Situated southeast of the furthest tip of Florida, in the blue Caribbean waters of the West Indies, the Bahamas, an archipelagic nation of over 700 isles and cays, is beloved by travelers and locals alike for its white and pink sand beaches, tropical sunshine, and warm hospitality. While all of those factors absolutely make for a dream vacation, they’re even better reasons to book your destination wedding. Seriously, who doesn’t want to exchange vows with the ocean breeze in their hair, then jump right into a honeymoon?

“A Bahamas wedding is unique in that it provides a mix of experiences, from swimming with the pigs in the Exumas to the casinos, nightlife, and new restaurants of the capital, Nassau,” says event planner Marva Monroe, who has been planning weddings in the Caribbean nation for over two decades. “But the one common thing is the water. The color varies based on the island, but the backdrop is always fabulous.”

If this sounds like perfect fodder for the beach wedding you’ve been dreaming about since the moment you got engaged, then you’ve come to the right place. Read on for everything you need to know to start planning your Bahamas wedding, including—most importantly—the best Bahamas destination wedding venues and the best season to book them.

Cost of a Bahamas Destination Wedding 

When it comes to the price tag of a destination wedding in the Bahamas, Monroe says the cost varies. “The spectrum is wide and will depend on the island as well as the resort,” she notes. With her clients, she typically sees $20,000 to $25,000 for a micro-wedding and $35,000 to $50,000 for a guest count that hits around 50 people. More luxury experiences amount to $200,000 to $250,000.

The Best Time for a Bahamas Wedding 

“I personally love the spring and fall because the humidity has not kicked in,” Monroe mentions. “Winter is also a good time because the climate is cooler, but that’s peak season for visitors. Room rates are going to be at their highest, especially in March.” 

The rainy season is from May through October, but there will not be constant monsoon-type rains—just occasional showers. Meaning: As long as you’re flexible with the start time and willing to wait a few minutes for the skies to clear up, you won’t have to forgo your wish for an outdoor ceremony.

Planning Tips for a Bahamas Wedding 

Ready to put pen to paper and begin the planning process? Here’s what to keep in mind.

Avoid the Holidays 

“Christmas is really big for us, as is New Year’s,” Monroe admits. “Some resorts won’t even take destination weddings over this peak season.” Along with the risk of overcrowding at your chosen hotel, it’s also worth noting that you may encounter surcharges for holding your celebration on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, or New Year’s Eve at the resorts that do allow them. If you want to avoid the extra headache and expense, it’s better to opt for a time other than the end of the year—especially because some local businesses may also be closed during the holidays.

Plan for Your Marriage License 

Luckily, the waiting period for a marriage license to become valid in the Bahamas is only 24 hours, so you will be able to legally wed shortly after receiving it. At your appointment with the Registrar General’s office, you’ll also need to prove that you’ve been in the Bahamas for at least 24 hours, which you can do by presenting your Immigration Card. If you’ve been married previously, you’ll need to present a certified copy of your divorce decree or death certificate of your former spouse. Plan ahead and pack the right documents, and it’ll be smooth sailing towards your marriage certificate—which, yes, is fully legally recognized in the U.S. once it is certified by an Apostille.

Prepare Your Backups 

As mentioned above, your wedding day may include a bit of precipitation if you marry during the rainy season. Work with your planner or resort coordinator well in advance to have alternate areas prepped in case inclement weather prevents you from holding certain parts of the wedding, such as your ceremony or cocktail hour, without cover. If these options are baked into your plan from the beginning, they won’t even feel like backups!

The Best Bahamas Wedding Venues

Now, on to the fun part: Where to wed. Keep reading for some of our favorite Bahamas wedding venues.