Weddings in the Bahamas: 2026 Guide by Glenn S. Ferguson
I’m Glenn S. Ferguson, Licensed Bahamas Marriage Officer & WPIC-Certified Wedding Planner. For more than 24 years I’ve been helping couples like you get legally married in the Bahamas without stress, confusion, or last-minute surprises.
Why the Bahamas is perfect for your wedding
Couples pick the Bahamas because it is easy to reach, easy to get married, and stunning on camera. Nassau and Paradise Island give you world-class resorts and private beaches, while islands like Exuma, Eleuthera, Harbour Island and Bimini add that “hidden gem” feeling.
- Simple legal process: No blood test and a short 24-hour stay before applying for your licence.
- Direct flights: Easy access from the US, Canada, and Europe.
- Options for every style: From barefoot beach elopements to grand resort and villa takeovers.
- Year-round destination: Sun, sand and turquoise water almost every month of the year.
If you are just starting, my complete Bahamas wedding planning guide and 10 reasons to have your wedding in the Bahamas will help you narrow things down quickly.
Why work with me as your Bahamas wedding planner
When you are planning from another country, you need someone on the ground who knows the laws, venues, and vendors – and who takes responsibility when something changes.
As someone who has helped hundreds of couples get married in the Bahamas, here is what I focus on for you:
01. Legal confidence
I make sure your marriage is legal and recognized where you live. I walk you through requirements to get married in the Bahamas , handle your Bahamas marriage licence , and arrange your marriage certificate and apostille if you need it.
02. Venue and island matchmaking
If you tell me your guest count, budget and style, I will match you with handpicked beaches, villas, resorts and private islands across Nassau, Paradise Island, Exuma and Harbour Island.
03. One point of contact
You do not have to coordinate ten different vendors across time zones. My team and I manage your florist, photographer, transport, hair and makeup, officiant, licence office and more.
- A single expert handling the entire process from licence to “I do.”
- Clear timelines and checklists so nothing slips through the cracks.
- Real-world advice – not just pretty photos.
- Fast responses when they have last-minute questions.
- Support even after the wedding until their certificate and apostille arrive safely.
If we were sitting together in my office today, I would start by asking:
- “What does your ideal Bahamas wedding feel like?”
- “How many guests are you bringing?”
- “What is your comfortable budget range?”
From there, we map out a simple plan with a venue short-list, a target date, and a checklist of what I will handle for you.
You can also review my Bahamas wedding planner reviews and testimonials to see how other couples felt working with me.
Types of weddings in the Bahamas
The Bahamas is flexible. You can keep things simple with a two-person elopement or host a multi-day celebration with events spread across a resort or private villa.
1. Beach elopements and micro-weddings
Many couples choose a simple Bahamas elopement package or a small intimate wedding in the Bahamas . It is usually you, a few close guests, a beautiful beach, and a relaxed timeline.
2. Resort weddings
If you would like everything in one place, a resort like Baha Mar or Atlantis may be the right fit. You can mix beach ceremonies with ballrooms, decks and restaurants – all walkable for your guests.
3. Private island and villa weddings
For couples who want more privacy, a private island wedding or Bahamas villa wedding can feel like having your own mini-island without buying one. This works especially well for multi-day celebrations and “villa takeover” weddings.
4. Cruise ship weddings
If you are sailing with Royal Caribbean or another line, we can plan a legal Bahamas wedding while you are in port . Timing is everything here – licence, ceremony and photos all have to fit neatly around the ship’s schedule.
Not sure which type fits you best? Start with my overview on destination weddings in the Bahamas or send me a message and I will help you narrow it down.
Top Bahamas wedding locations, islands and venues
Here is how I usually help couples think about “where” in the Bahamas to get married.
Best for easy flights, resort weddings, and cruise ship ceremonies that need reliable logistics.
Famous for turquoise water, sandbars and swimming pigs – ideal for couples who want that “postcard-perfect” look.
Pink sand beaches and low-key luxury. Perfect if you like villas, boutique resorts and a slower pace.
Great for couples who want something different from the main tourist paths, including Bimini weddings and Grand Bahama weddings.
For a deeper dive, have a look at wedding venues in the Bahamas, Bahamas wedding venues and my guide to where to get married in the Bahamas .
Bahamas wedding planning timeline
Every couple is different, but this is the basic structure I use when planning Bahamas weddings. Whether you are planning twelve months out or just a few weeks ahead, we adjust the pace to fit you.
- 12–9 months out (ideal) Decide on islands and venues, set a date window, reserve key vendors, and confirm budget.
- 9–6 months out Lock in your resort or villa, confirm photography, florist and decor, and plan your ceremony style.
- 6–3 months out Finalize guest list, room blocks, timeline, and transport. We make sure your licence and legal documents are in order.
- 3–1 months out Finalize menu, seating, and special requests; confirm all vendor timings and contingency plans.
- Week of the wedding Arrive in the Bahamas, complete your marriage licence paperwork, meet in person, walk through the ceremony, and relax.
If you are working on a short timeline, my guide to getting married in the Bahamas on short notice shows how we compress the process into just a few days.
Legal requirements and Bahamas marriage licence
The legal side of getting married in the Bahamas is straightforward when you know the rules. The main points are:
- You must be in the Bahamas for at least 24 hours before applying for your marriage licence.
- You need valid passports and proof of marital status (single, divorced, widowed).
- No blood test is required.
- Your ceremony must be performed by a Licensed Bahamas Marriage Officer.
For full details, read my guides on legal requirements for getting married in the Bahamas , how to get married in the Bahamas , and the Bahamas marriage licence guide .
After your wedding, I can also help with your Bahamas marriage certificate and apostille service , so your documents are accepted in your home country.
How much does a wedding in the Bahamas cost?
Costs vary depending on your guest count, island, venue, and level of decor. As a rough guide:
- Elopements: From around $1,500–$4,000+ for ceremony, licence handling, officiant, and basic photography.
- Micro-weddings: From around $4,000–$10,000+ depending on venue, decor and guest count.
- Resort weddings: From around $8,000–$25,000+ for larger groups, premium venues and full reception setups.
- Private island and villa weddings: Pricing depends on the property, level of exclusivity, and how many days you take over the space.
For a deeper breakdown, see: How much does a wedding in the Bahamas cost? , Bahamas destination wedding costs and affordable beach wedding packages in the Bahamas .
How I plan your Bahamas wedding, step-by-step
When you work with me, I keep the process simple and focused on what matters most to you.
Step 1: Clarify your vision and priorities
We start with a short conversation about your story, guest count, preferred dates, and the kind of experience you want. We also talk about whether you are leaning toward elopement, micro-wedding, destination wedding or a full resort or villa celebration.
Step 2: Short-list islands and venues
Based on your priorities, I create a short-list of island and venue options using my experience with Nassau venues, Paradise Island, Exuma and Eleuthera. You will know the pros, cons, and approximate budgets for each.
Step 3: Build your wedding day timeline
Once you choose your venue and date, I build a realistic timeline that fits your arrival, licence appointments, ceremony, photos, and reception – including cruise ship schedules if needed.
Step 4: Legal paperwork and licence
I guide you through completing your documents before you travel and handle your marriage licence application once you arrive.
Step 5: Vendor coordination
I coordinate your local team – including florist, wedding photographer, transport, hair and makeup – so you and your guests can focus on enjoying the experience.
Step 6: Wedding day management and follow-up
On the day itself, my team and I direct the flow of the ceremony and ensure your plans are followed. Afterward, I continue supporting you until your certified marriage certificate and apostille (if needed) are safely in your hands.
The best way to start planning your Bahamas wedding
If you were sitting in my office today, we would talk through your ideal date, your guest list, and the kind of experience you want. Then we would match that to the right island, venue, and budget.
Instead, we can do that in one simple step. Share your plans with me and I will reply with a clear path forward.
Frequently asked questions about weddings in the Bahamas
Can you legally get married in the Bahamas?
Yes. A Bahamas wedding performed by a Licensed Bahamas Marriage Officer is legally binding and internationally recognized. The key is following the official requirements to get married in the Bahamas and ensuring your licence and certificate are properly issued.
How many days do you need in the Bahamas to get married?
The law requires you to be in the Bahamas at least 24 hours before applying for your marriage licence. Practically, most couples arrive 1–2 days before the ceremony. If you are coming on a cruise, timing is tighter, so we coordinate everything carefully around your ship’s schedule.
Can you get married in the Bahamas while on a cruise?
Yes, you can. I regularly help cruise passengers with getting married in the Bahamas while on a cruise . We plan your licence, ceremony and photos around the time you are in port so you can return to the ship on time.
Do you need a blood test to get married in the Bahamas?
No blood test is required. You will need valid passports, proof of marital status and any supporting documents listed in the Bahamas marriage licence requirements checklist .
How do we get our Bahamas marriage certificate and apostille?
After your wedding, I track your paperwork to ensure your marriage certificate is prepared and, if needed, apostilled. Services like Bahamas marriage certificate and Bahamas marriage certificate apostille are part of the ongoing support I provide, so you are not left asking where your documents are.
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