The Ultimate Bahamas Wedding Checklist for 2027 Brides
By Orion Joseph | Eleuthera, Bahamas Wedding Photographer
Planning a destination wedding involves a few extra steps beyond a typical local celebration — legal paperwork, travel logistics, and coordinating vendors from a distance. Here's a simple month-by-month checklist to keep your 2027 Bahamas wedding on track.
9–12 Months Before
Choose your island and venue
Book your photographer and videographer
Reserve your wedding planner (highly recommended for destination weddings)
Set your guest list and estimated budget
Choose your wedding date, keeping hurricane season (July–November) in mind
6–9 Months Before
Book hair and makeup artists
Order or begin shopping for your wedding dress
Reserve accommodations for you and your guests
Send save-the-dates, giving guests time to arrange travel
Book your officiant
3–6 Months Before
Apply for your Bahamian marriage license (you'll need to be on the islands at least one full day before applying)
Finalize your menu and cake with your caterer
Confirm florals and décor with local vendors
Plan your rehearsal dinner
Purchase travel and wedding insurance if you haven't already
1–3 Months Before
Finalize your ceremony timeline with your photographer, especially your golden hour portrait window
Confirm final headcount with your venue and caterer
Have your dress fitted and steamed on arrival plan confirmed
Pack a travel emergency kit: sewing kit, stain remover, extra bobby pins, blister pads
1–2 Weeks Before
Confirm all vendor arrival times and contact numbers
Share your final timeline with your wedding party
Check weather forecasts and have a backup plan for rain
Relax — you've done the hard part
Frequently Asked Questions
How far in advance do I need to apply for a Bahamian marriage license? You must be physically present in the Bahamas for at least one full day before applying, so most couples handle this within the days immediately before their wedding, often with help from a local wedding planner.
Do I need travel insurance for a destination wedding? It's strongly recommended, especially given the possibility of weather delays during hurricane season. Many wedding insurance policies also cover vendor cancellations.
How many months ahead should I book my photographer? For popular 2027 dates, especially in peak season (December–April), 9–12 months ahead is ideal — smaller islands like Eleuthera book up quickly.
Final Thoughts
A destination wedding has more moving parts than a local one, but with the right timeline, none of it has to feel overwhelming. Start early, lean on local vendors who know the islands well, and give yourself buffer time at every stage.
Planning a 2027 wedding in Eleuthera or elsewhere in The Bahamas? Get in touch here — I'd love to help capture it.
