Today we are joined by Jackie, my travel editor, with her Top 4 Ways to Plan an Unforgettable Destination Wedding or Honeymoon in the Bahamas.
Did you know that out of the 700 islands in the Bahamas, there are 16 that you can easily visit and explore? Most people are familiar with the big resorts and hotel chains of Nassau and Paradise Island, but there are so many other amazing places that will give you an incredible and authentic experience of the Bahamas. Whether you are looking for a truly unique and intimate destination wedding or a memorable honeymoon, you can find it all in the Bahamas!
I had the pleasure of visiting the Bahamas during their “16 Weddings, 16 Islands, One Priceless Day” promotion, a contest with a prize package for 16 lucky couples to have the wedding of their dreams on one of 16 beautiful islands.
If you are thinking of having a destination wedding, or even planning a romantic getaway, I am here to share with you a few great ways to make your experience unforgettable!
First let me share a little bit about these 16 islands, otherwise known as the Family Islands among Bahamians. Beyond Nassau and Grand Bahama, they include: the Exhumas, the Abacos, Acklins Island, Cat Island, Inagua, Ragged Island, Crooked Island, San Salvador, Andros, Eleuthera, Harbour Island, the Berry Islands, Long Island and Bimini. Each island boasts different kinds of wildlife, natural features, and many different ways to prepare a conch salad {a local favorite dish}. The best reason to get out of Nassau is truly to take advantage of all of there is to see and do that doesn’t involve unlimited pina coladas or a buffet. While I wasn’t able to visit all of the Bahamas Islands during my trip, I will share with you a few of my favorite highlights!
Although Grand Bahama Island is one of the largest and most populous islands, you can still have a wonderful experience having an intimate honeymoon or fantastic wedding there. One of the best ways to get married in Grand Bahama is to say “I Do” in the company of some flippered friends. If you love dolphins, this is the place for you! At Enchanted Encounters at The Dolphin Experience, couples can arrange both a pre-/post- wedding encounter with these friendly dolphins as well as coordinating a dolphin kiss when you have yours on your big day. What a special and memorable way for you and your guests to commemorate your wedding!
If getting up close and personal with a different kind of water-loving mammal is more your thing, hop over to the Exhumas for a one-of-a-kind experience swimming with pigs. That’s right - these cute little piggies love to swim and will come out to your boat to greet you, provided of course there’s a treat in it for them. No one knows quite how these wild pigs ended up in the Exhumas, but splashing around with them will make for a one-of-a-kind honeymoon adventure. If you’re a couple that enjoys wildlife, bird-watching, and exploring, then be sure to visit the Exhumas for the getaway or honeymoon of a lifetime.
Do you prefer to have more of a party atmosphere for your wedding? Look no further than the island of Eleuthera. The Bahamas has a long-standing festival known as Junkanoo: think Bahamian Mardi Gras. The traditional celebration of costumes, music and parades typically happens around the Christmas holiday, when even businesses will shut down for several days prior to hand-build their costumes and instruments. There are strict rules for teams participating in the parade, but one of the most important ones is to have fun! Don’t worry though if your wedding plans are for a different time of year: you can hire a Junkanoo band to jumpstart the party at your wedding whenever you like. Not only will you and your guests have the opportunity to participate in a local, cultural tradition but you’ll also be talking about this day for years to come.
Tranquility and rustic charm are the highlight of Andros, a large but underdeveloped island just a short ferry ride east of Nassau. If you’re looking for a relaxing getaway or post-wedding wind-down, consider a jaunt to Andros. The pace of life is easy, the beaches are stunning and the vibe is calm and quiet. You can take a leisurely kayak trip and paddle out to some of the smaller cays around the island to explore on your own. If underwater exploration appeals, then spend an afternoon exploring a couple of Andros’ blue holes – a system of deep underwater caves. Snorkeling is also one of the best ways to observe the abundance of marine life around Andros’ extensive reef system. For a true experience of rest and relaxation surrounded by a mostly untouched landscape, Andros is the place to be.
The islands of the Bahamas are some of the best neighbors the US can ask for, and have so much to offer. If you are looking for a you-can-only-find-it-here kind of experience for your destination wedding or honeymoon, you should truly consider the Bahamas. From the food to the culture to the people to the array of natural settings, you will surely find a place to make lots of memories with the ones you love. Happy wedding and travel planning!
All photos provided by “The Islands of The Bahamas”