I first met Jenny and James at Jenny’s sister’s Philadelphia wedding. I was immediately besotted with Jenny, Meredith, their brother, their parents, and their entire family. At once loving, tight-knit, warm, and welcoming, they’re also funny, sweet, and know how to throw a spectacular party. When Jenny’s amazing event planner, Tracie Domino, called me about Jenny’s destination wedding, I practically tripped over myself with my excitement to work with this amazing family again.
From the rehearsal dinner by the beach to dinner and dancing under a tent covered in fairy lights, the entire weekend was perfect. I know that words on wedding photography blogs start to sound the same after a while – everyone has amazing clients, everyone has amazing weekends, every venue is amazing. But these people? This weekend? These families? Amazing is the only word for it. I can’t wait for the next wedding, the next party, and the next time I get to work with these spectacular human beings. Jenny, James, Meredith, Meredith’s James, Andrew, Carol, Bob – you’re the best. Always and forever.
Here are a few of my favorite images from their wedding:
Ocean Club Four Seasons Bahamas Wedding Photographer
The Ocean Club, A Four Seasons Resort, on Paradise Island in the Bahamas, has been a playground for celebrities and heads of state since opening in 1962. The French Cloisters — 12th-century Augustinian cloisters transported from France — are at the top of the Versailles Gardens overlooking Nassau Harbor. Multi-tiered manicured lawns with purple bougainvillea. The Beach Deck with the Caribbean directly below. Up to 250 guests. I photographed a full wedding weekend here, including the rehearsal dinner, and I would travel back for this venue without a second thought.
About the Venue
Paradise Island, Bahamas, 11 miles from Nassau. 35 minutes by air from Fort Lauderdale, under an hour from Miami. 35 acres of beachfront property. Opened in 1962. A Four Seasons Resort since the late 1990s. DUNE restaurant by Jean-Georges Vongerichten. A professional wedding planner is required for all weddings. All food and beverage in-house. The resort can accommodate full wedding weekends, including welcome dinners, rehearsal dinners, ceremonies, receptions, and farewell brunches.
The Wedding Venues
The French Cloisters are the signature venue for ceremonies. These are genuine 12th-century Augustinian cloisters purchased in France and reassembled on Paradise Island, perched at the top of the Versailles Gardens with Nassau Harbour as the backdrop. Stone columns, carved archways, and the harbor below. There is nothing else like this in the Caribbean.
The Versailles Gardens surround the Cloisters with multi-tiered manicured lawns, purple bougainvillea, stone pathways, classical statues, and Nassau Harbour views. Ideal for receptions, both tented and open-air. Tented receptions with clear tops, air conditioning, and crystal chandeliers are available.
The Beach Deck is the most popular outdoor venue for ceremonies, positioned directly over the Caribbean with turquoise water visible from every seat. Up to 250 guests.
The Poolside Pavilion sits adjacent to the Versailles Pool beneath the Cloisters, offering a covered open-air sanctuary for cocktail hours and smaller receptions.
Photography at the Ocean Club
The French Cloisters for ceremony coverage with Nassau Harbour behind the couple. The Versailles Gardens on the multi-tiered lawns at golden hour. The Beach Deck with the Caribbean directly below. The stone pathways and classical statues throughout the gardens. The beach at sunset. The resort grounds in the early morning, before the wedding, with the low Bahamian light coming off the water. This is one of the most beautiful destination wedding venues I have ever photographed.
Logistics for a Destination Wedding at the Ocean Club
Paradise Island is accessible by air to Nassau Lynden Pindling International Airport, then a short taxi or water taxi to the island. 35 minutes from Fort Lauderdale, under an hour from Miami, with direct flights from many US cities. A professional wedding planner is required and coordinates with the resort’s Four Seasons wedding team. Plan for a full wedding weekend rather than a single day — the Ocean Club is purpose-built for multi-day destination celebrations.
Frequently Asked Questions: Ocean Club Bahamas Weddings
Where is the Ocean Club located?
Paradise Island, Bahamas, 11 miles from Nassau and accessible via Nassau Lynden Pindling International Airport. Approximately 35 minutes from Fort Lauderdale by air.
What is the Ocean Club, A Four Seasons Resort?
A luxury beachfront resort on Paradise Island opened in 1962. 35 acres. The French Cloisters — 12th-century Augustinian cloisters — at the top of the Versailles Gardens. Multi-tiered manicured lawns with Nassau Harbour views. Beach Deck over the Caribbean. Up to 250 guests outdoors. Professional wedding planner required. All food and beverage in-house. DUNE restaurant by Jean-Georges Vongerichten.
What makes the Ocean Club distinctive?
The French Cloisters alone make this one of the most singular ceremony locations in the world. Genuine 12th-century stone cloisters from France, reassembled on a Caribbean island, perched above Nassau Harbour. The Versailles Gardens terracing down from the Cloisters to the waterfront. The Beach Deck over the Caribbean. And the Four Seasons service level that makes a multi-day destination wedding weekend genuinely seamless.
Is a wedding planner required at the Ocean Club?
Yes. A certified professional wedding planner is required for all weddings at the Ocean Club. The resort works with their own Four Seasons wedding team and coordinates with outside planners.
Do you photograph destination weddings at the Ocean Club Bahamas?
Yes. I photographed a full wedding weekend here and would return without hesitation. If your wedding is here, I would love to hear about it.
