How to Plan a Wedding in The Bahamas

1. Decide What Kind of Bahamas Wedding You Want

Before we talk paperwork or pricing, start with the experience. When you picture your day in The Bahamas, what do you see?

• Beach wedding – classic toes-in-the-sand ceremony, perfect for photos and simple receptions.
• Luxury resort wedding – Atlantis, Baha Mar, and other resorts with full guest amenities.
• Private villa or estate wedding – villa takeover style, where your group has the property to yourselves.
• Elopement or micro-wedding – intimate “just us” or small-group ceremonies on a quiet beach or cove.
• Cruise wedding in Nassau – step off the ship, get legally married on land, step back on as newlyweds.
• Outer island wedding – Exuma, Eleuthera, Harbour Island, Abaco, Bimini and more for that private island feel.

Already leaning toward an elopement or micro-wedding? Take a look at my Eloping in The Bahamas guide or Bahamas Elopement Packages.

2. Choose the Best Time of Year for Your Bahamas Wedding

You can get married in The Bahamas all year, but each season has a slightly different feel.

December – April: Peak Season

• Cooler, drier weather and beautiful days.
• Very popular for destination weddings and holidays.
• Venues and vendors book early—especially weekends.

May – August: Summer Weddings

• Warm, tropical weather and stunning sunsets.
• Great for evening ceremonies and pool/beach days.
• More options on certain dates and packages.

September – November: Quiet & Strategic

• Fewer crowds and strong value on some venues.
• Still warm and beautiful, with a relaxed pace.
• Part of hurricane season—so we plan smart with dates and travel insurance.

3. Pick Your Island and Venue in The Bahamas

One of the biggest advantages of getting married in The Bahamas is choice. Different islands deliver different energy, and we match them to your style and guest needs.

Nassau & Paradise Island

Perfect if you want convenience, major resorts, nightlife, and easy flights. You’ll find beaches, resorts, villas, churches, and private ceremony locations. For couples who want effortless logistics, this is usually where we start.

Thinking about Paradise Island specifically? See: Paradise Island Bahamas Elopement.

Exuma

Ideal if you dream of sandbars, private cays, and unreal turquoise water. Great for intimate destination weddings and island-hopping experiences with guests.

Eleuthera & Harbour Island

Pink sand beaches, boutique hotels, and a chic, relaxed vibe. These islands are made for couples who want something a little more exclusive and photogenic.

Abaco, Bimini & Andros

Quieter, more local, and perfect if you love boating, fishing, and nature-focused experiences with your family and friends.

Need help narrowing it down? My Bahamas Wedding Planning page walks through more detailed options, or you can just use the form above and I’ll recommend specific islands and venues for you.

4. Understand the Legal Marriage Requirements in The Bahamas

A Bahamas wedding can be both beautiful and fully legal in your home country, as long as the paperwork is handled correctly. This is where a licensed Marriage Officer really matters.

Core Legal Requirements

• You must be in The Bahamas for at least 24 hours before applying for your marriage license.
• Both of you need valid passports.
• You submit a completed marriage license application to the Registrar General.
• If previously married, you provide original or certified divorce decrees or death certificates.
• Parental consent is required if you’re under the legal age.

What I Personally Handle for My Couples

• Pre-arrival guidance on exactly which documents you’ll need.
• Marriage license application and local filing.
• Officiating your ceremony as a licensed Bahamas Marriage Officer.
• Registering your marriage with the Registrar General.
• Arranging certified copies of your marriage certificate.
• Coordinating apostille services if your country requires it.

If you’re already married and only need help with documentation, see: How to Get a Marriage Certificate from The Bahamas.

5. Decide Whether to Use a Bahamas Wedding Planner

Technically, yes—you can plan your own Bahamas wedding from abroad. The real question is: do you want to be the one managing vendors, contracts, timing, weather backups, and legal details on your wedding day?

Here’s what I handle for couples who work with me:

• Marriage license and all legal paperwork.
• Officiating your ceremony as a licensed Marriage Officer.
• Venue scouting and booking—beach, resort, villa, church, or cruise-port location.
• Vendor coordination: photographer, videographer, florist, décor, hair and makeup, music, cake, transport, and more.
• Creating and running your full wedding-day timeline.
• Weather and logistics backup planning.
• Guest guidance and support where needed.

6. Your Next Step to a Stress-Free Bahamas Wedding

If you want your Bahamas wedding to be legally sound, beautifully executed, and as stress-free as possible, you don’t need more tabs open—you need one clear plan and one person to own the details.

That’s what I do every day for couples from all over the world who choose The Bahamas for their wedding.