devedwards

My boyfriend and I have been together for 5 years. We are going to go on a cruise Freeport, then Nassau and we are planning to get married in Nassau. Neither of us have ever been there...we have a 3 yr old daughter I have a 9 yr old son from previous marriage. The kids would like to be a part of the wedding, and we have about 30 of our friends and family going with us. We chose a cruise thinking it would be cheaper but it isnt seeming like that is the case. We are going to have a reception when we get home so we are just looking for an place to have the ceremony so that we can get married and have beautiful prictures. It would be nice if this place was not too expensive, but Im not sure that all of these go hand in hand!
I keep finding places that you have to book a room to have your wedding there, and then other places that Im not sure if the beach would be nice like Western Esplanade??? If you have ever been there and know anything that might help please let me know!
Thanks

cw

Have you looked into the requirements to get a marriage license in Nassau? Usually there is a requirement that you are on the island for at least 24 hours.

Google Nassau wedding planners for more information.

Perhaps your cruise line could help you with your plans.

Congratulations and good luck!

virginia

i can't imagine going to the islands and then getting married indoors. and to be frank i'd have a reception for those who have chosen to travel with you. a little food & a cake, some island music. think photos of father/daughter dance on the beach...
agree with cw re planner. find one from the island for help with venue, flowers, photog, music, cake?, etc. i'd ask for someplace on the beach that is free to use. palm fronds and some flowers make a lovely aisle for you to walk down. often an arch can be placed on the beach with flowers draped over it. make sure planner will supply cold bottled water.
i would only use ship planner if you will marry on the boat.
requirements:
http://www.thebahamasguide.com/facts/marriage.htm

starlitevaughn

Congrats. My fiance and I have have been together for 6 years and is getting married in Nassau on Nov 17,2009. We are taking a cruise over as well and have about 40 guests attending. It will come out a lot cheaper having the reception at home just from research I've done! My 4 year old daughter is also attending the wedding.
I was able to find one resort that was very reasonable-the Sunrise Beach Club. They only charge $400 to use their site and up to 50 chairs!! I'll post another comment after the wedding to let you know about the experience. Any questions, please feel free to ask.

starlitevaughn

I also know Carnival don't assist with weddings in Nassau! Oh and if you go to the Sunrise Beach Club site, you can view footage from an actual wedding.

travelbuff

You need to check the requirements for a wedding liscense. I think you have to be IN the Bahamas for at least a day before you can get a liscense, and you have to have an interview with a Ministry official who will give you the paperwork. You also have to have any divorce paperwork with you.

This is not quite as easy as it sounds like, because of the requirements.

Have you checked with the Cruiseline to see if you can get married on the ship and a small reception there, and then a party on island.

There are a few wedding planners on island and all of the hotels have planners as well.

You may need to get to Nassau a day before your guests, or come down before your cruise for a few days to get your liscense, not a bad reason to HAVE to go to the Bahamas, lol.

Have a wonderful time!!!!