Free Interactive Planning Guide — by Glenn Ferguson
Your Bahamas Wedding Planning Checklist
A step-by-step checklist, timeline, and complete planning guide from WPIC-Certified Wedding Planner & Licensed Marriage Officer Glenn Ferguson — from 12 months out to your wedding day. 24+ years and over 200 weddings.
↓ Start the free interactive checklist below
Glenn Ferguson
Licensed Marriage Officer · WPIC-Certified Planner · 24+ Years · 200+ Weddings
Interactive Checklist
Your Complete Bahamas Wedding Planning Timeline
Click any task to mark it complete. Glenn's insider tips are included throughout — these are the details that save you time, money, and headaches.
Set Your Vision & Budget
Define your wedding style
Beach barefoot ceremony? Resort elegance? Intimate elopement? Your vision shapes every decision. Browse beach wedding ideas and elopement options.
Set your guest count
Just the two of you? Family of 10? Full celebration of 50? Guest count determines venue, package, transportation, and budget.
Establish your budget
All-inclusive packages with Glenn start at $1,495 for elopements and range to $11,995 for 50-guest celebrations. Average couples invest $3,000–$5,000. See the complete budget guide below.
Research Bahamas wedding planners
A local planner who is also a Licensed Marriage Officer saves time, money, and stress. Glenn handles planning, paperwork, and ceremony — one point of contact for everything.
Contact Glenn Ferguson for a free consultation
Call or WhatsApp 1-(242)-395-8495 or submit questions online. Glenn personally answers every inquiry — average response under 2 hours.
Choose your island & venue
Nassau, Paradise Island, or Harbour Island? Beach, resort, or private island? See Glenn's venue recommendations below or browse the full venue guide.
Pick your wedding date
November–April is peak season (best weather, 75–85°F). December–March books fast. May–October offers lower rates and fewer crowds but carries hurricane season risk.
Book your package & secure date with deposit
Review all 12 wedding packages and lock in your date. Glenn sends a detailed checklist of required documents and next steps.
Legal Documents & Paperwork
Verify passport validity
Both passports must be valid through your travel dates and at least 6 months beyond. Renew immediately if needed — passport processing takes 6–8 weeks.
Obtain certified birth certificates
Original birth certificates with raised seal required for your Bahamas marriage license. Order certified copies from your vital records office if needed.
Gather divorce decrees or death certificates (if applicable)
If either partner was previously married, you'll need certified copies of final divorce decrees or death certificates.
Glenn prepares affidavits of singlehood
Required for your marriage license — Glenn prepares these at $95 each. These sworn statements confirm you're legally free to marry.
Send document copies to Glenn for review
Glenn reviews all documents before you travel to ensure nothing is missing or incorrect. This prevents delays at the Registrar General's Office.
Understand the marriage license process
Glenn personally escorts you to the Registrar General's Office. His Priority License Service means you can arrive one day and marry the next.
Decide on Apostille needs
Need your marriage recognized internationally? Glenn handles Apostille processing and worldwide courier delivery of your certified certificate.
Travel & Accommodation
Book flights to Nassau
Nassau (NAS) has direct flights from most US cities (2–3 hours from the East Coast), plus Toronto, London, and major hubs. Book early for best rates, especially December–April.
Book hotel or resort accommodation
Glenn recommends properties near your venue. Options range from boutique hotels to Atlantis, Baha Mar (Grand Hyatt, Rosewood, SLS), and Comfort Suites Paradise Island.
Arrange guest travel (if applicable)
Send save-the-dates with flight info and hotel options. Consider group room blocks for discounts. Glenn can advise on guest logistics and transportation.
Purchase travel insurance
Covers flight cancellations, weather delays, and medical emergencies. Essential for destination weddings — especially during June–November hurricane season.
Plan arrival day logistics
Glenn coordinates airport pickup, hotel check-in timing, and schedules your Registrar General visit for the earliest possible slot after arrival.
Arrange cruise port logistics (if applicable)
Getting married during a cruise stop? Glenn specializes in cruise ship weddings — he meets you at port and coordinates everything within your ship's schedule.
Ceremony & Reception Details
Finalize ceremony location & time
Glenn scouts the exact spot on your beach for best light and backdrop. Late afternoon (4–5:30 PM) offers the best natural light. All Bahamas weddings must be held before sunset.
Discuss ceremony style with Glenn
Traditional, non-denominational, spiritual, or custom vows? Glenn officiates all styles and tailors the ceremony to reflect your love story.
Confirm photography & videography
Glenn coordinates professional Bahamas wedding photography. Most packages include 1–2 hours of professional coverage.
Select music for ceremony
Options include live soloist (violin, saxophone, flute), classical trio, steel band, or DJ. Glenn books vetted local musicians he's worked with for years.
Choose floral arrangements
All packages include tropical bouquet and boutonniere. Upgrade to arbor florals, aisle arrangements, and centerpieces for larger celebrations.
Plan reception details (if applicable)
Dinner menu, cake, open bar, table setup, and DJ. Glenn coordinates complete receptions for packages $5,995+ or customizes a la carte.
Confirm transportation arrangements
Limo for the couple, bus for guests, or both. All mid-tier+ packages include roundtrip transport to your ceremony beach.
Personal Preparation
Finalize wedding attire
Beach weddings call for lightweight fabrics. Flowing dresses, linen suits, khakis — comfort is key on the sand. Bring a backup outfit for travel wrinkles.
Book hair & makeup (if desired)
Glenn connects you with professional stylists experienced with humidity-proof beach wedding looks. Available as an add-on to any package.
Write personal vows (if applicable)
Glenn can share sample vows and help structure meaningful, personal ceremony words that reflect your story.
Purchase wedding rings
Bring rings from home or shop on Bay Street in Nassau. Keep them in carry-on luggage — never in checked bags.
Organize document originals for travel
Place passports, birth certificates, divorce decrees, and all originals in your carry-on bag. Glenn confirms your document checklist before departure.
Final consultation with Glenn
Review the complete timeline, confirm all vendor bookings, transportation schedule, and ceremony details. Glenn provides a finalized itinerary.
Final Week Countdown
Confirm all flights and hotel reservations
Double-check booking confirmations, check-in times, and airport transfer arrangements for yourself and guests.
Glenn confirms all vendor bookings
Photographer, musician, florist, transportation, cake — Glenn reconfirms every vendor and provides you with a final day-of schedule.
Pack your wedding day essentials bag
Include: wedding attire, rings, documents, sunscreen, comfortable shoes for the beach, touch-up kit, and something to celebrate with after the ceremony.
Communicate final details to guests
Share the ceremony time, dress code (beach casual), transportation pickup points, and Glenn's contact number for day-of questions.
Relax — Glenn has everything handled
This is the point where you let go. Glenn has coordinated 200+ weddings in Nassau. Your job now is to enjoy the anticipation.
Arrival Day in Nassau
Arrive in Nassau & check into hotel
Keep immigration card — you may need it for the marriage license process. Glenn coordinates timing around your arrival.
Glenn escorts you to the Registrar General's Office
Glenn personally drives you to the office, handles all paperwork, guides you through the license interview, and processes your marriage license application.
Marriage license approved — same-day priority processing
Glenn's priority service means no waiting days. License processed and approved so you can marry as early as the next day.
Final venue walk-through with Glenn
Glenn shows you the exact ceremony spot, confirms setup positions for arbor, chairs, musician, and photographer.
Rehearsal (if applicable) and early night
For larger weddings, Glenn runs a brief ceremony rehearsal. Then rest up — tomorrow is the day.
Your Wedding Day
Hair, makeup & getting ready
Glenn coordinates timing so you're ready with time to spare. Photographer captures getting-ready moments if included in your package.
Transportation to ceremony venue
Limo, bus, or private vehicle picks you up at your hotel. Glenn coordinates all transport for the couple and guests.
Glenn officiates your beach wedding ceremony
As your Licensed Marriage Officer, Glenn performs the legal ceremony — reading your vows, exchanging rings, and pronouncing you married on the beautiful Bahamas sand.
Photography & celebration on the beach
Professional photos with the turquoise ocean as your backdrop. Toast with champagne, enjoy the moment — you're married in the Bahamas.
Reception dinner & celebration (if applicable)
For larger packages: sit-down dinner, wedding cake, open bar, DJ, dancing under the stars. Glenn runs the full reception — you just show up and celebrate.
After Your Wedding
Receive your certified Bahamas marriage certificate
Glenn delivers your official Bahamas marriage certificate — a legal document recognized worldwide.
Apostille processing (if needed)
For international recognition, Glenn handles Apostille certification and couriers the documents to your home address worldwide.
Update legal name (if applicable)
Use your certified marriage certificate to update your name with Social Security, DMV, passport, bank accounts, and employer when you return home.
Want Glenn to Handle All of This For You?
All-inclusive packages from $1,495 include every item on this checklist — plus Glenn as your Licensed Marriage Officer and personal wedding planner. Peak season dates (December–March) fill fast.
Document Checklist
Bahamas Wedding Documents — What You Actually Need
Glenn has reviewed thousands of document packages. Here's the definitive list — no more, no less — of what's required for your Bahamas marriage license.
Required for Everyone
If Previously Married
Glenn Handles For You
Budget Guide
How Much Does a Bahamas Wedding Really Cost?
Glenn's all-inclusive packages mean no hidden costs. Here's what real couples invest — every package includes Glenn as your Licensed Marriage Officer, planner, and officiant. Peak season dates (December–March) book 6–9 months ahead.
Glenn's All-Inclusive Packages
Elopement
Intimate Ceremony
Full Wedding
Premium Celebration
Custom & Resort Wedding Budgets
| Wedding Size | Venue & Ceremony | Photo/Video | Flowers & Decor | Reception | Total Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Intimate (10–20 guests) | $2,000–$4,000 | $1,500–$3,000 | $800–$1,500 | $2,000–$4,000 | $8,000–$15,000 |
| Mid-Size (30–50 guests) | $4,000–$8,000 | $2,500–$5,000 | $1,500–$3,000 | $6,000–$12,000 | $18,000–$35,000 |
| Large (75+ guests) | $8,000–$15,000 | $4,000–$8,000 | $3,000–$6,000 | $15,000–$30,000 | $40,000–$75,000+ |
Venue Recommendations
Glenn's Top Bahamas Wedding Venues
After 200+ weddings across the Bahamas, these are the venues Glenn recommends most — each chosen for beauty, accessibility, and photo opportunities.
Nassau & Paradise Island Beaches
Nuptial Beach
Glenn's signature venue. Semi-private, secluded, pristine white sand. Perfect for intimate ceremonies.
View Nuptial Beach →Cabbage Beach
Paradise Island. Powdery white sand, turquoise water, stunning photo backdrops.
View Venues →Cable Beach
Nassau's iconic beach strip. Easy access with stunning Caribbean sunset views.
Nassau Weddings →Luxury Resort Venues
Atlantis Paradise Island
Iconic resort with multiple beach and garden ceremony settings. All-inclusive options available.
View Atlantis →Baha Mar (Grand Hyatt, Rosewood, SLS)
Luxury resort strip on Cable Beach. Modern sophistication with stunning ocean views.
View Baha Mar →Rosewood Baha Mar
Ultra-luxury with personalized service. Intimate elegance on Cable Beach.
View Rosewood →The Cloisters
Historic 14th-century stone cloister on Paradise Island. Truly unique ceremony setting.
View Cloisters →Out Island Destinations
Harbour Island
Famous pink sand beaches — one of the most photographed wedding backdrops in the Caribbean.
Harbour Island →Exuma
Secluded islands, swimming pigs, crystal-clear water. Ultimate privacy and adventure.
Exuma Weddings →Planning Comparison
DIY Planning vs. Booking with Glenn
Here's what the process looks like with and without a local Licensed Marriage Officer who is also your wedding planner.
| Planning Task | DIY / Remote Planning | With Glenn Ferguson |
|---|---|---|
| Marriage License | Navigate foreign bureaucracy alone | Glenn escorts you, handles all paperwork |
| Document Review | Hope everything is correct at the office | Glenn reviews every page before you fly |
| Vendor Coordination | Research and book from overseas | 24 years of vetted vendor relationships |
| Venue Scouting | Google photos, hope for the best | Glenn knows exact spots for best light |
| Wedding Officiant | Find and book separately | Glenn IS your Licensed Marriage Officer |
| Day-of Coordination | Manage it yourself on your wedding day | Glenn runs everything — you just show up |
| Post-Wedding Legal | Figure out certificate, Apostille yourself | Glenn handles delivery and Apostille worldwide |
| Cost | $8,000–$75,000+ (vendors a la carte) | $1,495–$11,995 all-inclusive |
Skip the stress. Let Glenn handle everything.
Book Free Consultation with GlennOr call 1-(242)-395-8495 · Response in under 2 hours
From Couples Who Used This Checklist
Why Couples Trust Glenn with Their Bahamas Wedding
After the Ceremony
Bahamas Honeymoon & Island Activities
Already in paradise — why not stay? Extend your trip for a Bahamas honeymoon. Glenn can recommend the best experiences based on your interests.
Romantic Experiences
Private beach picnics at sunset, couples' spa treatments, swimming with dolphins, sunset sailing excursions, and private island day trips to the Exuma Cays.
Adventure Activities
Snorkeling at Rainbow Reef, swimming with pigs at Exuma, deep-sea fishing charters, kayaking through mangroves, and scuba diving at Andros Barrier Reef.
Cultural Experiences
Nassau's historic downtown and Fort Charlotte, Junkanoo cultural performances, local craft markets on Bay Street, traditional Bahamian cooking classes, and rum distillery tours.
Island Hopping
Marry on one island, honeymoon on another. Short flights connect Nassau to Harbour Island (pink sand), Exuma (swimming pigs), Eleuthera (Glass Window Bridge), and the Abacos.
Planning Questions Answered
Bahamas Wedding Planning FAQ
The most common planning questions Glenn receives — answered by 24 years of experience. Don't see yours? Ask Glenn directly.
Have More Questions? Glenn Answers Personally.
Every consultation is free. Glenn responds to every inquiry in under 2 hours — call, WhatsApp, or book online.
Ready to Book Your Bahamas Wedding?
Glenn Ferguson personally handles every consultation. Peak season dates fill months in advance — lock in your preferred date today. Average response time under 2 hours.
Bahamas Wedding Planning Resources
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