you better. They cannot write your vows. They cannot escort you to the Registrar's Office. And they cannot be your Marriage Officer. I can do all of those things — and I regularly do them at those same resorts."

The Full Comparison — 15 Categories

Category	Resort Wedding Desk	Glenn Ferguson
Venue options	One property only	Every venue, every island (8 islands)
Licensed Marriage Officer	Extra fee or third-party arrangement	Glenn personally — included in package
Marriage licence processing	Couple's responsibility (or extra fee)	Complete concierge — escort to Registrar's Office
Ceremony personalisation	Standard scripts, minimal customisation	Fully custom — Glenn writes vows with your story
Attention per couple	One of 10 to 30+ weddings that month	One couple at a time on your wedding day
Coordinator continuity	Staff turnover common — may get reassigned	Glenn from first call to certificate
Response time	Hotel email channels — 24 to 72 hours	Direct WhatsApp and phone — typically same day
Vendor selection	Resort-approved vendors only (commission-based)	Independent recommendations — best quality at your budget
Flowers	Resort florist (marked up)	Tropical bouquet and boutonniere included
Witnesses	Couple must arrange or pay extra	Two witnesses provided — included
Affidavits of singlehood	Couple's responsibility	Prepared and witnessed by Glenn
Apostille arrangement	Not offered	Glenn arranges ($120)
Experience and credentials	Varies — often junior event staff	WPIC-certified, Licensed Marriage Officer, 24+ years
Pricing transparency	Add-ons, facility fees, service charges, resort tax	All-inclusive package pricing from $1,495
Works at resorts?	Only their own property	Yes — Atlantis, Baha Mar, Sandals, and more
Winner	Convenience if you want zero planning	Better value, more flexibility, personal service

The pattern is clear: Resort wedding desks offer convenience within strict limits. Glenn offers everything the resort provides — plus personalisation, legal expertise, venue flexibility, and transparent pricing. And Glenn can do it all at the resort if that is where you want to be married. See all 12 packages

★★★★★

"Glenn was absolutely AMAZING from start to finish. He took care of everything for us and went beyond. My husband and I couldn't have asked for a more perfect experience. If you have any doubts, don't! Glenn is EXTREMELY trustworthy and will make your day unforgettable."

— Couple who chose Glenn over a resort package

What Resort Wedding Coordinators Won't Tell You

Resort wedding teams are professional and well-intentioned. But there are things the business model prevents them from telling you. After 24 years working alongside (and sometimes fixing the mistakes of) resort wedding operations, here is what I want couples to understand.

The venue lock-in problem. When you book a resort wedding package, you are committed to that one property. If you discover after booking that another beach, another island, or another venue would be better — you forfeit your deposit. Glenn works across all venues and islands. If plans change, your options expand instead of shrinking.

Your coordinator is managing dozens of weddings. At a major resort like Atlantis or Baha Mar, a single wedding coordinator may handle 15 to 30 events per month. Your ceremony is one of many on the calendar. You will likely communicate through hotel email, with responses taking 24 to 72 hours. Glenn works directly with you via WhatsApp and phone, and your wedding day is dedicated exclusively to you.

Staff turnover is real. Resort coordinators change positions, transfer properties, or leave the hospitality industry. The person you bonded with during planning may not be there on your wedding day. Glenn has been doing this for 24 years. He is your contact from the first message to the final certificate delivery.

The legal details fall through the cracks. Resort packages typically handle the venue and decorations — not the legal requirements for a valid Bahamas marriage. The marriage licence application, the Registrar General's Office visit, affidavits of singlehood, the marriage certificate, and Apostille are left to you — or added as extra fees. Glenn's packages include all of it as standard.

The ceremony itself is generic. Resort officiants typically use a standard script with your names inserted. Glenn writes every ceremony from scratch — incorporating your story, your values, and your vows. This is the most meaningful part of your wedding, and it should not be a template.

Glenn's Tip: "I am not against resorts. I love them. I perform weddings at Atlantis, Rosewood Baha Mar, Sandals, and many others. The difference is: when you book through me, I am working for you. I recommend the venue that fits your vision and budget — not the one paying my salary."

Glenn Works WITH Resorts — You Get the Best of Both

This is the point most couples miss: hiring Glenn does not mean giving up your dream resort. It means getting the resort venue with a planner who actually works for you.

Glenn has established working relationships with every major Bahamas resort. He regularly coordinates weddings at:

Resort	Glenn's Role	What You Get
Atlantis Paradise Island	Planner + Marriage Officer	Atlantis beach or venue + Glenn's personalised ceremony + all legal handling
Baha Mar (Grand Hyatt, SLS)	Planner + Marriage Officer	Baha Mar venue access + Glenn's vendor network + custom vows
Rosewood Baha Mar	Planner + Marriage Officer	Ultra-luxury setting + Glenn's personal attention + legal processing
Sandals Royal Bahamian	Planner + Marriage Officer	All-inclusive resort + Glenn's ceremony expertise + independent coordination
British Colonial Hilton	Planner + Marriage Officer	Historic downtown Nassau venue + Glenn's full legal service
Nuptial Beach (free with all packages)	Planner + Marriage Officer	Beautiful Nassau beach — no venue fee, no facility fee

When you book Glenn for a resort wedding, here is exactly what happens: Glenn handles your marriage licence, escorts you to the Registrar General's Office, coordinates with the resort events team for venue logistics, arranges your flowers and photography, writes and performs your ceremony, and processes your marriage certificate afterward. The resort provides the venue. Glenn provides everything else.

Important note on resort beaches: Resort beaches require the payment of a facility fee on top of your package. This is a resort charge, not Glenn's fee. Nuptial Beach is included at no extra charge in all packages. Glenn will advise you on exact facility fees for your preferred resort during your free consultation.

The best-kept secret in Bahamas weddings: You do not have to choose between a resort venue and a personal planner. With Glenn, you get both. And because Glenn's packages include the Marriage Officer, licence processing, flowers, and witnesses, you often spend less total than you would booking the resort's own wedding package. See full cost breakdown

Considering a Resort Wedding? Talk to Glenn First.

Glenn will give you an honest comparison for your specific resort and budget — no pressure, no obligation. Most couples have their custom quote within hours.

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

Price Comparison — Resort Packages vs Glenn's Packages

Resort wedding packages often look affordable until you see what is excluded. Here is a transparent comparison of what the same wedding actually costs.

Cost Item	Typical Resort Package	Glenn's Package
Base ceremony package	$3,500 to $8,000+	$1,495 to $2,395
Marriage Officer	$300 to $600 (extra)	Included (Glenn personally)
Marriage licence processing	$150 to $300 (extra) or DIY	Included — full concierge service
Ceremony flowers	$200 to $800 (resort florist markup)	Included — tropical bouquet + boutonniere
Two witnesses	$100 to $200 (extra)	Included
Beach facility fee	$500 to $2,500 (resort beach)	$0 at Nuptial Beach (or resort fee if you choose resort)
Affidavits of singlehood	Not handled — your responsibility	Included
Certificate processing	Varies — often not included	Included
Resort service charge + tax	15 to 25% added to package price	No hidden fees
Typical Total	$5,000 to $12,000+	$1,495 to $2,395

The resort's $3,500 "ceremony package" becomes $5,000 to $8,000 after you add the officiant, licence handling, flowers, witnesses, and the resort's service charge. Glenn's $1,495 to $2,395 price includes all of those items. The difference is real, and it is significant.

Glenn's Tip: "I tell every couple the same thing: get a detailed quote from the resort first. Then call me. When you compare what is actually included — not just the headline price — the value difference is clear. And if you still want the resort venue, I will make it happen for you at a lower total cost."

See full 2026 cost breakdown with line-by-line pricing or elopement cost for two

★★★★★

"I cannot say enough about how satisfied my wife and I are. Glenn Ferguson was wonderful throughout the entire process. He helped easily navigate the bureaucracy of obtaining a marriage license even bringing us to the office in his car. Glenn orchestrated a beautiful ceremony for just the two of us. Everything from the flowers to the photography were carefully thought out and well-executed."

— Couple who booked Glenn instead of a resort package

Which Option Is Right for You? 5 Common Scenarios

"We want a beach ceremony at Atlantis"

You love Atlantis and want to get married on their beach. The resort package starts at $5,000+ and does not include a Marriage Officer or legal processing.

Book Glenn. He coordinates your Atlantis beach ceremony, handles all legal work, and performs your personalised ceremony — for less than the resort's package alone. Atlantis guide

"We want a simple elopement — just the two of us"

You want something intimate, legal, and beautiful without a big production. Resorts still charge $3,500+ for their smallest ceremony package.

Glenn is the clear choice. His Sweet Beginning package ($1,495) includes everything for a legal beach elopement at Nuptial Beach — no facility fee, no extras to buy. Elopement packages

"We want an all-inclusive resort experience"

You want to stay at Sandals and have everything under one roof. The Sandals wedding team handles your stay, meals, and basic ceremony.

Consider booking Sandals for your stay and Glenn for your ceremony. Glenn works at Sandals regularly — you get the all-inclusive experience plus a personalised ceremony, legal handling, and independent photography. Sandals guide

"We have 20 to 50 guests coming"

You need venue coordination, guest logistics, vendor management, and a ceremony that is personal — not a script. Resort packages for this size start at $8,000 to $15,000+.

Glenn's mid-range packages handle groups of this size with vendors he has worked with for decades. He coordinates with your resort directly and manages every detail on the ground. All packages

"We want a destination wedding on a different island"

You are dreaming of Exuma, Eleuthera, Harbour Island, or Bimini. Resort options on Out Islands are limited and no resort wedding desk in Nassau will help you plan there.

Glenn is the only option. He performs weddings across 8 islands and has local vendor relationships on each. No resort can offer this. Destination weddings

"We are not sure yet — still exploring"

You know you want the Bahamas, but you are not sure which island, venue, or package is right. You need someone who will guide you honestly.

Call Glenn. He provides free, no-obligation consultations and will recommend the right venue and package for your vision and budget — even if it means pointing you toward something simpler than expected. Ask Glenn

In every scenario, Glenn adds value that the resort cannot match: legal expertise, ceremony personalisation, venue flexibility, and a single person accountable from first call to final certificate. The only scenario where a resort desk alone makes sense is when you want zero involvement in planning and do not care about personalisation — and even then, Glenn's price is lower.

★★★★★

"In 31 days' time, Glenn managed to put together a dream Bahamas wedding for my wife and I. He was quick to respond, professional, and had a charismatic nature that always put us at ease. Glenn made the entire process, even on such a tight timeline, feel beyond easy. I honestly can't say enough for the quality and value of Glenn's services."

— Couple who booked Glenn on short notice

Get an Honest Quote — Resort vs Glenn

Tell Glenn which resort you are considering. He will send you a side-by-side comparison showing exactly what you get with each option — no pressure, no obligation.

WhatsApp Glenn Call +1-(242)-395-8495 View All 12 Packages

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it cheaper to book a resort wedding package or hire Glenn?

Glenn is typically more affordable with more included. Resort ceremony packages at Atlantis or Baha Mar start at $3,500 to $8,000+ for the ceremony alone, and most do not include the Marriage Officer, licence processing, or flowers. Glenn's packages start at $1,495 and include all of those items. After adding extras, a resort wedding typically costs $5,000 to $12,000+. Glenn's packages cost $1,495 to $2,395 with no hidden fees. Full cost comparison

Can Glenn arrange my wedding at Atlantis, Baha Mar, or Sandals?

Yes. Glenn regularly coordinates weddings at all major Bahamas resorts including Atlantis, Baha Mar (Grand Hyatt, SLS, Rosewood), and Sandals Royal Bahamian. He handles the legal processing, ceremony, and vendor coordination while working alongside the resort events team for venue logistics.

What does a resort wedding desk NOT include?

Most resort packages do not include: marriage licence processing, personal escort to the Registrar General's Office, affidavits of singlehood, a Licensed Marriage Officer who writes personalised vows, Apostille arrangement, or independent vendor recommendations. These are either additional fees or your responsibility. Glenn's packages include all of them as standard.

Is a Licensed Marriage Officer included in resort packages?

Usually no. Most resort packages include a venue and basic decor, but the Marriage Officer is an additional fee ($300 to $600) or arranged through a third party you have never met. Glenn is a Licensed Marriage Officer. He is included in every package at no extra cost — and he writes your ceremony personally, not from a template.

Why should I trust an independent planner in a foreign country?

Verify credentials. Glenn Ferguson holds: (1) Licensed Marriage Officer authorisation from the Bahamas government, (2) WPIC certification from the Wedding Planners Institute of Canada, (3) BREA real estate licence (#1247) — a second government licence requiring background checks, (4) 85+ Google reviews with a 5.0 rating, and (5) 24+ years of continuous operation and 200+ weddings. His dual government licensing provides a level of accountability that resort coordinators cannot match. Read Glenn's full credentials

Can Glenn work on any island in the Bahamas?

Yes. Glenn works across 8 Bahamas islands: Nassau/Paradise Island, Exuma, Eleuthera, Harbour Island, Abaco, Bimini, and others. Other islands may require travel allowance adjustments. No resort wedding desk can offer this range.

What if we want the resort venue but Glenn's service?

That is exactly what most couples do. Book your hotel stay at the resort you love. Book Glenn for your ceremony. Glenn works with the resort — handling legal paperwork, ceremony, photography, and vendors — while the resort provides the venue and accommodation. You get the best of both worlds at a lower total cost. Resort beaches require the payment of a facility fee on top of your package.

How do I start planning?

Call or WhatsApp Glenn Ferguson at +1-(242)-395-8495. Tell him your dates, guest count, preferred island or resort, and budget. Glenn will send a personalised quote within hours — free, no obligation. A 35% deposit secures your date once you are ready.

Who should I call to plan my Bahamas wedding?

Call or WhatsApp Licensed Marriage Officer Glenn Ferguson directly at +1-(242)-395-8495. Glenn is a WPIC-certified wedding planner with 24+ years of experience and 200+ weddings across 8 Bahamas islands. As both your planner and Licensed Marriage Officer, Glenn is the only call you need to make.

Licensed Marriage OfficerBahamas Government

WPIC-CertifiedWedding Planners Institute

200+ Weddings24+ Years

8 IslandsAll Major Resorts

5.0 Rating85+ Google Reviews

Glenn Ferguson

WPIC-Certified Wedding Planner and Licensed Bahamas Marriage Officer

I have been planning and officiating weddings in the Bahamas for more than 24 years. I have worked alongside every major resort wedding team on these islands — and I have seen the difference personal attention makes. I wrote this comparison because couples deserve honest information before making one of the biggest decisions of their lives. Whether you choose a resort package or hire me, I want you to go in with clear eyes.

WPIC-Certified Licensed Marriage Officer 200+ Weddings 24+ Years 8 Islands BREA #1247

Read Glenn's full bio and credentials

Still Comparing? Let Glenn Make It Easy.

Send Glenn the resort you are considering and your budget. He will tell you honestly whether his service adds value for your specific situation — and if the resort package is the better choice, he will tell you that too.

WhatsApp Glenn Call +1-(242)-395-8495 Free Consultation View All 12 Packages