Crystal clear blue waters, powdery soft sands, and a warm sun entice couples to the Bahamas to tie the knot. There are exactly 700 islands that make up the Bahamas, giving soon-to-be-married couples countless resorts and hotels to choose from to set the stage for their big day. The islands are under an hour’s flight from Florida, which also means your guests won’t have to travel too far to be there on your special day.

If you are in the wedding planning stages and trying to pin down a location, we have rounded up some of the best spots in the Bahamas to host your destination wedding. Read on and be ready to get inspired!

Nassau and Paradise Island

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It comes as no surprise that Nassau and Paradise Island have become destination wedding go-to locations in the Bahamas. With loads of activities to keep your wedding party and guests entertained, the capital of the Bahamas can be a fine venue for your nuptials. In addition to Nassau, Paradise Island (just to the north) offers a 685-acre slice of paradise for visitors. Both Nassau and Paradise Island are chock full of resorts, restaurants, shops, and golf courses.

Where to say “I do”… Many couples decide to get married at the One&Only Ocean Club on Paradise Island. The resort offers several appealing wedding locations including the terraced steps of a 12th century Augustinian cloister, a pristine white sand beach, or their Versailles-inspired gardens with views of Nassau Harbor. Guests won’t be complaining either as most rooms have gorgeous ocean views.

Andros Island

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Located in the heart of the Caribbean, Andros Island looms as the largest island in the Bahamas. But large doesn’t mean crowded; the island is actually the most sparsely developed of the Bahamas. Not only home to the world’s third-largest fringing barrier reef, the island provides miles of tourist-free beaches and freshwater lakes. Andros Island’s wetlands are also ideal for bonefishing (a unique species that inhabit the wetlands).

Where to say “I do”… A favorite destination wedding location on the island is Tiamo Resort, a luxury eco-resort that’s only accessible by boat or seaplane. The resort appeals to couples that want an intimate, private wedding experience, as there are just 10 villas on site. You can reserve the entire resort for a wedding and get a truly exclusive feel.

Harbour Island

Credit - www.pinksandsresort.com

Credit – www.pinksandsresort.com

Just three miles long and half a mile wide, Harbour Island is tiny to say the least. With its small stature, Harbour Island manages to keep things quiet and relaxed for destination weddings. The island’s hub community is Dunmore Town, the original capital of the Bahamas. While soaking up its laid-back atmosphere, you can also bask in its Georgian architecture.

Where to say “I do”… Couples looking for a quiet retreat for their wedding can find it at the Pink Sands Resort. Known for its great stretch of pink sands for which the island is renowned, the resort sits on the beachfront. Comprised of a few cottages, weddings are held on the iconic sands, at the property’s Blue Bar, or in the Garden Terrace.

You may also like: Warm Weather Destinations for Your Winter Wedding

Elbow Cay

hopestown

Credit – www.hopetownlodge.com

When booking flights to Bahamas to celebrate your wedding in style, you might be worried about bumping elbows with loads of other tourists which might’ve just had the same idea. You won’t have to worry about that on Elbow Cay, though. This small island stretches just 6 miles long. With just a few inhabitants, it makes for an exclusive destination wedding location. Part of the Abaco Islands, a group of islands and cays that form a 120-mile long chain, Elbow Cay relishes in its beautifully preserved colonial architecture and candy cane striped lighthouse. Motorized traffic is prohibited in its largest settlement of Hope Town, which means couples are guaranteed the tranquility they desire on their big day.

Where to say “I do”… You can marry at the Hope Town Harbour Lodge. With its warm family feel, the property provides seaside ceremonies on the beach for couples that want to feel the sand in their toes while exchanging vows. For more traditional types, you can venture to the St. James Methodist Church in town for an idyllic church ceremony. The church is revered for its appearance, standing out in stark white and framed by bright bougainvillea.

Did you get married in the Bahamas, or on another Caribbean island? Share your favorite island wedding destination spot with us in the comments below!

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About The Author

Suzy Guese is a travel writer from Denver, Colorado. She caught the travel bug after taking her very first flight at just three months old—she was headed for Disney World—and has been a total travel junkie ever since. From family car trips across North America to stints abroad in Europe, Suzy travels the globe with her redheaded temperament in search of sarcasm, stories, and travel tips to share with anyone willing to listen. She blogs about her travels at http://suzyguese.com.