Best Destination Wedding Resorts in Exuma

Exuma is the quiet, low-density side of the Bahamas. A chain of 365 cays running southeast from Nassau, Exuma has the country’s most photographed white-sand beaches, the famous swimming pigs at Big Major Cay, and a resort scene that skews boutique-luxury and adults-only rather than the resort-city energy of Nassau or Paradise Island. For couples wanting a private-island feel with the ease of a full Bahamas legal wedding, Exuma is the country’s best-kept secret wedding destination.

A destination wedding in Exuma typically lands between $5,000 and $20,000 for the wedding package itself, with luxury full-service celebrations climbing to $35,000+. Most couples bring 15 to 40 guests. Exuma’s resort scene is dominated by boutique-luxury and couples-only properties, so per-guest pricing runs higher than Nassau, but the setting delivers a level of privacy and beach quality most Caribbean destinations can’t match. These averages reflect real spend data from couples who booked their Bahamas destination wedding with our DW Specialists.

Below, we’ve put together our guide to the best Exuma destination wedding resorts for 2026, plus package context, legal marriage notes, and answers to the questions our Certified Destination Wedding Specialists hear most about the destination. Here’s where to begin planning the destination wedding of a lifetime!

Top Exuma Destination Wedding Resorts

Exuma’s wedding scene splits between Great Exuma, the main island with its resort corridor and George Town harbor, and the smaller cays scattered north. We focused on the properties our Certified Destination Wedding Specialists return to most often for Exuma celebrations.

Sandals Emerald Bay

The flagship couples-only luxury all-inclusive on Great Exuma, Sandals Emerald Bay occupies its own private mile of white-sand beach and delivers the full Sandals wedding portfolio in Exuma’s quieter setting. The 245-suite property features an 18-hole championship golf course designed by Greg Norman, an on-site marina, multiple pools, and the full Sandals butler service in the top suite categories.

Wedding venues include the private one-mile beachfront, garden ceremony lawns overlooking the marina, oceanview terraces, and elegant indoor reception spaces. The Sandals planning team specializes in couples-only celebrations of 20 to 100 guests, with butler-service suites available for the couple and complimentary Sweetheart wedding packages included on qualifying room blocks.

Beyond the wedding day, guests can play the celebrated Greg Norman golf course, kayak the surrounding cays, snorkel the on-property reef, or take excursions to Big Major Cay to see the famous swimming pigs. The strongest pick for couples wanting the polished Sandals experience in Exuma’s quieter setting.

Learn more about Sandals Emerald Bay and get a free quote today >>

Grand Isle Resort

A luxury villa resort on Great Exuma, Grand Isle Resort features 78 privately-owned villas set across a 100-acre property overlooking Emerald Bay. Each villa is fully outfitted with a chef-ready kitchen, private balcony, and one- to four-bedroom layouts, which makes the property well-suited to family and small-group wedding celebrations.

Their wedding venues include the beachfront ceremony spot on Emerald Bay, garden ceremony settings, the villa community’s pool decks, and the on-site Palapa Grill restaurant for reception dinners. The Grand Isle planning team specializes in villa-based celebrations of 20 to 60 guests, with the option of a full villa buyout for multi-day family events.

Even better, guests can access the neighboring Sandals Emerald Bay’s Greg Norman golf course, kayak Emerald Bay, or take boat excursions to the surrounding cays. A strong pick for family groups wanting private villa accommodations with luxury resort service.

Learn more about Grand Isle Resort and get a free quote today >>

Fowl Cay Resort

A private-island resort in the Exuma Cays north of Great Exuma, Fowl Cay Resort is one of the most exclusive small properties in the Bahamas. The 50-acre private island features just seven individual villas, private beaches, an on-property main house for group dining, and complimentary access to Boston Whalers for exploring the surrounding cays.

Wedding venues here include the private beaches, garden ceremony settings, the main house dining rooms, and the option of a full private-island buyout for multi-day celebrations. The Fowl Cay planning team also specializes in intimate, whole-island celebrations of 15 to 40 guests, with a level of privacy no mainland Bahamas resort can match.

Guests can also explore the Exuma Cays by Boston Whaler, snorkel the on-property reefs, or take excursions to Big Major Cay for the swimming pigs and to Thunderball Grotto for the Bond-film cavern. The strongest pick for couples wanting a full private-island wedding experience with no other guests on the property.

Learn more about Fowl Cay Resort and get a free quote today >>

More Information for Planning Your Destination Wedding in Exuma

Beyond picking your resort, a few practical details help shape your Exuma wedding. Below you’ll find package context, legal marriage notes, and travel logistics worth sharing with your guests.

Exuma Destination Wedding Packages

Exuma’s resort scene runs boutique-luxury to private-island exclusive. Here’s how wedding packages typically tier out:

• Low: $5,000 to $8,000. Covers ceremony setup, officiant, basic florals, sparkling wine toast, and a small cake for intimate groups of 10 to 15 guests. Sandals Emerald Bay offers a complimentary Sweetheart wedding package on qualifying room blocks.
• Mid: $10,000 to $20,000. Adds private reception venues, professional photography, ceremony music, upgraded florals, and a hosted dinner reception.
• High: $25,000 to $35,000+. Full luxury treatment with premium florals, open bars, extended photography and videography, custom decor, and private property buyouts at Grand Isle or Fowl Cay for multi-day celebrations.
• All-inclusive advantage: Sandals Emerald Bay bundles meals and drinks into the room rate. Villa properties like Grand Isle and Fowl Cay price food and beverage à la carte at $150 to $300+ per guest for reception dinners.

Legal Marriage in Exuma

A legal wedding in the Bahamas requires 24 hours of in-country residency before applying for the marriage license. Total legal fees run approximately $365 to $500+, including a $120 marriage license, an approximately $95 affidavit of singlehood from a Bahamian notary, and an officiant fee starting around $150. Ceremonies must be performed between 6 a.m. and 8 p.m. Your resort wedding coordinator handles most of the paperwork. Legal requirements can change, so confirm current rules before finalizing plans.

Exuma Destination Wedding Travel Information

Exuma International Airport (GGT) in George Town serves Great Exuma with direct flights from Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Atlanta, and Toronto. Flight times run 90 minutes to 2.5 hours from most Southern U.S. hubs. Fowl Cay is reached by seaplane or private boat transfer from Great Exuma.

• Passport required: yes, for all U.S. citizens.
• Transfer times: Sandals Emerald Bay and Grand Isle Resort are 20 to 25 minutes from GGT. Fowl Cay requires a 30-minute boat or seaplane transfer from Great Exuma.
• Currency: Bahamian dollar (BSD), pegged 1:1 to the U.S. dollar. U.S. dollars are accepted everywhere.
• Best time: April through May and November offer the best mix of weather and value. December through March is peak season with the highest rates and best weather.

Exuma Destination Wedding FAQs

What makes Exuma a good wedding destination?

Exuma’s biggest strengths are its extraordinary beach quality (Great Exuma’s beaches consistently rank among the world’s best), the low-density boutique-luxury resort scene, the option of private-island wedding buyouts at Fowl Cay, the easy 24-hour legal residency, and the world-famous Exuma Cays excursions (swimming pigs, Thunderball Grotto). Whether you’re planning a small, intimate ceremony or a full private-island celebration, Exuma delivers a level of privacy no mainland Bahamas destination can match.

How much does a destination wedding in Exuma cost?

An Exuma destination wedding typically runs $5,000 to $20,000 for the wedding package itself, with luxury full-service celebrations at Fowl Cay or full private-island buyouts climbing to $35,000+. Sandals Emerald Bay bundles meals and drinks into the room rate, while villa properties price reception dining separately at $150 to $300+ per guest.

Do I need a passport for Exuma?

Yes. All U.S. citizens need a valid passport to travel to the Bahamas, and passports should have at least six months of remaining validity from the date of arrival.

Is Exuma more expensive than Nassau?

Yes. Exuma’s boutique-luxury and private-island resort scene runs meaningfully higher than Nassau’s mainstream resort corridor. What Exuma offers in exchange is world-famous beach quality, a level of privacy no Nassau property can match, and the option of full private-island wedding buyouts.

When is the best time to get married in Exuma?

April through May and November offer the best mix of pleasant weather and value pricing. December through March is peak season with the best weather and highest rates. Weekday ceremonies are almost always less expensive than weekend dates.

Start Planning Your Dream Exuma Wedding Today!

Exuma delivers the quietest, most private Bahamas wedding on some of the country’s most beautiful beaches, with everything from the polished Sandals experience at Emerald Bay to full private-island buyouts at Fowl Cay. Whether you’re dreaming of a couples-only luxury celebration or a small private-island family gathering, Exuma has the setting and the resort partner to make it real.

Start your planning journey with the support of our Certified Destination Wedding Specialists. Fill out our online wedding planning form, and we’ll help you compare resorts, packages, and dates that fit your vision and budget. Your Exuma celebration is closer than you think.