Weddings

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Wedding Bells Ring in The Islands of The Bahamas

Planning An Island Wedding Is A Piece Of Cake!

Destination weddings are any number of things: relaxed, intimate, exotic. Throughout The Islands Of The Bahamas, they are all this plus one more: easy. With 700 islands The Bahamas is a versatile destination for weddings, honeymoons and even vow renewals. Couples easily find something to match their personalities, theme, and budget, which makes it easy to ditch the traditional norms and head off to wed in paradise.

The sheer convenience of getting married in The Bahamas explains why each year, a growing number of couples choose this island getaway as the place to say “I do.” The destination is both accessible and affordable, with any number of romantic venues and opportunities available to create a unique wedding that couples will remember forever – from saying vows beneath a 14th-century French Cloister on Paradise Island, to exchanging wedding bands on a pristine white or pink sand beach in the Out Islands, or even tying the knot within the majestic underwater world of Grand Bahama Island. The possibilities are endless.

A wedding in The Bahamas is also a stress-free occasion. Each of the islands boast a variety of hotel options, ranging from luxury resorts to charming guest houses, most of which offer reasonably priced wedding packages. Additionally, given the close proximity of The Bahamas to the U.S., the bride and groom need not worry about lack of transportation options. Guests traveling from all parts of the country will find a number of airlines offering direct and affordable flights to most of the islands, or for those that do not fly, ferry service from Fort Lauderdale to Grand Bahama Island is available, as are private boat charters to all islands, making it easy for friends and family to join the bride and groom for their big day.

And of course one of the most distinctive features of a Bahamian wedding is the option for newlyweds to hold their nuptials on one island and then be whisked away for a secluded honeymoon on another!
Following are a few simple tips for planning the ultimate wedding in The Islands Of The Bahamas:

Book Early

As many popular Bahamian resorts and venues fill up fast, it is a good idea, if possible, to book the wedding location at least a year in advance. Consider seasons, as rates fluctuate throughout the year, and secure a room block for guests at the hotel of choice in order for them to make reservations well in advance. Be sure to send a save-the-date card to potential guests at least six months in advance for this reason as well.

Ask for Help!

Most hotels have a wedding coordinator on staff that can offer suggestions and secure everything from a florist and photographer to an intimate spot for the rehearsal dinner. The Weddings section of www.bahamas.com also provides helpful information and a listing of wedding coordinators throughout the islands.

Take a Peek

Visit the wedding location one to two months before the big day for a “run through” of the grounds where the ceremony and reception will take place and to finalize details with the resort, wedding coordinator and vendors.

Get Licensed

The requirements for getting married in The Islands Of The Bahamas are minimal. Couples can submit an application for a marriage license costing $100 after meeting the 24-hour residency requirement and presenting evidence of the date of their arrival. Some form of photo identification issued by a Government Office in the country where the couple resides, such as a valid driver’s license or passport, is also required.

Go native

The Islands Of The Bahamas not only provides a naturally beautiful setting to say “I do,” but also plenty of inspiration for adding a local touch to a wedding ceremony and/or reception. Incorporate local flowers such as bougainvillea; serve traditional Bahamian food including conch salad, Bahamian Rock Lobster and Guava Duff; or hire an authentic Junkanoo troupe to liven up the reception and get guests into the dancing mood.

An ideal destination for travelers of all interests, the 700 Islands Of The Bahamas attract visitors with world-class diving and fishing, beautiful turquoise water and miles of picture perfect beaches. Island-life, from the non-stop excitement and entertainment of Nassau/Paradise Island and Grand Bahama Island to the laid-back lifestyle of the Out Islands, comes in a variety of flavors for discerning travelers yet draped in one colorful Bahamian backdrop. To escape from the intensity of everyday life, call 1-800-Bahamas or visit www.bahamas.com.

Media Contacts:

Judith Wint
Weber Shandwick
(212) 445-8122 
jwint@webershandwick.com

Anita Johnson-Patty
Bahamas Ministry of Tourism
(954) 236-9292
ajohnson@bahamas.com