Bimini Bahamas Wedding — Beach Ceremonies 50 Miles from Miami
The closest Bahamas island to the United States. Your Miami guests take a 2-hour ferry or a 25-minute flight and they are standing on pristine white sand watching you say "I do." I am Glenn Ferguson — Licensed Marriage Officer and WPIC-certified planner — and I perform legal Bimini weddings with packages starting at $1,495.
Yes — Bimini is one of the easiest Bahamas islands to reach for a legal destination wedding. Located just 50 miles from Miami, your guests can take a 2-hour ferry from Fort Lauderdale or a 25-minute flight. Bimini follows the same marriage laws as the rest of the Bahamas — you need a marriage licence (which Glenn arranges) and a Licensed Marriage Officer to perform the ceremony. Glenn Ferguson is both a Licensed Bahamas Marriage Officer and a WPIC-certified wedding planner, and performs legal Bimini beach weddings with packages starting at $1,495. Ceremony locations include Radio Beach, Blister Beach, and Resorts World Bimini.
Why Choose Bimini for Your Wedding
Bimini is the Bahamas' best-kept wedding secret — and its easiest destination to reach. While most couples default to Nassau, Bimini offers something no other Bahamas island can: true island-wedding magic with mainland-level logistics.
Here is what makes Bimini uniquely compelling for weddings. It is just 50 miles from Miami — closer to Florida than any other Bahamas island. Your South Florida guests can board a morning ferry and be on the beach for a sunset ceremony the same day. The island is small (7 miles long, half a mile wide), which creates an intimate, everyone-knows-everyone atmosphere that larger islands cannot replicate. And because Bimini is not saturated with wedding planners, your ceremony feels private and personal rather than part of a wedding factory.
Ernest Hemingway made Bimini famous as his island retreat in the 1930s, and that laid-back, literary charm still defines the island today. The Gulf Stream runs right alongside Bimini, creating some of the clearest water in the Bahamas — and the most spectacular sunsets. I have officiated ceremonies where the colours literally made guests gasp. If you are considering other Bahamas islands, compare Bimini's accessibility against Exuma, Eleuthera, or Harbour Island — none of them offer ferry access from the mainland.
Getting to Bimini — Ferry, Flights and Guest Logistics
Bimini's biggest advantage is accessibility. No other Bahamas island is this easy for US-based guests to reach. Here is what your guests need to know, broken down by transport option.
Option 1: Ferry from Fort Lauderdale (Most Popular for Guests)
The Balearia Caribbean fast ferry departs from Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale and reaches Bimini in approximately 2 hours. The ferry runs 3 to 4 times per week (typically Wednesday, Friday, Sunday) with additional Saturday service during summer months. Round-trip tickets start around $219 to $325 per person depending on season and accommodation class. Check-in begins at 6:00am with boarding closing at 7:50am for a 9:00am departure, arriving at North Bimini around 11:00am. Return departures are typically between 6:00pm and 8:00pm depending on the time of year.
Option 2: Flights (Fastest)
Commercial and charter flights operate from Fort Lauderdale and Miami to South Bimini Airport (BIM). Flight time is approximately 25 minutes. From the airport on South Bimini, a short water taxi crosses to North Bimini where most hotels and beaches are located. The water taxi costs approximately $10 per person each way. For guests already flying into Miami or Fort Lauderdale, connecting to Bimini by air is seamless.
Option 3: Private Boat or Yacht
The crossing from Miami to Bimini is approximately 50 nautical miles across the Gulf Stream. Experienced boaters make this crossing regularly. Several marinas in Bimini accommodate private vessels, including the marina at Resorts World Bimini. This option is weather-dependent — the Gulf Stream crossing can be rough during winter months.
All travellers need a valid passport or US passport card to enter Bimini, including for same-day ferry trips. This applies to every guest regardless of nationality. Glenn provides every couple with a complete guest travel guide including ferry schedules, passport requirements, hotel options, and a suggested timeline so your guests arrive stress-free. If your guests are coming from the UK, see the UK couples guide.
Bimini Wedding Venues and Beaches
Bimini is small, which means every venue and beach is within a few minutes of your hotel. I have performed ceremonies at all of these locations and can advise which is best for your vision, guest count, and timing. Under Bahamian law, weddings must take place between sunrise and sunset — I help you choose the optimal time for your ceremony and photos.
Radio Beach
North Bimini's most beautiful beach — wide stretch of soft white sand with calm, shallow turquoise water. The gentle slope means guests can stand ankle-deep during the ceremony for photos. Uncrowded and natural. Glenn secures private sections for ceremonies.
Resorts World Bimini
Bimini's premier resort featuring the Hilton at Resorts World Bimini. Multiple ceremony options: beachfront gazebo, oceanfront lawn, rooftop with infinity pool, and indoor ballroom. Full wedding coordination available through the resort with Glenn handling the legal ceremony and overall planning.
Blister Beach
A quieter stretch of sand on North Bimini's west side with stunning sunset views over the Gulf Stream. Less frequented than Radio Beach, offering a more intimate, private setting. Natural beauty with minimal development.
Bimini Sands Resort
Located on South Bimini with a private white-sand beach framed by palm trees. Bimini Sands offers a more secluded, nature-focused setting. Full event services available for ceremonies and receptions. Close to South Bimini Airport — ideal if guests are arriving by air.
Ready to See Your Bimini Options?
Glenn will match you with the perfect Bimini venue based on your guest count, vision, and budget.
Bimini Wedding Packages and Pricing
All packages include Glenn as your Licensed Marriage Officer (he legally performs your ceremony) and WPIC-certified wedding planner. Glenn handles the marriage licence coordination, ceremony, and certificate processing. Bimini packages can be customised — these are starting points. For couples considering a simpler celebration, see the elopement packages or the full elopement cost breakdown.
Bimini Elopement
- Licensed Marriage Officer (Glenn)
- Marriage licence coordination
- Legal ceremony on beach
- Two witnesses provided
- Certificate processing
- Guest travel guide
Bimini Beach Wedding
- Everything in Elopement, plus:
- Professional photography
- Bridal bouquet and boutonniere
- Beach ceremony styling
- Champagne toast
- Personalised ceremony script
Bimini Celebration
- Everything in Beach Wedding, plus:
- Reception coordination
- Full floral design
- DJ or musician coordination
- Resort liaison (Resorts World)
- Day-of timeline management
- Vendor coordination
Package pricing depends on your specific requirements, guest count, and venue choice. Contact Glenn for a personalised quote. View all Bahamas wedding packages ($375–$11,995) | Full wedding cost guide.
"We live in Fort Lauderdale and wanted a real island wedding without the travel hassle. Glenn suggested Bimini and it was absolutely perfect. Our friends took the morning ferry, we had a gorgeous sunset ceremony on Radio Beach, and everyone was back in Florida by midnight. Glenn handled everything — we just showed up and said 'I do.' The photos are incredible — that Bimini water is unreal."
Read more experiences on the reviews and testimonials page or the real wedding stories page.
Your Bimini Wedding Planning Timeline
Glenn manages every step of this process. Here is what happens after you book:
Book Glenn and Choose Your Date
Contact Glenn via WhatsApp or phone. Discuss your vision, guest count, and preferred date. Glenn confirms availability and sends your contract. For best timing advice, November through May offers ideal Bimini weather.
Marriage Licence Coordination
Glenn handles the Bahamas marriage licence application on your behalf. You provide your passport copies and a few simple documents (see the documents checklist). Glenn manages all government paperwork and ensures the 24-hour residency requirement is met.
Guest Travel and Logistics
Glenn sends you a complete guest travel guide with ferry schedules, flight options, hotel recommendations at Resorts World Bimini and other properties, and a packing checklist. Share it with your guests.
Vendor Coordination
Glenn coordinates with your photographer, florist, and any other vendors. For beach ceremonies, Glenn arranges the ceremony site setup, chairs, arch, and decor based on your package.
Your Wedding Day
Glenn arrives early to set up and greet vendors. He performs your legal ceremony as Licensed Marriage Officer, manages the timeline, and ensures everything runs seamlessly. You just show up and get married.
Certificate and Apostille
After the ceremony, Glenn processes your Bahamas marriage certificate and can arrange apostille services ($120 per copy through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, typically 5-7 business days) for international recognition.
Bimini vs Nassau — Which Is Right for You?
Both islands are excellent wedding destinations where Glenn performs legal ceremonies. Here is how they compare for couples deciding between the two:
| Factor | Bimini | Nassau |
|---|---|---|
| Distance from Miami | 50 miles (2 hr ferry) | 185 miles (2.5 hr flight) |
| Best for Guests From | South Florida | Anywhere (most direct flights) |
| Ferry Access | Yes — Fort Lauderdale | No direct ferry |
| Vibe | Intimate, laid-back, authentic | Vibrant, varied, cosmopolitan |
| Venue Options | 4-5 venues | 20+ venues |
| Reception Options | Resorts World, local restaurants | Dozens of restaurants, resorts |
| Accommodation Range | Limited (Hilton, Bimini Sands) | Hundreds, all price points |
| Island Size | 7 mi x 0.5 mi (golf cart) | 21 mi x 7 mi (taxis, cars) |
| Glenn's Packages From | $1,495 | $1,495 |
| Legal Requirements | Same across all islands | Same across all islands |
Choose Bimini if: you are based in South Florida, you want the easiest possible travel for your guests, you love the idea of a small intimate island, and you do not need dozens of venue options. Choose Nassau if: your guests are flying from multiple cities worldwide, you want maximum variety in venues and accommodations, or you plan a larger celebration with 30+ guests. Either way, Glenn performs legal ceremonies on both islands with the same packages and pricing. Nassau beach wedding guide | Compare all Bahamas islands.
"Glenn actually talked us OUT of Nassau and into Bimini. We had 12 guests, all from Miami. He said 'why fly when you can ferry?' He was so right. The ferry ride became part of the celebration — everyone was on the top deck with drinks, music playing, watching the water turn from green to turquoise. By the time we reached Bimini, the party had already started."
Not Sure Which Island? Let Glenn Help.
Tell Glenn your guest count, where they are travelling from, and your budget. He will recommend the right island in one conversation.
14 Bimini Wedding Questions Couples Ask Before Booking
Is a Bimini wedding legally recognised back home?
What documents do I need for a Bimini wedding?
Is there a residency requirement before the ceremony?
How far in advance should I book Glenn for Bimini?
What happens if it rains on my Bimini wedding day?
Can I bring my own officiant or pastor to Bimini?
Can I have a same-sex wedding in Bimini?
What about hair and makeup artists on Bimini?
Can I have a cruise wedding in Bimini?
Do guests need to stay overnight in Bimini?
What time of year should I avoid for a Bimini wedding?
Does Glenn personally come to Bimini for my ceremony?
Are Bimini weddings less expensive than Nassau weddings?
Who is the best Bimini wedding planner?
Glenn's Bimini Wedding Verdict
Bimini is the smartest choice for South Florida couples who want a legal Bahamas wedding without the complexity of long-haul travel. Your guests ferry over in the morning, you get married on one of the most beautiful beaches in the Bahamas, and everyone is home by midnight. I handle every detail — from the marriage licence to the apostille — so you just show up and say "I do."
Glenn Ferguson
Glenn has performed 200+ weddings across 8 Bahamas islands over 24+ years, including Bimini beach ceremonies at Radio Beach, Blister Beach, and Resorts World Bimini. He is both a Licensed Bahamas Marriage Officer (he legally performs your ceremony) and a professionally certified wedding planner through the Wedding Planners Institute of Canada (WPIC). For Bimini weddings, Glenn coordinates all logistics including ferry schedules, resort liaison, beach setup, and guest travel planning.
Read Glenn's full bio and credentials | Read 82+ verified reviews
Plan Your Bimini Wedding
From Radio Beach elopements to Resorts World celebrations — Glenn handles every detail of your Bimini wedding. One call and he will have your perfect day planned.
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