Any Great Exuma or Eleuretha brides?

[jmccann18]

Hi,

 

My fiance and I are considering having our wedding in Great Exuma or Eleuretha (Out Islands in the Bahamas) and I'm looking for brides that are either looking there too, or already got married there. Please respond if you have any info on weddings in the Out Islands!

 

Thanks!

Julie

[futuremissbk]

Hi Julie!

I'm getting married at Sandals Emerald Bay in March. I don't really know much about the islands, though I'm glad to see someone else who is considering getting married in the area. What resorts/locations are you looking into?

Cassie

[DGG]

We got married on Grand Bahama Island, but went to both islands on our honeymoon. Both islands were beautiful - much nicer than Grand Bahama or Paradise Island in my opinion. Great Exuma was amazing - that was our favorite island in the Bahamas - every beach was breathtaking and so peaceful.. We were there just before Sandals Emerald Bay opened up, so I'm guessing that beach is a lot busier now.. We spent a week at the Grand Isle Resort which is also on Emerald Bay and that beach was amazing.. I kept saying I wish we got married there instead.. definitely look into that resort - it was one of the nicest places we have ever stayed. The main reason we chose one of the main islands was b/c we wanted ppl to have easier flight options since we had about 60 ppl coming.. although I think there is a direct flight to Exuma now.. Good luck - I'm sure you'll love it

[jmccann18]

thanks, ladies! Grand Isle is actually our number one choice at this point. I'm also considering Bahama Beach Club on Abaco. While Sandals looked beautiful, we have several children that will be attending so we couldn't do an adults-only resort. Thanks for the post about Grand Isle, I am more and more confidant about potentially booking there now!

[jmccann18]

DGG--Thanks for the post! As I said in my main response, we are seriously considering Grand Isle as our destination; that being said, do you mind if I pick your brain about the resort? Are the condos really as nice as they look online? How was the food? Service? Are there any places close by the resort that our guests can go to get a bite/ grab a cocktail? Was the bar at the resort open at night? Any advice you have is greatly appreciated!

[DGG]

I think you should definitely choose Grand Isle - yes, the condos really are as nice as they look in the pictures.. We actually booked a honeymoon package and at first got a regular condo, which was nice but we wanted an ocean view - all we did was ask and they upgraded us to a 2 bedroom penthouse, which was amazing Both condos were decorated beautifully and had all top-line appliances, washing machines, etc.. We kept saying we wanted to move in there The food was good - part of our package was a private dinner made in our condo by one of their chefs, if you can get that as part of your package, definitely do that.. That meal was so delicious - and our chef met with us ahead of time, so it was all our favorite food (lobster tails, conch chowder - yum!) While the place isn't cheap, I was surprised it wasn't more expensive given the quality of everything (hopefully it hasn't gone up a lot). The pool is nice but average - there is a jacuzzi but I think a regular above-ground one, but it was so hot that no one used it. When we were there, Sandals wasn't opened yet, so the beach was really quiet and there were nice lounge chairs.. There wasn't beach service, but it was only a 1-2 minute walk down to the beach - everyone was so accommodating that I could easily see them bringing you drinks down if you asked. We usually had the beach to ourselves, but I'm sure that's different now. The bar was opened at night, but it's definitely not a party place - probably depends a lot on the crowd though.. We usually ate dinner late around 9pm and there were a few people at the bar when we went home. There isn't much else nearby, or not anything you can walk to - although I don't know if that changed with Sandals. They give you golf carts to ride around in and you can ride them to the plaza nearby - I think there was a little grocery-type shop, a pizza and ice-cream shop, and I think a liquor store.. We rented a car and drove to another restaurant about 10-15minutes away, but the roads aren't great so you couldn't take the golf cart there.. Let me know if you have anymore questions - will you be able to do a site visit?

[jmccann18]

Wow, the resort sounds amazing! Unfortunately, I don't think we're going to have the chance to do a site visit That's why I was really glad to have the opportunity to talk to you since you've been there. I would be lying if I said that the cost of a reception there is inexpensive, but it is a desination wedding and I know that everything has to be flown in, I just want to make sure it's worth the exorbant costs. Thanks again for all your help!