Wedding Planner Nassau Bahamas

I've spent the last 24 years as a wedding planner in Nassau Bahamas, turning couples' dreams into reality on our beautiful shores.

I'm Glenn Ferguson, a WPIC-certified Bahamas wedding planner and licensed marriage officer who's dedicated my career to creating unforgettable luxury weddings in this slice of paradise.

My Journey as a Wedding Planner in Nassau Bahamas

My story with Nassau wedding planning began in 1999 with my first beach ceremony at Cable Beach. Back then, destination weddings were catching on, and the Bahamas was starting to shine as a top spot for couples wanting that perfect mix of tropical beauty and easy access.

More than two decades later, I've planned and officiated hundreds of weddings across Nassau, Paradise Island, Rose Island, Harbour Island, Eleuthera, Andros, Bimini, and the Exumas. Each celebration has been different, but they all share that special Bahamian magic you can't find anywhere else.

What makes Nassau special as a wedding destination? Working with these stunning backdrops every day, I can tell you it's the mix of:

• Powder-white sand that feels like silk under your feet
• Clear turquoise waters that make perfect ceremony backgrounds
• Sunny weather year-round with over 300 days of sunshine
• Rich cultural heritage that adds real Bahamian touches to your day
• Top-notch resorts and venues for every wedding style

Planning Your Nassau Bahamas Wedding: My Approach

As your wedding planner in Nassau Bahamas, my approach is simple: your wedding should tell your love story while showing off the natural beauty and culture of the Bahamas.

First Meeting and Vision Planning

Every great Nassau wedding starts with understanding exactly what you want. During our first meeting (which we can do virtually if you're abroad), I focus on learning:

• Your story as a couple and how we can weave in personal touches
• What you picture for your celebration
• How many guests you'll have and what they'll experience
• Where you want to spend your budget
• What experiences matter most during your wedding

With this information, I create a Nassau wedding experience that feels like "you" while making the most of what the Bahamas offers.

Finding Your Perfect Venue in Nassau

Nassau has an amazing variety of wedding venues, from quiet beaches to historic sites. As your Nassau Bahamas wedding planner, I can get you into:

• Private Beaches: Hidden stretches of perfect sand for intimate ceremonies
• Top Resorts: I have connections with Atlantis, Baha Mar, Ocean Club, and other luxury properties
• Historic Places: Colonial buildings and gardens for couples who love old-world charm
• Yacht Charters: Floating celebrations with Nassau's skyline or sunset as your backdrop
• Private Estates: Exclusive properties for the ultimate luxury experience

My relationships with venue managers throughout Nassau and the Bahamas mean you'll get preferred dates, better rates, and special perks not available to the public.

Picking and Managing Your Vendors

The right team makes all the difference. After 24 years as a wedding planner in Nassau Bahamas, I've built relationships with the very best:

• Photographers and Videographers: Pros who know Nassau's unique light and most photogenic spots
• Caterers: Chefs who mix international dishes with Bahamian flavors
• Florists and Decorators: Designers who use tropical elements while matching your style
• Entertainment: From junkanoo rushout to steel pan players to top DJs
• Hair and Makeup Teams: Experts in styles that work in our tropical weather

I personally check each vendor for reliability, quality, and professionalism. On your wedding day, I coordinate everyone so you can enjoy every moment.

Nassau Bahamas Wedding Packages and Services

As a wedding planner in Nassau Bahamas, I offer several options to fit different needs:

Full-Service Nassau Wedding Planning

My main service covers everything from engagement to honeymoon:

• All the consultations you need and quick responses
• Budget planning and tracking
• Venue and vendor selection and negotiation
• Custom design and styling
• Guest accommodation arrangements
• Welcome gift creation
• Rehearsal dinner planning
• Wedding day schedule creation
• Full wedding day management (at least 10 hours)
• Legal document handling (vital for international couples)
• And much more...

Partial Planning for Nassau Destination Weddings

For couples who've handled some things but need help with others:

• Up to 10 planning meetings
• Vendor suggestions and booking help
• Design advice and implementation guidance
• Month-of coordination
• Rehearsal direction
• 8 hours of wedding day management

Nassau Wedding Day Coordination

For couples who've planned themselves but want a pro to run the day:

• Schedule development
• Vendor communication and coordination
• Rehearsal direction
• 6 hours of on-site wedding day management
• Emergency kit and problem-solving

Legal Wedding Officiant Services

As a licensed marriage officer in the Bahamas, I can legally perform your marriage with:

• Custom ceremony writing
• Legal document filing including Bahamas Marriage License Application
• Help with Bahamas marriage requirements
• Official Certified Bahamas Marriage certificate procurement

Popular Wedding Locations in Nassau Bahamas

After planning countless weddings across the islands, I've found Nassau's most magical spots:

Cable Beach

Known for its amazing sunset views, Cable Beach is perfect for couples wanting that classic Bahamas beach wedding look. The Baha Mar resort complex offers luxury rooms and various reception venues.

Paradise Island

Home to the famous Atlantis resort and Ocean Club, Paradise Island delivers true luxury. The Versailles Gardens offer a European-inspired setting with tropical touches—one of my favorite spots for elegant ceremonies.

Rose Island

Just a quick boat ride from Nassau, Rose Island gives you the ultimate private island experience. With fewer than 20 residents, this hidden gem creates an intimate setting for weddings of any size.

Downtown Nassau

For couples drawn to history and character, downtown Nassau offers colonial architecture, colorful buildings, and authentic Bahamian vibes. The Queen's Staircase and various historic properties make for unique ceremony spots.

Blue Lagoon Island

Famous for its dolphin encounters, Blue Lagoon Island also hosts stunning beach weddings with some of the clearest waters in the Bahamas. The island's private beaches ensure you'll have peace and privacy.

Navigating Bahamas Marriage Requirements

One of the most valuable things I do as a Nassau Bahamas wedding planner is guide you through the legal requirements. Here's what you need to know:

• Residency Requirement: None, but you must be in the Bahamas at least 24 hours before applying for a license
• Application Process: Must apply in person at the Registrar General's office in Nassau or the Administrators Office in Family Islands
• Required Documents: Valid passports, birth certificates, and proof of when you arrived
• Additional Requirements: Affidavit of Single-hood if never married and If previously married, a divorce decree or death certificate is required
• Waiting Period: None once the application is submitted with proper documentation
• Bahamas Marriage License Application Fee: USD 100.00
• Certified Bahamas Marriage Certificate Fee: USD 20.00 
• License Validity: Valid for 90 days from issuance

As your wedding planner in Nassau Bahamas, I handle this entire process, going with you to the Registrar's office and making sure all paperwork is filed correctly.

Nassau Bahamas Wedding Costs: What to Expect

Being clear about money is essential in wedding planning. Here's what couples typically spend on various types of Nassau weddings:

Intimate Beach Wedding (20 guests)

• Average Cost: $8,000-USD 15,000
• Main Expenses: Private beach permit, portable decor, transportation

Resort Wedding (50 guests)

• Average Cost: $25,000-USD 45,000
• Main Expenses: Resort fees, food and beverage minimums, room packages

Luxury Estate Wedding (80-100 guests)

• Average Cost: USD 50,000-$100,000+
• Main Expenses: Estate rental, custom builds, entertainment, multi-day events

Wedding Planner Cost

Professional planning services in Nassau typically run from USD 2,500-$10,000+ depending on what services you need, how complex the wedding is, and how many guests you'll have.

Tips From a Veteran Nassau Wedding Planner

After 24 years planning weddings in the Bahamas, I've picked up insights that make planning smoother:

Best Time for a Nassau Bahamas Wedding

The Bahamas has great weather year-round, but some seasons have advantages:

• Peak Season (December-April): Perfect weather, less rain, but higher prices and more tourists
• Shoulder Season (May, November): Great value, fewer crowds, still lovely weather
• Summer (June-October): Lower rates, lush greenery, but higher chance of afternoon showers and humidity

Hurricane season runs June-November, with September being the riskiest month. As your wedding planner in Nassau Bahamas, I always suggest travel insurance and have several backup plans for weather issues.

Guest Experience Ideas

Make your Nassau wedding unforgettable by adding:

• Welcome Events: Sunset catamaran cruises or beach bonfires
• Cultural Touches: Junkanoo rush performers or traditional rake 'n' scrape music
• Island Adventures: Group swimming with pigs excursion or private island hopping
• Local Flavors: Conch fritter stations or rum cake wedding favors
• Farewell Brunches: Traditional Bahamian breakfast to finish the celebration

Why Choose a Local Nassau Bahamas Wedding Planner?

Planning from abroad brings challenges that only local knowledge can solve:

• Island Know-How: Understanding weather patterns, sunset times, and hidden spots
• Vendor Connections: Access to the best pros with proven reliability
• Cultural Insight: Adding authentic Bahamian traditions tastefully
• Logistics Expertise: Handling island transportation and timing realities
• Problem-Solving Skills: Knowing how to manage tropical weather and island-specific challenges

Real Nassau Weddings I've Planned

Sarah & Michael's Elegant Beach Celebration

Sarah and Michael wanted a sophisticated beach wedding that balanced elegance with barefoot comfort. We picked a private stretch of Cable Beach and created a ceremony site with a driftwood arch decorated with white orchids and monstera leaves.

For their reception, we transformed the beach with a clear-top tent, hanging greenery, and twinkling lights. Guests enjoyed a fusion menu featuring local seafood prepared with international techniques, then danced all night to a mix of a live band and DJ.

The highlight was a surprise junkanoo rush-out at midnight, where traditional Bahamian performers led guests in a colorful parade along the beach. Sarah later told me, "You gave us the perfect balance of luxury and authentic Bahamian experience."

James & David's Historic Garden Affair

James and David fell in love with the Versailles Gardens on Paradise Island during a vacation. As their wedding planner in Nassau Bahamas, I secured this popular venue and designed a celebration that complemented its European-meets-tropical atmosphere.

We created a memorable guest experience featuring a string quartet, champagne tower, and five-course dinner under the stars. For their reception, we transformed the terraced garden with thousands of candles, creating a magical setting for their first dance.

The couple later shared, "Glenn didn't just plan our wedding—he created a once-in-a-lifetime experience that our guests are still talking about years later."

Emma & Raj's Multi-Day Celebration

Emma and Raj wanted to honor both their cultural backgrounds while celebrating in paradise. We designed a three-day experience starting with a traditional Bahamian fish fry welcome party at Arawak Cay.

Their ceremony combined elements from both traditions in a beachfront setting at Baha Mar. The reception featured food stations offering both Indian specialties and Bahamian favorites, with entertainment including both a Bollywood dance performance and a junkanoo rush-out.

The celebration ended with a farewell brunch cruise around Nassau Harbour. "Glenn seamlessly blended our cultures and created moments that honored both our families' traditions," Emma said afterward.

Begin Your Nassau Bahamas Wedding Journey

After 24 years as a wedding planner Nassau Bahamas, I still feel the magic every time I watch a couple exchange vows against our turquoise waters. The Bahamas isn't just where I work—it's a place I love deeply and know inside out.

If you're dreaming of a destination wedding with both natural beauty and luxury experiences, Nassau gives you the perfect canvas for your love story. As your wedding planner, I bring local knowledge, vendor relationships, and creative vision to make that dream real.

Ready to start planning your Nassau Bahamas wedding? I'd love to talk about your vision. Together, we'll create a celebration as unique as your love story.

Glenn Ferguson is a WPIC certified Bahamas wedding planner and licensed marriage officer with 24 years of experience creating luxury weddings throughout Nassau and the Bahamas islands.