Bahamas Marriage License vs. Bahamas Marriage Certificate: What's the Difference?

When planning your dream wedding in the Bahamas, the idyllic beaches and tropical setting may seem like the only important aspects. However, to ensure your special day goes off without a hitch, it's essential to understand the difference between a Bahamas Marriage License and a Bahamas Marriage Certificate. Glenn Ferguson, Bahamas wedding planner, Licensed Bahamas Marriage Officer, and wedding officiant, sheds light on these crucial documents.

Bahamas Marriage License: The Starting Point - Permission to Get Married

A marriage license is your first step toward legally marrying in the Bahamas as it is the step that gets you permission to get married in The Bahamas, and Glenn emphasizes its significance:

1. Bahamas Marriage Application Process: Glenn advises couples to apply for a marriage license in person at the Registrar General's Office in the Bahamas. Both partners must be present during the application.

2. Bahamas Marriage License Requirements: Glenn explains that to obtain a marriage license, couples need to provide valid passports or government-issued photo IDs, original birth certificates, proof of marital status (e.g., divorce decree or death certificate if applicable), and parental consent if either party is under 18 years old.

3. Bahamas Marriage License Application Fee: Glenn highlights that there is a fee of B$100.00 associated with applying for a marriage license, which must be paid at the Registrar General's Office.

4. Bahamas Marriage License Interview Appointment: Couples are encouraged to schedule an appointment with the Registrar General's Office to streamline the application process. To help Glenn offers his one-of-a-kind Priority Bahamas Marriage License Application Services that remove all the hassle and guesswork out of getting your Bahamas Marriage License.

5. Bahamas Marriage License Application Declaration: Glenn underscores that before receiving the marriage license, couples will be required to swear an oath before a local notary public or attorney. This is a legal document and all diligence must be taken to ensure that you have truthfully completed the application as there are legal consequences. 

6. Purpose: Glenn emphasizes that the marriage license is a legal document granting permission by the Bahamas Government to get married in the Bahamas. It is not proof of marriage but rather the authorization to proceed with the wedding ceremony.

Bahamas Marriage Certificate: The Proof of Your Marriage in The Bahamas

After your wedding ceremony in the Bahamas, you will receive your marriage certificate. Glenn explains its importance:

1. Bahamas Marriage Certificate Issuance: Glenn highlights that the marriage certificate is issued by the Registrar General's Office in the Bahamas after the wedding ceremony has been successfully conducted and the Marriage Officer has submitted the Ceremony Duplicate Register, referred to as Form 9 to The Registrar General's Marriage Department for recording.

2. Bahamas Marriage Certificate's Contents: The marriage certificate contains vital information such as the couple's names, the date and location of the wedding, the officiant's name, and the names of witnesses.

3. Bahamas Marriage Certificate Legal Status: Glenn emphasizes that the marriage certificate holds legal recognition both within the Bahamas and internationally. As it serves as irrefutable evidence of your legal marital status.

4. Bahamas Marriage Certificate Usage: You may require the marriage certificate for various purposes, such as changing last names, updating legal documents, or applying for spousal benefits. Glenn can help you get a copy of Bahamas Marriage Certificate. 

Guidance from Glenn Ferguson

Glenn Ferguson, Bahamas wedding planner, and Licensed Bahamas Marriage Officer, underlines the distinction between a Bahamas marriage license and a Bahamas marriage certificate ensuring that your marriage is legally recognized and that you can fully enjoy the benefits of wedded life.

Before you exchange vows on the breathtaking beaches of the Bahamas, be sure to have both your Bahamas Marriage License and, once married, your Bahamas Marriage Certificate. With Glenn's guidance, you can cherish the memories of your special day, knowing that your union is not only in your heart but also firmly established in the eyes of the law no matter where you happen to live in the world including the USA and Canada.