The Bahamas is a very popular choice when planning a destination wedding in the Caribbean.
Located just 50 miles off the coast of Florida, there are over 700 islands that make up The Islands of the Bahamas.
However, the two most visited places are Nassau/Paradise Island and Grand Bahama Island. The others are called The Out Islands.
Why Here?
Although you aren’t very far from the United States, you feel like you’re in paradise right when you land in The Bahamas! It provides the perfect setting for your wedding. Having your ceremony right on the beach is about as romantic as you can get!
You can then have your honeymoon on one of the other islands for a change of scenery. Planning your destination wedding in The Bahamas will be a fun and enjoyable experience that you’ll never forget.
What to Know:
- The Bahamas is warm all year round! The winter months range from 70-75 degrees and the summer ranges from 80-90 degrees.
- Along with the rest of the Caribbean, hurricane season in The Bahamas is from June – November. May and June are the months with the most rain. Keep that in mind when planning your destination wedding!
- English is their official language, which makes planning your destination wedding there and communicating with your wedding vendors a lot easier!
What is it Known For?
If you’re planning a destination wedding in The Bahamas, you’re most likely going to have it on New Providence Island or Grand Bahama Island. Nassau is the capital city, located on New Providence Island. It links to Paradise Island by two bridges, which is the home of the famous Atlantis Resort.
Nassau is the most popular city to visit because of everything there is to do there. There’s an exciting nightlife, shopping, countless restaurants and plenty of activities. There is something to do for everyone!
Paradise Island and The Atlantis are often very busy, so if you’re looking for a more quiet setting this might not be the place for you during peak tourist time. However, it’s popular for a reason! It’s a gorgeous and magical place that’s worth seeing.
Grand Bahama Island is about 100 miles from Nassau, so you most likely won’t be visiting both islands in one trip unless you’re on a cruise. It’s not as “ritzy” as Nassau, however, it’s said to be more affordable and offers the same activities.
Grand Bahama Island has plenty to do, both above the water and underwater. It has one of the world’s largest undersea cave systems, three national parks, and excellent conditions for sportfishing. Golfing is also popular on this island!
If you’re thinking of having a signature drink at your wedding reception, consider what The Bahamas is known for. A few great ideas are “Bahama Mama”, “Sky Juice”, “Goombay Smash”, or Kalik and Sands, which are two popular local beers. It’s a nice way to incorporate your Bahamas theme and will definitely be enjoyed by your guests!
While planning your destination wedding in The Bahamas, think about which island will best suit your wants and needs. Consider your personalities and which place would be a better match for you as a couple. You can’t go wrong with any of the islands!
What is the Best Time to get Married in The Bahamas?
Since The Bahamas is warm all year round, you really have your pick of when you should have your destination wedding there. However, it’s best to avoid hurricane season, which is from June – November. Even though some resorts offer hurricane insurance, you don’t want to go through the hassle of changing your wedding date last minute due to a storm.
You and your guests will enjoy getting away from the winter cold in the U.S. for a tropical vacation. If you choose to get married in winter though, keep in mind that it’s peak tourist season in The Bahamas. This means that everything, including flights, will be more expensive. Resorts will also book up fast!
No matter which time of year you choose to get married in The Bahamas, make sure to give your guests plenty of notice. You can’t expect everyone to be able to come due to the cost, but giving them time to save will help. You also want to reserve rooms for them at a discounted rate!
Planning a destination wedding in The Bahamas always begins with the date. Once you’ve picked when you want to get married there, everything else will fall into place!
Marriage Requirements
While planning all of the fun stuff, such as your dress or resort, you also need to research legal requirements for a destination wedding in The Bahamas. Many couples don’t remember this part until the wedding date gets closer, but you should be aware of everything you need in order to make your vows in the Caribbean official.
Marriage requirements in The Bahamas consist of being a resident for at least one day before applying for a marriage licence, which you can get the same day. In order to get this license you’ll need multiple documents, including your passports or birth certificates. For the complete list of everything you need read this. (link to marriage requirements article)
What to do next? Read more about planning a destination wedding here. (what does this link to?)