Best Spots to Get Married in The Bahamas by a Wedding Planner
One of the biggest challenges destination wedding couples face during their planning is figuring out where to tie the knot. First comes narrowing down your selection for the area. Are you feeling tropical or mountain, urban or rustic, domestic or international? Then comes the venue selection – complete with reading reviews and trying to decipher capacity charts once you’re down to the few you think will work.
To help eliminate the guesswork if you’ve narrowed your search to the Bahamas is veteran wedding planner, Marva Munroe, owner of Chic Bahamas Weddings and Events. She knows both the islands and the venues there inside and out, so who better to help narrow it down to some standouts?
The Dunmore Beach Hotel – Harbour Island, Bahamas
“This iconic oceanfront boutique hotel is an ideal location for a buyout celebration,” says Munroe. “The cuisine and service are top-notch while the cottages and residences offer a haven for privacy. Only minutes away are attractions to occupy guests. I love that couples can indulge in the pink sand beaches, beach sports, pickleball and a boutique shop right on-property at the hotel. The combination of accommodations, ranging from cottages to residences, gives guests a home-away-from-home feeling in the heart of paradise.”
The Rock House – Harbour Island, Bahamas
“The Rock House is a historic boutique hotel and restaurant on Harbour Island,” Munroe explains. “I love the style and intimacy of the space with their charming dining room that overlooks the Bay. Combine that with their personalized and attentive service, exquisite cuisine, and overall atmosphere and couples will fall madly in love. Add a fireworks show over the Bay during an evening reception and your guests will be truly mesmerized.”
The Potlatch Club – Eleuthera, Bahamas
A new kid on the block, The Potlatch Club, is opening in April 2024 and according to Munroe, is truly flawless. “Its oceanfront location along with its spacious, lush tropical grounds are exactly why someone wants to get married in the Bahamas. Add the myriad alfresco venues for exclusive destination weddings, special occasion retreats, and family gatherings – you’ve found paradise.”
Rosewood Baha Mar – Nassau, Bahamas
Baha Mar is a great selection for destination weddings since there are three distinct properties in one area. Grand Hyatt Baha Mar, SLS Baha Mar and one of Munroe’s favorites – Rosewood Baha Mar. “I love the sense of belonging at this resort. The lush tropical gardens, luxury accommodations, outstanding cuisine, and impeccable service – what’s not to adore? It’s a great location for a beach wedding and reception dinner under the stars. There is also an afterparty option at Nexus Club boasting its own Veuve Clicquot Champagne Bar.”
SLS Baha Mar – Nassau, Bahamas
The aforementioned SLS Baha Mar also made Munroe’s list. ”For those looking for a vibrant scene, SLS is a perfect choice. It’s idyllic for a beach destination wedding ceremonies and outdoor events. My favorite of their venues is the Rooftop Pavilion (with a ballroom as a backup). I love the cuisine, service, vibe, energy, and liveliness of the resort at night.”
The Exuma Outpost – Little Exuma, Bahamas
The Exuma Outpost is a luxury villa located in Forbes Hill, Little Exuma. Available for a full buyout on sites like Airbnb and VRBO, Munroe loves it for intimate weddings. “The property is beautifully furnished and utilizes custom driftwood-made furniture and other unique relics,” says Munroe. “This is an epic choice for a dreamy secluded Exuma destination wedding. The 6-room beachfront private villa is located in a cove and offers a truly private celebration surrounded by your loved ones. You can host up to 12 people in the private villa, but for larger groups, you can rent additional beachfront homes within walking distance. This is the place to host a sandbar wedding or on the endless white sands of Exuma that extend as far as the legendary Tropic of Cancer Beach.”
Grand Isle Resort & Residences – Great Exuma, Bahamas
Located on Emerald Bay Beach in Great Exuma, Grand Isle Resort & Residences offers both hotel accommodations as well as private villas. “The stunning turquoise waters of the Exumas shine here,” says Munroe. “This location provides a private club for celebrations for up to 100 guests. I love its all-white architecture and how it stands out against the bright green of the palm trees and tropical plants. 23° North Beach Club and its oceanside setting affords couples beachside events without having to be in the sand.”
Staniel Cay Yacht Club – Exuma, Bahamas
Staniel Cay is an insanely beautiful destination to host the perfect Exuma wedding you’ve always imagined, according to Marva. “I like to call it ‘The Crown Jewel’ of the Bahamas Out Islands.” But book early, as it can fill up a year in advance.
“I love the nearby Staniel Cay cliff beach for a ceremony and what could be more magical than following that up with a live Junkanoo band through the streets? When it’s time for cocktails, enjoy an outdoor reception (for up to 60 people) ensconced in the Club’s waterside garden area, followed by an indoor dinner, then back outdoors for dancing to a live band under the stars,” says Munroe.
The Ocean Club, A Four Seasons Resort – Paradise Island, Bahamas
When a Bond movie is filmed here, you know it’s going to be good. The Ocean Club, A Four Seasons Resort is one of the most stunning properties in the Bahamas. “The versatility and diversity of the venues here are really something to behold. The Cloisters, with its 12th-century history and one-of-a-kind feel, can only be matched by the beautiful glistening waters of the Caribbean,” says Munroe. “Couples who want a quintessential luxury Bahamian wedding will love everything The Ocean Club has to offer. The service, the grounds, the venue options and most certainly, the stunning accommodations, will guarantee a wonderful destination wedding experience.”
If you’re considering a wedding in the Bahamas, make sure to check out the properties in this list, but before you even start that process, we highly recommend reaching out to Marva Munroe to get started planning your destination wedding. She’s one of the best and most seasoned professionals in the business and her calm personality and expertise in wedding planning will immediately put you and your partner at ease.
Featured image by Hunter Ryan Photo