If you’re dreaming to elope in the Bahamas but don’t really know where to start, stick around! Below, we’re going over everything you need to know about getting hitched in this incredible paradise.
Start with a peek at our favorite places to stay, then keep reading for answers to all of your most urgent questions.
READ MORE: Best Places to Elope in Texas
Where to Stay in the Bahamas Top Picks at a Glance
FYI, this post contains affiliate links. We earn a commission if you make a purchase at no extra cost to you.
- Compass Point Beach Resort
- Abaco Beach Resort
- Green Turtle Club Resort
- Sandals Emerald Bay
- Pelican Bay
Find in this informative guide everything you need to know to plan an adventurous elopement.
Bahamas Elopement Guide: 3 Things You Need to Know
The Bahamas is an ecological oasis and breathtakingly beautiful, but before you start planning your wedding here, there are three things you need to know:
- There are more than 700 islands in the country. Before picking one for your special day, deliberate on if you want a private island wedding or one that’s closer to the city vibes.
- Get help from a local planner to book a resort. There are many accommodation options, ranging from budget to luxury. A local team can help you secure one fitting your budget and expectations.
- Inform your resort that you’ll be getting married during your stay. You’ll be surprised to know many of them offer additional benefits on this pretext (room upgrade, covering decoration expenses, etc,), and you don’t miss any of them.
Legal Requirements to Elope in Bahamas
The legal requirements to get married in the Bahamas are pretty straightforward. Both of you need to be in the country at least 24 hours prior to applying for a marriage license.
The exception is when you’re coming by a cruise – in this case, you’ll need to show a letter from the ship’s operators confirming you’ve been in the Bahamian waters for 24 hours. The license needs to be signed by two witnesses – aged 18 or older, costs $120, and is valid for 90 days.
Making Travel Arrangements
The Bahamas is very easy to travel to. The island is quite close to the Florida coastline and many cities offer direct flights to the Bahamas. You can also take a cruise to get to Nassau. Keep in mind, there are some Covid restrictions in place right now.
You must have a negative RT-PCR test no more than 5 days prior to arrival. And if you’re planning to stay for more than 5 days, you’ll need to take a rapid Covid-19 antigen test on the fifth day.
Best Places to Elope in Bahamas
With a vibrant landscape, cozy beachy vibes, and friendly locals, there’s no shortage of wedding-worthy venues in the Bahamas. We have narrowed them down to 7 of our favorites. Scroll to read more about them.
#1 Compass Point Beach Resort
The scenic Bahamas resort with accommodation in striking clusters of huts and impressive ocean views is perfect for an intimate, serene elopement experience. More so, they also have an event planner on board, which you gain access to when you book them.
After having the magical ceremony, enjoy snorkeling in the crystal clear waters or savor the wedding bliss swaying in a hammock.
#2 Sandals Emerald Bay
A vast hotel sitting on pristine, miles-long beaches is the quintessential island paradise situated just a 10-minute boat ride from the airport. Of course, a beach ceremony is a no-brainer, but also have a look at their cute docks and garden locations for an epic and winsome wedding service.
#3 Green Turtle Cay
Only accessible by a ferry from the main islands, Green Turtle Cay is a picturesque, exotic island in the Bahamas.
Pick any location here for your glorious union, and it will not disappoint. Afterward, enjoy the exciting adventures – snorkeling, diving, wildlife spotting, etc.; the unique experience of these activities are hard to find anywhere else.
Where to Stay in Green Turtle Cay
#4 Sapodilla Restaurant & Estate
A quaint wedding venue surrounded by lush foliage and tall palm trees, Sapodilla Restaurant is a popular chain to cater to weddings in the Bahamas. The estate is also popular for its local dining, so you can enjoy a traditional Bahamian wedding dinner here after the ceremony.
#5 Pelican Bay
Enjoy the comfort and luxury of a hospitable hotel while relishing in the special moments of your beautiful day. The accommodation is a budget one and will cooperate with your wedding details to the tee. You can choose from many great spots for the ceremony – from the beach, restaurant to garden or their lovely docks.
#6 Nassau
Nassau is the capital city and the biggest island of the Bahamas. Naturally, the place boasts of many amazing wedding venues. Resorts and hotels have dedicated areas for ceremonies, all utterly gorgeous and heavenly.
Planning a ceremony here will be a cakewalk, as you can find many vendors who have helped plenty of couples organize their big day, and you can be the next happy couple for them.
Where To Stay In Nassau
#7 Emerald Bay On Great Exuma
An all-inclusive idyllic resort on the beautiful Exuma island, popular for their swimming pigs and remarkable sea life experiences. Our advice is to book this amazing accommodation for your honeymoon as well and enjoy a blissful few days of your married life immersed in all that people boast about in the Bahamas.
#8. Graycliff Hotel ; Restaurant
As one of the most historic and iconic hotel and restaurant resorts in the Bahamas, you’ll find the Graycliff Hotel ; Restaurant in Nassau – though it’s not quite right on the beach.
One of the reasons this is such a popular spot for an elopement ceremony in the Bahamas is because of the indoor and outdoor venue options this singular resort can provide. A lot of people end up choosing either the garden terrace or the grand ballroom to host their elopement ceremony.
Another reason people really like this hotel and restaurant for their Bahamian wedding ceremony is because of the world-class pastry chefs that work in the kitchens here. You can have them whip up a wedding cake for you with very little notice!
#9. The Ocean Club, A Four Seasons Resort
Located on Paradise Island, a beautiful part of the Bahamas that brings hundreds of thousands of visitors to the region every year all on its own, you’re going to love the perfect beaches and tropical gardens that make this a fantastic setting for your elopement.
Because this is such a popular hotspot for these kinds of ceremonies the resort is fully equipped with all the staff you’ll need to pull off a romantic elopement. They have a number of venues on site you can choose to match the kind of ceremony you’re hoping for, including venues that are a little more intimate for smaller elopements and larger for those kinds of “surprise weddings” you’re hosting with multiple guests.
Be sure to take advantage of the professional wedding planner services (as well as the all-inclusive elopement ceremony packages) this resort offers, too.
FAQs About Eloping in Bahamas
What is the best time to elope in the Bahamas?
The best time is from mid-December to mid-April, the country’s peak season. The temperatures remain stable year-round – pleasant, neither too hot nor too cold. But the island falls within the hurricane belt, so they might be a factor from June to November.
How much does it cost to elope in Bahamas?
While your final cost depends on how you get there, where you stay, and how fancy you want your elopement to be, the minimum cost is $120 for the marriage license.
What are the benefits of a Bahamian elopement?
There are a bunch of different reasons to elope in the Bahamas, but the natural beauty, elegance, and luxury of these islands make it a popular spot for so many. The beautiful beaches, the tropical environment, and the gorgeous hotels and resorts make it easy to celebrate this kind of ceremony in style.
On top of all of that, it’s not hard for people from the US to get to the Bahamas, it doesn’t take very long, and you don’t need a passport to visit here, – even if you’re coming to elope – either.
Are Bahamian weddings recognized in the US?
Weddings (including elopements) hosted in the Bahamas are fully recognized by the United States, provided you meet all of the criteria to legally get married in the Bahamas in the first place.
You’ll need to show proof of citizenship (usually just a passport or birth certificate) to get the ball rolling. You’ll also need to prove that both of the people getting married are at least 18 years of age or older.
Securing a marriage certificate with these documents – even on short notice – is pretty simple and straightforward.
How long do Bahamian elopements take to plan?
Truth be told, you can plan an elopement in the Bahamas in just a few weeks – and maybe even less time if your plans aren’t all that complex. Take advantage of all-inclusive packages from some of the better resorts and hotels in the Bahamas that specialize in elopement ceremonies and you can cut down on your planning time even more so.
Here’s a breakdown of an average Bahamas elopement budget:
- Travel: $500 for two people on a flight, $400 to $1000 on a cruise, depending on which type of room you opt for.
- Photographer: $100 to $350 an hour
- Videographer: $200 to $500 an hour
- Bridal Bouquet: $100 to $300
- Stay: $200 to $1000 per night
- Marriage License: $120
- Officiant: $100
- Covid-Tests: $40 for rapid antigen tests and $120 for PCR test
- Health Insurance: $50 (only valid if you stay longer than 4 nights and 5 days)
Elopement Packages in the Bahamas
You can find some great elopement packages in the Bahamas which will help you enjoy your adventurous, fabulous day to the fullest without the hassle, stress, and exasperation that comes with planning.
While booking an elopement package, specifically look for all that’s included, like photography, stay cost, florals, etc.
Making sure you speak to someone who the company has already catered to is a great way to assure you’re booking the right vendor.
Final Recommendation
Who wouldn’t love Sandals Emerald Bay!?
What do you think about Bahamas elopement? Share with us your thoughts below!
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I’m a freelance journalist/writer/content marketer with BA Hons in Journalism.
