Sailing to “I Do” in Grand Turk

There’s something undeniably special about Grand Turk. It’s an island full of charm—where wild donkeys roam freely, the beaches stretch for miles without another soul in sight, and the waters sparkle in every shade of turquoise imaginable.

It’s also the island where I got married. So when Angela and Bobby reached out about eloping here during a stop on their Caribbean cruise, I knew we were about to create something meaningful.

Their elopement wasn’t just beautifully planned—it was a true celebration of love, intention, and second chances.

A Grand Turk Love Story: Eloping on Island Time

Angela and Bobby had both been married before, but this time around felt different. “We just want something beautiful and simple,” Angela told me, “but with photos we’ll treasure forever.”

They were sailing with Princess Cruises and only had a few hours in port, but that didn’t stop them from planning a heartfelt, unforgettable wedding day. With help from Keisha at Destination TCI, they coordinated every detail perfectly.

From hair and makeup to a private villa for getting ready, Keisha ensured everything ran smoothly so Angela and Bobby could focus on what mattered most: each other.

💡 Planning a wedding from a cruise ship? Our local wedding planners work closely with photographers to time every detail for a seamless experience—even if you’re only on-island for a few hours.

Getting Ready: Sentimental Details and a First Look to Remember

Angela got ready at a charming Airbnb villa, surrounded by ocean breezes and her closest loved ones—just her sister and brother-in-law. She brought with her a treasure trove of personalized details: monogrammed flip-flops, a custom garter, and keepsakes that told the story of her love for Bobby.

We captured getting-ready moments including her hair and makeup, to she and her sister in bathrobes doing final touches. The bridal preparations photos ended with a first look between the couple before heading to the beach. Knowing how important photos were for Angela, I coordinated the backgrounds and look of the details photos and the first look so everything would go beautifully together in a album to tell the story of their day. The bedroom in the villa was bright and airy with white walls and blue doors. It was a perfect backdrop for photos of Angela’s wedding gown and her sister’s pink maid of honor dress.

The Ceremony: Vows, Sand, and a Circle of Love

The ceremony took place at Governor’s Beach, one of Grand Turk’s most iconic and secluded beaches. Keisha had arranged a circle of love wedding arch with folding chairs, a personalized welcome sign, and a simple table for their sand ceremony. It was so striking against the brilliant blue Caribbean water.

Angela walked barefoot down the beach, her sister watching proudly, as Bobby stood in awe—seeing his bride for the second time that day but feeling like it was the first.

They exchanged personal vows, did a sand ceremony to symbolize their union, and shared their first kiss as husband and wife against a backdrop of white sand and shimmering blue water.

📍 Governor’s Beach is one of our top picks for elopements and intimate weddings on Grand Turk—private, accessible, and absolutely breathtaking.

The Celebration: Champagne, Cake, and a Dance by the Sea

After the ceremony, Angela and Bobby popped champagne and shared a slice of wedding cake right there on the beach. The simplicity of it all made it even more romantic. They had their first dance in the sand, waves gently washing ashore, and not a single worry about a timeline, guest list, or formal reception.

This was about them.

And because Grand Turk weddings tied to cruise schedules need to wrap early (the boat departs at 5 PM and guests must be back onboard by 4 PM), we planned everything for midday—which allowed us to take advantage of vibrant tropical colors and full sun.

Tips for Planning a Cruise Port Elopement in Grand Turk

Thinking about eloping on Grand Turk during your cruise? Here are some expert tips:

Hire a local planner – Someone like Destination TCI can handle transportation, hair and makeup, and time-sensitive logistics.
Plan your timeline carefully – Aim to be back on the ship at least 60–90 minutes before departure. That means earlier ceremonies (between 10 AM and 1 PM) work best.
Make time for photos – Factor in time for photos before and after your wedding to enhance your wedding story.
Bring details – Personal touches like vow books, monogrammed items, heirloom mementos, or custom accessories really elevate your photos.
Say yes to love – Whether it’s your first wedding or your second chance at forever, Turks and Caicos offers a peaceful, luxurious escape for eloping couples.

Why Grand Turk?

Unlike the more developed island of Providenciales, Grand Turk offers something truly different: a slower pace, intimate beaches, and a vintage island vibe. It’s a top destination for couples who want a private, no-fuss ceremony that still delivers jaw-dropping beauty.