Thousands of weddings are held in The Bahamas each year, and it's no mystery why. Imagine saying "I do" on a pristine white sandy beach overlooking the clear turquoise ocean. Or picture yourself exchanging vows in a tranquil garden under a canopy of vibrant, tropical flowers. Stunning settings are abundant here, creating endless venues for picture-perfect weddings.
But planning a wedding requires more than picking the location. There are a few other factors to consider when it comes to turning your dream wedding into reality.
Good help is easy to find
So many weddings are held in The Bahamas that the Ministry of Tourism has developed a Weddings Unit to assist couples when it comes to planning their perfect day.
"We act as a liaison between (couples) and wedding planners and coordinators," says unit manager Priscilla Williams.
Williams explains that the unit is a valuable resource which can help couples do everything from finding the right wedding planner to overcoming cultural barriers.
"We had a French couple who couldn't speak English," says Williams. "We have people with language skills, so we had an interpreter who helped with the wedding application, the wedding licence and even translated the wedding vows."
What to expect
Although there is no doubt that a Bahamas wedding will be an experience to be cherished for a lifetime, the couple's budget can determine just how memorable the wedding is. Some fees are necessary to ensure the event goes off without a hitch.
According to the Ministry of Tourism, fees include booking the minister, hiring a photographer or videographer, limousine service, music, reception costs and venue expenses.
The Ministry of Tourism's website lists the average cost of a minister for a weekday ceremony at $150 while a weekend ceremony is $175. Ministers for rehearsals and off-island marriages charge approximately $50 per hour.
Photographers charge up to $300 per hour and videographers about $350 per hour.
To obtain a marriage licence, both parties must be in The Bahamas at the time of application and pay a fee of $100 for the licence. Couples must remain in The Bahamas for 24 hours before they can be married.
For a complete list of requirements, application forms and a list of wedding planners, visit the Ministry of Tourism's website at www.bahamas.com or call (242) 356-0435.
Beaches, bells and blooms
Of course, a main factor to consider when planning the perfect wedding is the perfect location, and there are plenty from which to choose.
For instance, couples may decide on the magnificent 14th century French cloister on Paradise Island as a backdrop for their wedding - for a price. Williams explains that the cloister is part of the One&Only Ocean Club, which charges a site fee of $2,500.
Adjacent to the cloister is another popular wedding venue, Versailles Gardens, which is available exclusively to One&Only Ocean Club guests.
But you don't have to spend a fortune for a beautiful backdrop. There are venues to suit all budgets.
"Lots of people go to the beach, churches and garden settings such as Graycliff," says Williams. "Atlantis on Paradise Island is also very popular."
Other venues include the gazebo at Sandyport, Sandals Resort and the causeway between SuperClubs Breezes and Radisson Cable Beach.
"The most popular sites are definitely the beaches," says Anne Marie Williams of Weddings In The Bahamas Ltd, who has been planning weddings for 19 years.
As for selecting a more unique venue, couples have also been known to take the plunge and host their nuptials underwater, with or without a few familiar marine guests.
"There is a 'swim with the dolphins' wedding that is available," says Priscilla Williams.
No matter where or how couples plan to be wed in The Bahamas, the experience is always a memorable one, notes Anne Marie Williams.
"When you make their dreams come true at the end, it's perfect."
Disclaimer: The information in this article/release was accurate at
press time; however, we suggest you confirm all details and prices
directly with vendors.
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