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Side-by-Side Comparison
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| Nassau | Paradise Island | Exuma | Eleuthera | Harbour Island | Bimini | Abacos | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | Easiest + most affordable | Resort luxury | Adventure + seclusion | Quiet intimacy | Luxury elopement | Quick South FL trip | Island hopping |
| Vibe | Vibrant + convenient | Polished + upscale | Wild + remote | Laid-back + unspoiled | Chic + exclusive | Casual + beachy | Nautical + charming |
| Direct flights from US | Most cities | Via Nassau (bridge) | Limited (Miami, Ft Laud) | Limited (Miami, Ft Laud) | Via Eleuthera + water taxi | Miami, Ft Laud | Limited (Miami) |
| Flight from Miami | 50 min | 50 min + taxi | 1h 15min | 1h 10min | 1h 10min + taxi | 25 min | 1h 30min |
| Hotels (per night) | $120-$600 | $250-$2,000+ | $200-$800 | $150-$500 | $300-$1,200 | $150-$500 | $150-$600 |
| Guest capacity | 2-200+ | 2-200+ | 2-30 | 2-50 | 2-20 | 2-40 | 2-50 |
| Nuptial Beach (free) | Yes | No | No | No | No | No | No |
| Resort facility fee | Only at resorts | Yes (most venues) | Varies | Varies | Some boutiques | Varies | Varies |
| Registrar's Office | In Nassau | Via Nassau | Administrator's office | Administrator's office | Via Eleuthera | Administrator's office | Administrator's office |
| Total trip cost (couple) | $3,000-$6,000 | $4,500-$12,000 | $5,000-$15,000 | $4,000-$10,000 | $5,000-$12,000 | $3,000-$7,000 | $4,500-$10,000 |
| Glenn's page | Nassau | Atlantis | Exuma | Eleuthera | Harbour Is. | Bimini | Abacos |
Nassau — The Easiest Choice for Any Budget
Where convenience meets Caribbean beauty. Glenn has officiated over 150 weddings on this island — more than any other planner in Nassau.
Nassau is the capital, the main international gateway, and the island where the Registrar General's Office is located. Direct flights arrive from Miami (50 min), New York (3h), Toronto (3.5h), Charlotte (2.5h), Atlanta (2.5h), and London (9h). No connecting flights needed. You land, check in, and you are minutes from your ceremony venue.
Why most couples choose Nassau: Glenn's included ceremony venue, Nuptial Beach, is here — a quiet, scenic stretch of private beach with turquoise water, coconut palms, and no resort crowds. There is no facility fee. No venue markup. It is included in every package. For couples who want a beautiful beach wedding without the overhead, Nuptial Beach is the answer.
Weather: Nassau averages 340 days of sunshine per year. Peak wedding season is November through April — warm (75-85 °F), low humidity, and almost no rain. Summer months (June to October) are hotter and fall within hurricane season, but many couples still marry successfully and enjoy lower hotel rates. Glenn monitors weather and has contingency plans for every ceremony.
Cruise ship weddings: Nassau is the Bahamas cruise port. Cruise passengers can get married during their port stop — Glenn meets you at the port, handles the licence, and officiates your ceremony within your port window. Cruise wedding details
Villa and private beach weddings: Nassau also offers private villa rentals with beachfront or oceanview settings for couples who want an intimate, exclusive venue without a resort. Glenn coordinates villa weddings with ceremony on the grounds or a nearby private beach.
Key venues in Nassau:
- Nuptial Beach — free, included in Glenn's packages, no facility fee
- Baha Mar Resort — luxury resort with multiple beach and garden settings (facility fee applies)
- Cable Beach — public beach with wide sand and sunset views
- Goodman's Bay — sheltered beach popular for small ceremonies
- Historic Nassau — Fort Charlotte, Queen's Staircase, colonial architecture for unique backdrops
What Your Guests Will Do in Nassau
This is where Nassau shines over every other island. Your guests will never be bored. Nassau offers Atlantis water park and aquarium (day passes available), Fish Fry at Arawak Cay for authentic Bahamian food and live music, downtown Bay Street shopping, jet ski tours, snorkelling excursions, catamaran sunset cruises, the historic Queen's Staircase, and a casino at both Baha Mar and Atlantis. For nightlife, there are restaurants and bars along Cable Beach, Bay Street, and at the major resorts.
Dining and Reception Options
Nassau has the widest restaurant selection in the Bahamas. Options for a post-ceremony dinner or reception include beachfront restaurants on Cable Beach, fine dining at Baha Mar, casual Bahamian fare at Arawak Cay Fish Fry, waterfront restaurants downtown, and private dining rooms at major resorts. Glenn coordinates reception arrangements and recommends restaurants based on your group size and budget.
Recommended Trip Length
3 to 4 nights is ideal for most Nassau weddings. Day 1: arrive and settle in. Day 2: Registrar General's Office in the morning, ceremony in the afternoon. Day 3: enjoy the island with guests. Day 4: depart. Couples doing a weddingmoon (wedding plus honeymoon) often stay 5 to 7 nights and explore the island at a slower pace.
Getting Around
Taxis from the airport to Cable Beach hotels take 15 minutes ($25-$35). Public buses run along the main routes. Rental cars are available but not necessary if you are staying at a resort. Glenn provides personal transportation to the Registrar General's Office and ceremony venue as part of every package.
Is Nassau Safe?
Nassau is a modern capital city with well-developed tourist infrastructure. The resort areas along Cable Beach and Paradise Island are safe and well-maintained. As with any city, standard precautions apply in downtown areas at night. Glenn has been based in Nassau for 24+ years and provides guidance on where to go and what to avoid.
Vendor Availability
Nassau has the fullest roster of wedding vendors in the Bahamas — photographers, videographers, florists, hair and makeup artists, musicians, DJs, and caterers. All are local, well-established, and available without inter-island travel surcharges. Glenn works with a trusted network of vendors he has vetted over 24+ years.
Full guide: Nassau Bahamas Wedding
Paradise Island — Resort Luxury, Steps from Nassau
Connected to Nassau by a bridge. Home to Atlantis and The Ocean Club. Glenn has officiated dozens of weddings here.
Paradise Island is not a separate destination — it is connected to Nassau by a bridge, and you fly into the same airport. The difference is the concentration of luxury resorts. Atlantis offers dramatic architecture, aquariums, and manicured beaches. The Ocean Club (Four Seasons) offers Versailles-inspired gardens and exclusivity.
Nassau vs Paradise Island for a Wedding
This is one of the most common questions Glenn gets. The honest answer: Nassau offers more variety, lower hotel costs, and free beach venues like Nuptial Beach (no facility fee). Paradise Island offers luxury resort polish but at significantly higher prices — hotel rooms start at $250/night, and resort ceremony venues charge facility fees that can add $1,000-$3,000 to your total.
Glenn's most popular approach: Many couples stay on Paradise Island for the resort experience but have Glenn drive them to Nuptial Beach in Nassau for the ceremony — a 15-minute drive. You get resort accommodation with zero ceremony facility fee. Best of both worlds.
Weather: Same as Nassau — peak season November through April, 75-85 °F, low humidity. Summer is hotter and within hurricane season but still popular for weddings at reduced resort rates.
- Atlantis Resort — iconic, dramatic, large capacity (facility fee applies)
- The Ocean Club, A Four Seasons Resort — ultra-luxury, Versailles Gardens
- Comfort Suites Paradise Island — mid-range option with Atlantis access
What Your Guests Will Do on Paradise Island
Atlantis is a destination in itself — the Aquaventure water park, marine habitats, casino, 21 restaurants, and multiple pools keep guests entertained for days. Outside the resort, Cabbage Beach is a stunning public beach. For couples who want their guests to have a full resort experience without planning extra activities, Paradise Island delivers that effortlessly.
Dining and Reception
Atlantis alone has 21 restaurants ranging from casual to Nobu. The Ocean Club has the legendary Dune restaurant. For groups, private dining rooms and beachfront reception spaces are available at resort rates. For more affordable options, a 15-minute taxi ride to Nassau opens up Arawak Cay Fish Fry and Cable Beach restaurants.
Recommended Trip Length and Getting Around
3 to 5 nights. Same airport as Nassau (15-minute taxi). Once at your resort, you rarely need to leave. Taxis cross the bridge to Nassau in 10 minutes. Perfect for a weddingmoon — many couples extend their stay after guests depart.
Full guide: Atlantis / Paradise Island Weddings
Not Sure Which Island? Tell Glenn Your Vision.
Glenn recommends the right island based on your guest count, budget, dates, and style. Free consultation, no obligation.
Exuma — Wild, Secluded, Unforgettable
Swimming pigs, private sandbars, and water so clear it does not look real. Glenn has officiated private island weddings and sandbar ceremonies across the Exuma chain.
Exuma is where the Bahamas gets wild. The Exuma Cays are a chain of 365 islands and cays, most uninhabited. The water is an impossible shade of turquoise. This is where you find the famous swimming pigs, sandbars that appear at low tide, and beaches where you are the only people for miles.
Why couples choose Exuma: Privacy and spectacle. A ceremony on a secluded sandbar or private cay is something no other destination can offer. The photos are extraordinary. The experience feels like another planet.
The trade-off: Getting there requires a connecting flight from Nassau or a direct flight from Miami/Fort Lauderdale (limited schedules). Hotels are fewer and more expensive. Guest logistics are more complex. Charter boats add cost. This is not the budget option — it is the experience option.
Private beach and villa weddings: Exuma is the premier island for a completely private beach wedding in the Bahamas. Secluded sandbars, uninhabited cays, and private villa rentals with direct beach access offer a level of exclusivity no resort can match.
Weather: Similar to Nassau but slightly warmer. Best months are November through May. Summer brings occasional rain and falls within hurricane season. Sandbar and boat-based ceremonies are weather-dependent — Glenn always has backup plans.
- Secluded beaches and private sandbars (Glenn arranges by charter boat)
- Sandals Emerald Bay — all-inclusive resort option
- Grand Isle Resort — luxury villa-style accommodation
- Private cay ceremonies (seasonal, weather dependent)
What Your Guests Will Do in Exuma
Exuma is an adventure destination. The famous swimming pigs at Big Major Cay, Thunderball Grotto (from the James Bond film), nurse shark encounters at Compass Cay, sandbar picnics, and some of the best snorkelling in the Caribbean. However, there is limited nightlife, few restaurants outside the resorts, and most activities require a boat charter. This suits adventurous couples and small groups — not guests who expect a resort scene.
Dining and Reception
Restaurant options on Great Exuma are limited compared to Nassau. Sandals Emerald Bay is all-inclusive. Georgetown has a handful of local restaurants — Chat 'N' Chill on Stocking Island is legendary for its beach party vibe. For a post-ceremony dinner, Glenn recommends a private beach setup or resort dining. Large-group receptions are more challenging to arrange here.
Recommended Trip Length and Getting Around
4 to 6 nights. You need time to justify the travel effort, and the island activities (boat tours, snorkelling, pig excursions) fill multiple days. Rental cars are recommended — taxis exist but are limited. Inter-island boat charters add $300 to $1,000+ depending on the trip. Perfect for a weddingmoon where the couple stays after guests leave.
Vendor Availability
Fewer vendors are based on Exuma. Photographers, hair stylists, and florists may need to fly in from Nassau, adding $200 to $500 to vendor costs. Glenn coordinates all vendor logistics for Out Island weddings.
Full guide: Exuma Wedding Planner
Eleuthera — Quiet, Pink Sand, Old-World Charm
Long, thin, unspoiled. Miles of empty pink and white beaches. Glenn has officiated intimate weddings and small Bahamas weddings here for couples seeking an authentic Caribbean feel.
Eleuthera is 110 miles long and rarely more than a mile wide. The Atlantic crashes on one side; the calm Caribbean laps on the other. The beaches are empty. The pace is slow. There are no cruise ships, no high-rises, no crowds. This is the Bahamas that existed before tourism — and it is beautiful.
Why couples choose Eleuthera: Authenticity. The Glass Window Bridge, where the dark blue Atlantic meets the turquoise Caribbean, is one of the most photographed spots in the Bahamas. The beaches at Lighthouse Point and French Leave are consistently ranked among the world's best. For couples who want natural beauty without the resort polish, Eleuthera delivers.
- French Leave Beach — wide, pink-tinged sand
- The Cove Eleuthera — boutique resort with dramatic clifftop setting
- Glass Window Bridge — iconic photo location
- Lighthouse Beach — secluded southern tip
Full guide: Eleuthera Wedding Planner
What Your Guests Will Do in Eleuthera
Eleuthera is for guests who want to unplug. Beautiful empty beaches, the Glass Window Bridge, Preacher's Cave, Leon Levy Native Plant Preserve, surfing on the Atlantic side, and kayaking in the sheltered bays. There is no nightlife to speak of — the pace is deliberately slow. This suits intimate wedding groups of close friends and family who enjoy nature and quiet, not guests who need a pool bar and casino.
Dining and Reception
Governor's Harbour and Gregory Town have a handful of restaurants — Tippy's, 1648 Bar and Grille, and a few local spots. The Cove Eleuthera and French Leave Resort offer on-site dining. For a post-ceremony dinner, Glenn recommends a beachfront setup or a private booking at a local restaurant. Large reception options are limited.
Recommended Trip Length and Getting Around
4 to 5 nights. A rental car is essential — Eleuthera is 110 miles long with spread-out attractions. Airport taxi to Governor's Harbour area takes 15 to 30 minutes. This is a strong weddingmoon island — couples often stay on after the ceremony to explore at their own pace.
Weather: Eleuthera is slightly breezier than Nassau due to its narrow shape, which keeps temperatures comfortable year-round. Peak season is November through April. The Atlantic side can be windy, making the calm Caribbean side preferable for beach ceremonies.
"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 at Nuptial Beach. Everything from the flowers to the photography were carefully thought out and well-executed."— Elopement couple, Nuptial Beach, Nassau
Harbour Island — Chic, Exclusive, Pink Sand Paradise
Three miles of famous pink sand beach. Pastel colonial cottages. Glenn has officiated luxury elopements on this iconic island.
Harbour Island — "Briland" to locals — is tiny, exclusive, and impossibly pretty. The entire eastern shore is pink sand beach. The town is pastel-coloured colonial cottages with white picket fences. Golf carts are the main transport. It feels like a private club that happens to be an island.
Why couples choose Harbour Island: The pink sand. Full stop. There is nothing like it anywhere else in the Bahamas — or the world. A ceremony on that beach, with the pink sand and turquoise water, creates photos that are immediately recognisable. This is where celebrities and fashion editors holiday. The vibe is understated luxury.
The trade-off: Getting there takes effort — fly to North Eleuthera, then a 10-minute water taxi. Everything costs more. Hotels are boutique-sized with limited availability. Guest capacity is realistically 2 to 20. This is not the island for a big wedding — it is the island for a statement elopement.
- Pink Sands Beach — 3 miles of world-famous pink sand
- Pink Sands Resort — iconic boutique property
- The Dunmore — colonial-style luxury
- Rock House — clifftop boutique hotel
What Your Guests Will Do on Harbour Island
The island is 3.5 miles long and half a mile wide. Guests walk or golf-cart everywhere. The main activities are the pink sand beach, snorkelling, bone fishing, horseback riding on the beach, and wandering the pastel-coloured Dunmore Town. There are surprisingly good restaurants for such a small island. The vibe is exclusive, quiet, and sophisticated — think Nantucket in the tropics.
Dining and Reception
Harbour Island punches above its weight for dining. Sip Sip (beachfront, famous conch chowder), The Landing (colonial elegance), Rock House (clifftop Mediterranean), and Dunmore Deli (casual). For a post-ceremony dinner, a private table at any of these restaurants works beautifully for groups of 2 to 15. Larger groups are difficult to accommodate.
Recommended Trip Length and Getting Around
3 to 5 nights. Fly to North Eleuthera, then a 10-minute water taxi to Harbour Island ($10 per person). On the island, rent a golf cart ($50-$80/day) — that is how everyone gets around. Perfect for a weddingmoon because the pace is so relaxed you genuinely do not want to leave.
Full guide: Harbour Island Wedding Planner
Bimini — 50 Miles from Miami, A World Away
The closest Bahamas island to the US mainland. Hemingway's old haunt. Glenn has officiated beach weddings and small Bahamas weddings here for South Florida couples.
Bimini is only 50 miles east of Miami. A 25-minute flight or a 2-hour ferry from Fort Lauderdale puts you on an island with crystal-clear water, colourful local culture, and absolutely no pretension. This is the Bahamas at its most relaxed.
Why couples choose Bimini: Speed and simplicity. If you live in South Florida, Bimini is closer than driving to Key West. You can fly over on a Friday, get married on Saturday, and be home Sunday — or stay and enjoy. The Resorts World Bimini complex offers a modern resort option, while the local island retains its fishing-village charm.
- Resorts World Bimini — modern resort with beach and pool venues
- Radio Beach — quiet public beach on North Bimini
- Alice Town — colourful, walkable village with Hemingway history
What Your Guests Will Do in Bimini
Bimini is a fishing and boating island. Deep-sea fishing charters, snorkelling at the Bimini Road (underwater rock formation), swimming with wild dolphins, the Bimini Shark Lab, Resorts World pool and beach, and exploring Alice Town on foot. It is small and casual — do not expect a big resort scene outside Resorts World. Guests who love the ocean and a laid-back vibe will thrive here. Guests who want shopping, nightlife, or a full resort experience should be directed to Nassau.
Dining and Reception
Resorts World Bimini has several restaurants. On the local island, Stuart's Conch Stand, Joe's Conch Shack, and a handful of beachfront bars offer authentic Bahamian dining. For a post-ceremony dinner, Resorts World or a private beach setup are the best options. Very limited for groups over 20.
Recommended Trip Length and Getting Around
2 to 4 nights. This is the shortest-trip option in the Bahamas. Fly 25 minutes from Miami or take the 2-hour Bali Hai ferry from Fort Lauderdale. On the island, walk or rent a golf cart. Bimini is the easiest weddingmoon for South Florida couples — get married and be home in days, or stay on to fish and dive.
Full guide: Bimini Bahamas Wedding
The Abacos — Sailing, Charm, and Cay-Hopping
A boater's paradise with pastel-coloured settlements, protected harbours, and a yacht wedding tradition. Glenn has officiated yacht weddings and waterfront ceremonies across the Abaco chain.
The Abacos are a chain of islands and cays in the northern Bahamas, known for protected harbours, world-class sailing, and Loyalist settlements with New England-style architecture painted in Caribbean pastels. Green Turtle Cay, Hope Town (Elbow Cay), and Man-O-War Cay are the most popular wedding destinations.
Why couples choose the Abacos: The nautical lifestyle. A yacht wedding in the Abacos — ceremony on deck, reception at a waterfront restaurant, guests arriving by boat — is a uniquely Bahamian experience. The Abacos also suit multi-day wedding weekends where guests island-hop between cays by ferry.
- Green Turtle Cay — Loyalist settlement, sheltered harbour
- Hope Town, Elbow Cay — iconic candy-striped lighthouse
- Treasure Cay Beach — consistently ranked among the world's best
- Private yacht ceremonies (Glenn officiates on board)
What Your Guests Will Do in the Abacos
The Abacos are a boating paradise. Island-hopping between cays by ferry, snorkelling in clear reef waters, visiting the Hope Town Lighthouse, swimming at Treasure Cay Beach, beach barbecues on deserted cays, and exploring the pastel-coloured Loyalist settlements. The Abacos suit guests who are comfortable on boats and enjoy an active, nautical vacation. For multi-day wedding weekends, guests can spread across different cays and gather for events.
Dining and Reception
Each cay has a handful of restaurants. Green Turtle Cay: Bluff House, Plymouth Rock Liquors and Cafe. Hope Town: Cap'n Jacks, Harbour's Edge. Marsh Harbour has the most restaurant variety on the mainland. For a reception, a waterfront restaurant private booking or a beach barbecue on a deserted cay are the most memorable options. Glenn coordinates with local restaurants and caterers.
Recommended Trip Length and Getting Around
4 to 7 nights. Fly to Marsh Harbour (Leonard Thompson International Airport), then take a ferry to your chosen cay (20-45 minutes). On the cays, golf carts and boats are the main transport. A multi-day wedding weekend with a welcome party, ceremony day, and farewell brunch is the classic Abacos approach. Excellent weddingmoon destination — stay on and island-hop after guests depart.
Vendor Availability
The Abacos have a small but capable local vendor community rebuilding after Hurricane Dorian (2019). Photographers and musicians may need to come from Marsh Harbour or Nassau depending on the cay. Glenn coordinates all vendor logistics and has established relationships with Abaco-based vendors.
Full guide: Abaco Bahamas Wedding
Glenn Knows Every Island Personally
He has officiated weddings on all 8. Tell him your guest count, budget, and style — he recommends the island that fits.
Which Island If... (Best Bahamas Island for Every Wedding Style)
"We want beautiful but affordable"
You want a stunning beach wedding without spending $10K+ on flights, hotels, and venue fees.
Glenn recommends: Nassau + Nuptial Beach. Total: $3K-$5K for two.
"We want a luxury resort experience"
You want Atlantis, Baha Mar, or a Four Seasons-calibre setting with full resort amenities.
Glenn recommends: Paradise Island or Nassau (Baha Mar). Budget: $6K-$15K.
"We want total seclusion — just us"
You want to feel like you are the only two people on earth. Private beach, no other tourists.
Glenn recommends: Exuma (sandbar ceremony) or Eleuthera (Lighthouse Beach). Budget: $5K-$12K.
"We're flying in from South Florida"
You live in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, or Palm Beach and want the shortest possible trip.
Glenn recommends: Bimini (25 min flight). Total: $3K-$5K for two.
"We have 30-50 guests coming"
You need hotels, restaurants, airport access, and a venue that can handle a group.
Glenn recommends: Nassau. Direct flights for guests, wide hotel range, multiple venue options. Total: $5K-$15K + guest costs.
"We want the famous pink sand"
You want that specific pink sand beach photo that every Bahamas travel article features.
Glenn recommends: Harbour Island (classic pink sand) or Eleuthera (French Leave Beach). Budget: $5K-$12K.
"Glenn was absolutely AMAZING from start to finish. Overall an amazing human and EXTREMELY trustworthy. He took care of everything for us from start to finish and went beyond. We could not have asked for a more perfect experience."— Couple married in Nassau
Frequently Asked Questions
Glenn Ferguson
WPIC-Certified Wedding Planner and Licensed Bahamas Marriage Officer
I have officiated weddings on every island on this page — from sunrise ceremonies on Exuma sandbars to sunset vows at Baha Mar, from pink sand elopements on Harbour Island to yacht weddings in the Abacos. Each island has its own personality, and matching the right couple with the right island is one of the most important decisions in planning a Bahamas wedding. That is why I always start with a conversation, not a brochure.
Your Perfect Island Is One Conversation Away
Tell Glenn your dates, guest count, and budget. He recommends the island, venue, and package. Free consultation, no obligation.
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