You will be flying into Marsh Harbor International Airport (MHH) Recommended to book flights 4-6 months out for the best flight prices. Flight info can be found here: https://www.abacoinn.com/getting-here
Once you land on Marsh Harbor, you will need to call a taxi to take you to the ferry dock. You will take the short ferry ride across the Sea of Abaco to Hope Town, Elbow Cay, Abaco. The common way to get around the island is by golf cart. All golf carts and cars are driven on the LEFT SIDE of the road. Some golf carts require gas while other are electronic and must be charged.
You must take a short ferry ride from Marsh Harbour to Hope Town. Be mindful the ferry does not run later than 5:45pm to Hope Town. This costs $15 per way or $20 (open return) round trip. Rates and schedule info can be found at the following sites: https://gandlferry.com/ https://theferrylimited.com/schedule/
Golf Carts are driven on the LEFT SIDE of the road and commonly used to get around on the island. Depending on the size of the golf cart, you can fit up 4-6 people on a cart. We recommend grouping with other guests to share golf carts. Some golf cars are electronic and need to be charged while most are gas and will need to be refilled before returning. Costs range from $60-$85/day. Sites to book Golf Carts: RECOMMENDED: https://www.elbowcaycartrentals.com/ *Call and mention the "Schowalter Wedding" for 20% off your rate! Others: https://hopetowncartrental.com/reservations https://www.lighthousegolfcartrentals.com/rates-policies http://getawaycartrentals.com/ http://www.islandcartrentals.com/rules.html PLEASE NOTE: There is a golf cart shortage on the island putting them in high demand. It is recommended to book your cart 3-6 months in advance to ensure availability.
Recommended restaurants include: Firefly Resort Abaco Inn On Da Beach Cap'N Jack's There are also a couple grocery stores on the island
Since this location is outside of the USA, please consider your international cellular plan. While most restaurants have free WIFI service may be spotty.
The closest grocery store, The Food Store Limited, is located at G29H+G7F, Centre Line Rd, Elbow Cay, Bahamas. Other stores include Harbour View Grocery (G2QR+PG3, Elbow Cay, Bahamas).
Most places accept the US dollar. US dollar and Bahamian dollar have an exchange rate of 1 to 1. Bahamian currency can be exchanged prior to entering The Bahamas at your bank.
Your passport must be up to date and valid to travel to The Bahamas. If you are in need of a new passport or an updated passport, please expect the process to take 7 to 10 weeks. https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/how-apply.html
As of 20 September 2022, the COVID-19 testing requirement for entering The Bahamas has been eliminated. All travelers, regardless of vaccination status, are no longer required to submit to pre-travel COVID-19 testing to enter the country. (https://www.bahamas.com/travelupdates) As of October 1, 2022, masks are no longer required in public spaces in The Bahamas. Some local businesses may still require masks upon entry. Restrictions and regulations can change with little or no advanced notice; before traveling carefully and regularly review the guidance directly from the Bahamian government on the Bahamas tourism page (and particularly that page’s FAQs), and your travel vendors (airlines, hotels, etc.) https://www.bahamas.com/travelupdates Are there COVID-related entry requirements for U.S. citizens? No Is a negative COVID-19 test (PCR and/or serology) required for entry? No Are health screening procedures in place at airports and other ports of entry? Yes https://bs.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information/
October is considered hurricane season in The Bahamas (peak being August/September). With that being said there is a risk of inclement weather. Since hurricanes are unpredictable this far out, please keep an eye on the forecast leading up to the wedding. Usually hurricanes can be indicated a week or so prior to the storm. Weather in October typically looks like this: Temps: High 86, Low 74 Clouds: Partly Cloudy. Cloud coverage rapidly decreases in October. Rain: Rainfall rapidly decreases in October as well. Averages between 2.2" to 5.8" of rainfall during the month. Daylight: Averages 12 hours of daylight in October. More in-depth weather info can be found here: https://weatherspark.com/m/20787/10/Average-Weather-in-October-in-Marsh-Harbour-Bahamas
Hope Town Volunteer Fire & Rescue: Call or WhatsApp (242) 801-9991, or call Troy (242) 577-0259, Stafford Patterson, Assistant Chief (242) 801-5085 Hope Town Clinic: Nurse Glori (242) 436 5816 or (242) 577-4257. Hope Town Police: Officer Botin: (242) 824-3497 or Officer Knowles: (242) 441-5580
Unfortunately due to capacity restraints there are no plus ones unless specified on your invitation.
There will be an open bar with alcoholic and non alcoholic beverages for a portion of the night. Please refrain from bringing our own alcoholic beverages to the venue.
The wedding ceremony will be held outdoor in the early evening. The reception will be held indoor following the ceremony.
The best gift you can give us is your appearance on our big day! There is no need to bring any gifts to the island with you. If you feel so obligated to gift us something for our home together you can check out our registry on this site.
Basic dress code can be found on the "schedule" tab. For the day of the wedding please wear dressed up attire that you will feel comfortable in. We are asking that no t-shirts, jeans, or cargo pants are worn. For those considering a suit or jacket, no need! A tie or nice button up will do. Dresses and skirts are also a good option! We want everyone to feel comfortable while dressing their best! If you have specific questions please ask Seneca or Sam.
We are politely asking that no cell phones or camera are brought out during the ceremony. This will be a CELL PHONE FREE ceremony. We are investing in fantastic photographers and videographers that will captures the perfect moments. We will be so excited to share those images with you after the wedding.