With more than 700 sugar-sand fringed islands and cays comprising this Caribbean nation, there’s a little something for every couple in the Bahamas.
Photo courtesy of Sandals Resorts
Whether you choose the buzzy capital island of Nassau and its full-service resorts or opt for the barefoot feel of the intimate cottage properties on the Out Islands for your big-day celebratory weekend, you and your guests will savor fantastic Caribbean scenery. Here’s where to enjoy postcard-perfect backdrops, powdery sands and end- less turquoise waters when you say “I do.”
The Dunmore
For a more intimate wedding celebration, opt to marry at the chic Dunmore on Harbour Island, a Bahamian Out Island that measures a mere three miles long by a half mile wide and is famed for its coral-hued sands. The cozy property boasts a clubhouse, ocean-view pool, tennis court and 14 vibrantly decorated cottages with private patios. A full buyout of the hotel for a minimum of four nights is required to marry here, which means you’ll have free reign and won’t have to contend with other cel- ebrations. Choose to exchange vows on the pink sands and then host an exclusive reception at the beachside dining room and terrace or at the pool pavilion and lawn with locally sourced fare such as Bahamian conch salad and grilled herb-roasted lobster (wedding packages start at $75 per person for a three-course meal; dunmorebeach.com).
Photo Credit: 300FeetOut
Rosewood at Baha Mar
The upscale Rosewood resort recently made its introduction as part of the brand new Baha mar development — dubbed the Bahamian Riviera — that fronts the blindingly white sands of Nassau’s Cable Beach. The stately 200-room hotel is outfitted in British Colonial decor with a contemporary touch and a palette that reflects the surrounding environment. Hold your sophisticated ceremony in the Covent Garden, which is resplendent in gorgeous native foliage. Then bring the celebration to the enormous — accommodating up to 550 guests — sunlit Buckingham Ballroom. As is customary with the bespoke Rosewood brand, all events are personalized and spearhead- ed by an onsite coordinator (wedding packages start at $1,500 and include a dedicated wedding planner, ceremony site and some flowers; rosewoodhotels.com).
Photo courtesy of Rosewood Hotels & Resorts
Sandals Royal Bahamian
One of the marquee properties in the heart of bustling Nassau, Sandals Royal Bahamian boasts old world charm in a beachfront setting. Formerly The Balmoral Club, which opened in 1946 and catered to the royal friends of the Duke of Windsor, the resort today still maintains its air of refinement. Perfect for large groups, the sprawling property encompasses 404 guest rooms and suites, some with butler service, spread across 15 oceanfront acres. A standout of the resort is the the private off-shore island on which you can get hitched. Follow the beach nuptials with a private dinner at the isle’s breezy restaurant. Later that night challenge your guests to a dance-off in the resort’s fun Pub. (You’ll surely master the Sandals dance before the end of it.) In addition to the aforementioned watering holes, the property is home to a total of 10 dining options from French to Japanese, eight bars and lounges, daily entertainment such as a Piano Bar sing-along and theme nights like Bahamas Junkanoo (wedding packages start at $1,700 and include a dedicated wedding planner and location, musical accompani- ment, and a sparkling wine and cold hors d’oeuvres reception for up to six guests; sandals.com).
Photo courtesy of Sandals Resorts
Legally Wedded: The nation of the Bahamas requires licenses to marry. Applications, which are available at Bahamas.com, must be presented in per- son along with a valid passport, birth certificate, photo ID, a Bahamas immi- gration card and, if applicable, divorce decree or death certificate. There is a one-day residency requirement as well as a certified statement of singlehood. Blood tests are not necessary. License fees are $120.
