If you are looking for the perfect destination for intimate nuptials, you need not look too far. Located just 50 miles off the coast of Florida, Bimini is the closest Bahamian island to the United States, making it an easy and quick journey.

The beauty of a destination wedding is creating your own experience. While many couples find they want to share the destination and experience with a larger bridal party and group of friends, there are many who choose just the opposite.

A small fishing island, Bimini is seven miles long with a population of just 3,000 people and is surrounded by the translucent turquoise waters that trademark the Bahamas. What the island lacks in size, it more than makes up for in tropical splendor. Bimini would play perfect host to a destination wedding group.  

Where to Stay: The largest property on the island, Resorts World Bimini, provides luxury hotel accommodations, villa and residential rentals, four spectacular pools, nine dining options and a full casino experience. With all the offerings on property, your wedding group need not leave the resort.

How to Get There: For budget conscious couples, catch the ferry out of Miami for less than $100, arriving in just two hours. There are also flight options via numerous regional carriers in and out of Miami and the surrounding area. 

What to Do: Take advantage of the excursions you can book right on property. Don’t miss the nature trail tour, open sea snorkel at the Sapona shipwreck or completely unplug on any of the miles of sandy beachline. If you want to take in the culture of the island, shuttles run throughout the day from the property into the three neighboring villages. Return to the resort for dinner and an evening at the casino. 

How to Say “I Do:” With an expanse of raw beach and the intimacy of a small group affair, you are free to claim your perfect sunset spot on the island. If you’d prefer not to forge your own path, there are on-property facilities such as lush gardens, piers floating on glassy water and beach gazebos that would play eager host to your event.

This article first appeared in Destination I Do’s Fall/Winter 2017 issue. You can order a copy here.