Americans Getting Married in the Bahamas
Yes, US citizens can legally marry in the Bahamas — and your marriage is recognised in all 50 states. No blood test, no embassy registration, marriage license issued same day. Glenn Ferguson, WPIC-certified planner and licensed Marriage Officer, handles everything from paperwork to ceremony.
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Can Americans get married in the Bahamas? Absolutely yes. US citizens need only a valid passport, 24 hours in the Bahamas, and a $120 marriage license. No blood test, no residency visa, no embassy registration. Your Bahamas marriage is legally binding in all 50 US states — under US law, marriages legally performed in the Bahamas are recognised in the United States. As a WPIC-certified wedding planner and licensed Marriage Officer with 24+ years of experience, I've helped hundreds of American couples marry in the Bahamas — from simple beach elopements to luxury celebrations at Atlantis and Rosewood Baha Mar. See the full Bahamas wedding legality guide.
What Documents Do American Citizens Need?
The Bahamas has some of the simplest marriage requirements in the Caribbean for US citizens. There is no blood test, no waiting period beyond the 24-hour residency rule, and no requirement to hire a local attorney. Here is exactly what you need to bring from the US:
Everyone Needs
Valid US passport (not expired). Your passport immigration stamp from arrival serves as proof of your 24-hour residency. Two witnesses aged 18+ must sign your license — Glenn provides witnesses if it's just the two of you.
If Never Married
Affidavit of Singlehood — a sworn declaration that you are not currently married. Can be completed in the Bahamas before a Notary Public or Justice of the Peace. Glenn arranges this as part of your package.
If Divorced
Original or certified copy of your final divorce decree (Decree Absolute). Must have a raised or coloured seal. Photocopies are not accepted. If your name was changed during the divorce, bring the court order reflecting the name change.
If Widowed
Certified death certificate of your deceased spouse. Must be an official document with a raised seal — not a funeral home copy.
The Affidavit of Singlehood — What Americans Need to Know
If you have never been married, Bahamas law requires you to swear a declaration confirming you are single. This is called the Affidavit of Singlehood. For American citizens, you have three options:
Option 1: US Embassy in Nassau. You can visit the American Embassy at 235 Shirley Street, Nassau (moved from Queen Street in September 2025), and swear the affidavit before a US Consul. The fee is $50 per notary seal. The Embassy is closed on both American and Bahamian public holidays.
Option 2: Bahamian Notary Public or Justice of the Peace. This is the faster and easier option. Glenn arranges for a Bahamian Notary Public or JP to administer your oath, often as part of the marriage license application process itself. No separate appointment needed.
Option 3: Before you leave the US. You can also have the affidavit notarised in the United States before you travel, though it will need an Apostille from your state's Secretary of State office to be accepted in the Bahamas.
How Americans Get Married in the Bahamas — Step by Step
Glenn has guided hundreds of American couples through this process. Here's exactly how it works:
Book Glenn & Choose Your Package
Call +1-(242)-395-8495, WhatsApp Glenn, or book your free consultation. Choose from 12 wedding and elopement packages from $375 to $11,995. Glenn verifies your documents are in order before you fly.
Arrive in the Bahamas
Fly into Nassau from any major US city — direct flights from Miami (35 min), Fort Lauderdale, New York, Atlanta, Charlotte, and more. Your passport gets stamped at immigration — this stamp is your proof of arrival for the 24-hour residency requirement.
Apply for Your Marriage License
The day after arrival, Glenn takes you to the Registrar General's Department to apply. Both partners must be present. Glenn handles the paperwork, the Affidavit of Singlehood, and all declarations. The marriage license costs $120 and includes one certified copy of your marriage certificate. Glenn offers Priority Processing for same-day or next-day approval.
Get Married
Once your license is approved, your ceremony can take place the same day. Beach, resort, garden, yacht — Glenn arranges the venue, photographer, flowers, and everything in your package. As a licensed Marriage Officer, Glenn can officiate your ceremony himself, or arrange a pastor, minister, or other officiant.
Receive Your Certified Marriage Certificate
After your ceremony, your marriage is registered with the Registrar General's Department. You receive a certified Bahamas marriage certificate with the official government seal. This document is your legal proof of marriage, valid in the United States and worldwide. Need extra copies? Additional certified copies cost $20 each. Glenn ensures you have your certificate before you leave the island.
Return Home & Update Your US Records
When you're back in the US, use your certified marriage certificate to update your Social Security card, driver's licence, US passport, bank accounts, employer records, and insurance. See the full post-wedding checklist below.
Is a Bahamas Marriage Legal in the United States?
Yes — unequivocally. Under US law, marriages that are legally valid where performed are recognised in the United States. You are not required to register your marriage with the US Embassy. Your certified Bahamas marriage certificate is all you need. Read the full Bahamas wedding legality guide for country-by-country details.
Here is where your Bahamas marriage certificate is accepted in the US:
Social Security Administration
Accepted for name changes on your Social Security card. Use Form SS-5 with your certified Bahamas certificate. No Apostille required.
State DMV (All 50 States)
Update your driver's licence name with your certified Bahamas marriage certificate. Each state may have slightly different supporting documents — check your local DMV.
US Passport Office
The State Department accepts foreign marriage certificates for passport name changes. Use Form DS-5504 (within one year) or DS-82 (after one year).
Banks, Employers & Insurance
Your certified Bahamas marriage certificate is accepted by US banks, employers (for benefits enrollment), and insurance companies (for adding a spouse).
Your Bahamas marriage is legally binding in all 50 states. Peak season dates (December-March) fill months ahead.
Book Free Consultation WhatsApp GlennAfter Your Bahamas Wedding — US Name Change Checklist
This is the order to update your records when you return to the United States. Start with Social Security — most other agencies require your updated SS card first.
Social Security Administration
Visit your local SSA office with your certified Bahamas marriage certificate, current Social Security card, and US passport. Complete Form SS-5. Your new card arrives by mail in 2-4 weeks. This is free.
Driver's Licence (DMV)
Once you have your new Social Security card, visit your state DMV with the new SS card, your Bahamas marriage certificate, and your current licence. Requirements vary by state.
US Passport
If within one year of issuance, use Form DS-5504 (free). If more than one year, use Form DS-82 with standard renewal fee. Include your certified Bahamas marriage certificate and current passport.
Banks & Financial Accounts
Visit your bank in person with your new Social Security card, updated driver's licence, and marriage certificate. Update all joint accounts, credit cards, and investment accounts.
Employer, Insurance & IRS
Notify your employer's HR department to update benefits and tax withholding. Add your spouse to health insurance (marriage is a qualifying life event — you typically have 30-60 days). Update your filing status with the IRS.
Cruise Ship Weddings in Nassau for Americans
Getting married during a cruise port stop in Nassau is one of the most popular options for American couples. Ships from Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Port Canaveral, and other US ports arrive in Nassau daily. Here's what's different for cruise ship passengers:
The 24-hour rule: You must be in Bahamian waters for 24 hours before applying for a license. Most cruise itineraries satisfy this — your ship enters Bahamian waters well before it docks in Nassau. You need a letter from the Ship's Purser or Guest Services confirming the date and time your ship entered Bahamian waters.
Glenn specialises in cruise ship weddings in Nassau and coordinates the entire process around your ship's port schedule. He arranges the license application, ceremony, photography, and certificate — all within your port time window. Popular options include beach ceremonies near the cruise port and beautiful Nassau waterfront venues.
How Much Does It Cost for Americans to Get Married in the Bahamas?
Complete cost breakdown — all prices in US dollars. For a full analysis comparing Bahamas vs US wedding costs, see How Much Does a Bahamas Wedding Cost?
| Item | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Marriage license | $120 | Includes 1 certified marriage certificate |
| Additional certified copies | $20 each | Recommended: get 2-3 extras for name changes |
| Affidavit of Singlehood (Notary) | Included | Glenn arranges as part of your package |
| Affidavit at US Embassy (optional) | $50 | $50 per notary seal — only if you prefer the Embassy route |
| Apostille (if needed) | $120 | Generally not required for US domestic use |
| Government fees only | $120 | License + 1 certificate — minimum legal cost |
Glenn's Wedding Packages for Americans
| Package | Starting At | Includes |
|---|---|---|
| Beach Elopement | $1,495 | Beach venue, officiant, photos, flowers, license, 2 witnesses |
| Classic Wedding | $2,995 | Full planning, venue, photographer, flowers, cake, license |
| Luxury Celebration | $11,995 | Premium venue, full coordination, photography, videography, reception |
All packages include Glenn's personal handling of the marriage license application, Affidavit of Singlehood, and certified certificate. View all 12 packages and pricing. Also see Bahamas vs Mexico vs Jamaica for a destination comparison.
Ready to Plan Your Bahamas Wedding?
Join hundreds of American couples who've married in the Bahamas with Glenn Ferguson.
WPIC-certified planner · Licensed Marriage Officer · 24+ years · 85+ Google Reviews
Peak season dates (December-March) book 6-9 months ahead. Contact Glenn early to secure your preferred date.
Book Free Consultation Call +1-(242)-395-8495Your Guide: Glenn Ferguson
Glenn Ferguson — WPIC-Certified Wedding Planner & Licensed Marriage Officer
With over 24 years of experience, Glenn has helped hundreds of American couples navigate the Bahamas marriage process. As both a licensed Marriage Officer and WPIC-certified planner, he handles every aspect — from verifying your US documents before you fly, to officiating your ceremony, to making sure you leave with your certified marriage certificate in hand.
What American Couples Say
"Glenn made the entire process so easy. We were nervous about the paperwork — getting married abroad as Americans felt daunting. Glenn verified everything before we left New York, handled the license application, arranged a gorgeous beach ceremony, and we had our marriage certificate in hand that same day. The whole process was less stressful than planning a dinner party back home."
"We got married during our Royal Caribbean cruise stop in Nassau. Glenn coordinated everything around our port schedule — we were off the ship, married on the beach, had photos taken, and back on the ship with time to spare. He even arranged witnesses since it was just the two of us."
"As an American who had been previously divorced, I was worried my paperwork would be an issue. Glenn reviewed my divorce decree before our trip, confirmed it met Bahamian requirements, and everything went smoothly. Our Atlantis wedding was beyond anything we could have imagined."
Frequently Asked Questions — Americans Getting Married in the Bahamas
Related Guides for American Couples
Is a Bahamas Wedding Legal?
Comprehensive legality guide — US, UK, Canada recognition, what makes a wedding legally binding, and the Apostille process.
Legality GuideBahamas Marriage License Guide
Everything about the Bahamas marriage license — requirements, fees, timeline, and 2026 public holidays that affect processing.
Marriage License GuideWedding Packages from $375
Compare all 12 of Glenn's 2026 wedding packages — from symbolic ceremonies to luxury celebrations at Atlantis and Baha Mar.
View All 12 PackagesHow Much Does a Bahamas Wedding Cost?
Full cost breakdown — Bahamas vs US, package tiers, sample budgets, guest costs, and line-item pricing.
Cost GuideBahamas Apostille Service
Need your marriage certificate authenticated? Glenn handles the complete Apostille process — standard $120, expedited $270.
Apostille ServiceCruise Ship Weddings
Getting married during a Nassau port stop? Glenn coordinates ceremonies around your cruise schedule — all cruise lines.
Cruise WeddingsBahamas Elopement Packages
Just the two of you? Glenn's elopement packages include everything — license, officiant, venue, photos, witnesses, and certificate.
Elopement PackagesWedding Planning Checklist
52-task interactive checklist from booking to honeymoon. Everything American couples need to plan their Bahamas wedding.
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