Americans Getting Married
in the Bahamas
Legal in All 50 States. From $1,495.
Valid US passport. 24 hours in the Bahamas. A $120 government licence. That is everything you need to be legally married. No blood test. No embassy registration. Glenn Ferguson handles the rest.
Licensed Bahamas Marriage Officer · WPIC-Certified Wedding Planner · 24+ Years · 5.0 Rating · 82+ Google Reviews
Yes completely and simply. US citizens need only a valid passport, 24 hours in the Bahamas, and a $120 government marriage licence. No blood test, no residency visa, no attorney, no embassy registration. Your Bahamas marriage is legally binding in all 50 US states. Glenn Ferguson Licensed Bahamas Marriage Officer and WPIC-Certified Wedding Planner with 24+ years of experience handles every step: document verification before you fly, marriage licence, Affidavit of Singlehood through a Bahamian Notary Public ($95 total), beach ceremony, flowers, witnesses, and your certified marriage certificate in hand before you leave the island. Elopement packages from $1,495 all-inclusive. One call: +1-(242)-395-8495.
| Requirement | Detail for US Citizens |
|---|---|
| Passport | Valid US passport required for both partners |
| Residency requirement | 24 hours physically in the Bahamas before applying |
| Blood test | Not required |
| Embassy registration | Not required |
| Attorney | Not required |
| Marriage licence fee | $100 + $20 certified copy = $120 total |
| Affidavit of Singlehood | $95 via Bahamian Notary Public (Glenn arranges) |
| US recognition | All 50 states ✓ |
| Apostille needed? | Generally not for domestic US use |
| Packages from | $1,495 all-inclusive (includes 10% VAT) |
Why American Couples Choose the Bahamas Over Mexico, Jamaica & the US Virgin Islands
Closer, simpler, and more legally straightforward than any other Caribbean destination. 35 minutes from Miami. Recognised in all 50 states without an Apostille.
Legal in All 50 States
Your certified Bahamas marriage certificate is accepted by the SSA, DMV, US Passport Office, banks, employers, and courts in all 50 states. No re-marriage, no additional registration after you return home.
35 Minutes From Miami
Direct flights from Miami, Fort Lauderdale, New York JFK, Atlanta, Charlotte, and Boston. Nassau is one of the most accessible international destinations in the world for US couples.
Fraction of US Wedding Costs
The average US wedding costs over $35,000. A complete Bahamas beach elopement with Glenn starts at $1,495 all-inclusive flights and accommodation are the only additions.
Simplest Requirements in the Caribbean
No blood test. No waiting period beyond 24 hours. No attorney. No residency visa. Bahamas marriage requirements for US citizens are simpler than most US states require for their own residents.
One Person Handles Everything
Glenn is your planner, licensed officiant, legal guide, and day-of coordinator. He verifies your documents before you fly, escorts you to the Registrar General’s Office, and hands you your certificate before you leave Nassau.
Private Beaches Across 7 Islands
From Nuptial Beach on Cable Beach in Nassau to the pink sands of Harbour Island and the remote cays of Exuma. Glenn recommends locations based on your vision never on commission.
What Documents Do Americans Need to Get Married in the Bahamas?
Send copies to Glenn before you travel. He pre-verifies everything this is the single step that prevents every problem on arrival.
Everyone Must Bring
Valid US passport for both partners, not expired. Your immigration stamp from Nassau arrival serves as proof of the 24-hour residency requirement. Glenn provides two legal witnesses at no additional charge couples eloping alone do not need to source their own.
If Never Previously Married
An Affidavit of Singlehood a sworn declaration that you are not currently married. Glenn arranges this through a Bahamian Notary Public as a standard part of every package. Cost: $95 total for both partners. Takes approximately 5 minutes during your licence appointment. The US Embassy in Nassau no longer provides notary services for this purpose.
If Divorced or Widowed
If divorced: original or certified copy of your final divorce decree with a raised or coloured seal. It must say “Final” or “Absolute” a preliminary or interlocutory decree is not accepted. Photocopies are not accepted. If widowed: certified death certificate with a raised seal, not a funeral home copy.
The Affidavit of Singlehood What US Citizens Need to Know in 2026
The Affidavit of Singlehood is a sworn legal declaration that you are free to marry. For US citizens, Glenn arranges this through a Bahamian Notary Public during your Registrar General’s Office appointment. The total cost is $95 for both partners combined already included in Glenn’s package coordination. No separate appointment or advance preparation is required.
“The number one mistake I see American couples make is arriving without the correct divorce documents. If you were divorced in the US, your decree must say ‘Final’ or ‘Absolute’ and carry a raised seal. Email me your documents before you book your flights. I review every document personally and have prevented dozens of couples from arriving with paperwork that would have stopped the wedding. That review costs nothing. A cancelled trip costs everything.”
How Americans Get Married in the Bahamas 4 Steps
Glenn has completed this exact process more than 200 times across 7 Bahamas islands. Every step is handled for you.
Contact Glenn & Send Your Documents
Call or WhatsApp +1-(242)-395-8495. Choose your package ($375–$11,995) and pay your deposit. Email passport copies and supporting documents. Glenn responds within 2 hours, pre-verifies every document, and confirms what you need before you book your flights. This step eliminates every problem that causes couples to arrive unprepared.
Arrive in Nassau
Fly direct from Miami (35 min), Fort Lauderdale, New York JFK, Atlanta, Charlotte, or Boston. Your passport is stamped at Nassau immigration this stamp starts the 24-hour residency clock. Nassau Lynden Pindling International Airport is modern and easy. Glenn is available by WhatsApp from the moment you land.
Apply for Your Marriage Licence
Glenn escorts you personally to the Registrar General’s Department. Both partners must be present. The appointment takes approximately 20 minutes. Glenn arranges the Affidavit of Singlehood through a Bahamian Notary Public during this visit.
Priority processing: licence same day. Standard processing: licence next day. Cruise ship passengers use same-day priority processing.
Get Married & Leave with Your Certificate
Glenn performs your legal ceremony at your chosen beach or resort location before sunset, as required under the Bahamas Marriage Act. Flowers, witnesses, and transport are arranged and included in your package. You leave Nassau legally married, certified marriage certificate in hand valid in all 50 US states. Apostille certification ($120) through the Bahamas Ministry of Foreign Affairs is available if needed for international use.
Is a Bahamas Marriage Legal in the United States?
Yes unequivocally. Under US law, marriages legally performed abroad are recognised in all 50 states. You are not required to register your marriage with the US Embassy. Your certified Bahamas marriage certificate is sufficient.
“In 24 years I have never had an American couple return and tell me their Bahamas marriage was not recognised in their home state. Your marriage certificate carries the Registrar General’s official seal the same seal used on every Bahamian government document. The SSA, the DMV, and the State Department accept it without question. The only time an Apostille is needed is for countries outside the US that require formal authentication of foreign civil documents.”
Social Security Administration
Accepted for name changes on your Social Security card. Use Form SS-5 with your certified Bahamas certificate. No Apostille required. Start here most other agencies require your updated SS card before they will process a name change. Free, completed at your local SSA office.
State DMV All 50 States
Update your driver’s licence name with your certified Bahamas marriage certificate. Requirements vary slightly by state. Bring your new Social Security card, your Bahamas certificate, and your current licence to your local DMV.
US Passport Office
The State Department accepts foreign marriage certificates for passport name changes. Use Form DS-5504 within one year of issuance, or Form DS-82 after. Standard passport processing times apply. Your Bahamas certificate needs no Apostille for this purpose.
Banks, Employers & Insurance
Your certified Bahamas marriage certificate is accepted by US financial institutions, employers (for benefits enrolment), and insurance companies for adding a spouse. Marriage is a qualifying life event you typically have 30–60 days to add your spouse to health insurance.
US Name Change Checklist After a Bahamas Wedding
Complete these in order. Social Security must be updated first most other agencies require your updated SS card before processing a name change.
-
1
Social Security Administration Do This First
Visit your local SSA office with your certified Bahamas marriage certificate, current SS card, and US passport. Complete Form SS-5. New card arrives by mail in 2–4 weeks. Free. Glenn ensures you leave the Bahamas with your certificate so you can begin the same week you return.
-
2
State 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 check your local DMV website before visiting.
-
3
US Passport
Within one year of issuance: Form DS-5504 (free name change). After one year: Form DS-82 (standard renewal fee). Include your certified Bahamas marriage certificate. No Apostille required. Processing typically takes 6–8 weeks standard, 2–3 weeks expedited.
-
4
Banks & Financial Accounts
Visit your bank in person with your updated driver’s licence and Bahamas marriage certificate. Update all joint accounts, credit cards, investment accounts, and beneficiary designations. Some institutions accept digital uploads call ahead to confirm.
-
5
Employer, Health Insurance & IRS
Notify your employer’s HR department for benefits updates and tax withholding changes. Add your spouse to health insurance within the qualifying life event window (typically 30–60 days from your marriage date). Update your IRS filing status to Married Filing Jointly or Married Filing Separately for the following tax year.
Getting Married in Nassau During a Cruise Port Stop
Ships from Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Port Canaveral, and other US ports arrive in Nassau daily. This is one of the most popular options for American couples combine your wedding and cruise in a single trip.
The 24-Hour Rule for Cruise Passengers
You must be in Bahamian waters for 24 hours before applying for a marriage licence. Most cruise itineraries satisfy this your ship enters Bahamian waters well before docking in Nassau. You need a letter from the Ship’s Purser or Guest Services confirming the date and time your vessel entered Bahamian waters. Glenn provides the exact letter template to request from your cruise line before sailing.
Glenn specialises in cruise ship weddings and coordinates the entire process same-day priority licence, ceremony, photography, and certified certificate entirely within your Nassau port window. Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Norwegian, MSC, and Celebrity all dock in Nassau regularly. Glenn has worked with passengers from all major US home ports.
How Much Does It Cost for Americans to Get Married in the Bahamas?
Every fee is disclosed upfront. Government fees are paid directly at the Registrar General’s Office on the day separate from Glenn’s package pricing. No surprise charges.
| Item | Cost | Paid To | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marriage licence | $100 | Registrar General | Government fee, paid on the day |
| Certified marriage certificate | $20 | Registrar General | Included in the $120 total; take 2–3 extras at $20 each |
| Affidavit of Singlehood (Notary) | $95 | Bahamian Notary | Total for both partners; Glenn arranges |
| Apostille (if needed) | $120 | Ministry of Foreign Affairs | Not required for domestic US use; needed for Hague Convention countries |
| Glenn’s packages from | $1,495 | Island Nuptial | All-inclusive: officiant, flowers, witnesses, transport, certificate |
| All package prices include 10% Bahamas VAT. The average US wedding costs over $35,000 a complete Bahamas beach wedding starts at $1,495. | |||
“There are no hidden fees in any of my packages. The $120 government licence fee and the $95 Notary Public fee for the Affidavit of Singlehood are paid separately because they go directly to the Bahamas government not to me. I tell every couple exactly what to bring in cash before the appointment. Nothing comes as a surprise on the day.”
Glenn’s Packages for American Couples $1,495 to $11,995
Every package includes Glenn Ferguson as your Licensed Marriage Officer and WPIC-Certified Wedding Planner, complete marriage licence coordination, Affidavit of Singlehood arrangement, and your certified marriage certificate. No hidden fees. All prices include 10% Bahamas VAT.
- Glenn Ferguson as Licensed Marriage Officer
- Complete marriage licence processing
- Personal escort to Registrar General’s Office
- Affidavit of Singlehood arranged ($95)
- Tropical bridal bouquet & boutonniere
- Two legal witnesses provided
- Roundtrip transportation
- Certified marriage certificate
- Everything in Sweet Beginning
- 1-hour professional photography
- All edited digital photos delivered
- Limousine transportation (up to 6 guests)
- Enhanced floral arrangements
- Everything in Sweet Beginning
- 1-hour professional photography
- All edited digital photos delivered
- Coach transportation (up to 25 guests)
- Beach ceremony setup
Full wedding packages for larger celebrations from $3,995 up to 50 guests with photography, videography, live music, and reception coordination. View all 2026 packages →
Glenn Ferguson Licensed, Certified, and Experienced
Glenn Ferguson has been performing weddings and elopements in the Bahamas for more than 24 years. He is a government-licensed Marriage Officer, WPIC-Certified Wedding Planner (the only such certification for professional wedding planners in North America), and BREA-Licensed Real Estate Agent giving him unmatched depth of knowledge of the islands, the legal system, and the best locations for every type of ceremony. He personally handles every wedding with no subcontracting, no assistants, and no surprises.
He verifies your documents before you fly, escorts you personally to the Registrar General’s Office, arranges your Affidavit of Singlehood, and ensures you leave Nassau with your certified marriage certificate in hand ready for the SSA, DMV, and US Passport Office the day you return home.
What American Couples Say About Getting Married in the Bahamas with Glenn
All reviews verified on Google. 5.0 rating across 82+ reviews.
“I cannot say enough about how satisfied my wife and I are. Glenn Ferguson was wonderful throughout the entire process. He helped easily navigate the bureaucracy of obtaining a marriage license even bringing us to the office in his car. Glenn orchestrated a beautiful ceremony for just the two of us. Everything from the flowers to the photography were carefully thought out and well-executed. The caring and warmth that Glenn puts into his ceremony went far beyond what we expected.”
“My husband and I still cannot get over what an amazing experience we had with Glenn in the Bahamas. We decided to elope before our big ceremony in May, just the two of us, and he really went above and beyond to make it so special. Would highly recommend to anyone interested in getting married on the islands. Such a beautiful and seamless experience. We had all our documents hand delivered to us the day after our ceremony.”
“Glenn had all the paperwork completed for our arrival and organised a priority wedding license at the government building before taking us to the beach for the wedding. A perfect spot which was secluded and beautiful. In 31 days Glenn managed to put together a dream Bahamas elopement for my wife and I. He was quick to respond, professional, and had a charismatic nature that always put us at ease. Glenn also added little touches like arranging a small but beautiful cake since we did not need the bouquet in the standard package.”
Ready to Get Married in the Bahamas?
Glenn confirms availability within 2 hours and verifies your documents before you book flights. Packages from $1,495 all-inclusive. Recognised in all 50 US states.
Americans Getting Married in the Bahamas 12 Answers for 2026
Every question US citizens ask before booking. Verified facts, current for 2026, written by Licensed Marriage Officer Glenn Ferguson.
Your certified Bahamas marriage certificate, bearing the Registrar General’s official government seal, is all you need as legal proof of marriage. You do not need to register your marriage at the US Embassy after the ceremony. See the full Bahamas wedding legality guide.
Email copies to Glenn before you travel. He reviews every document and advises of any issues before you book flights. This is the single most important preparation step it prevents every problem that causes couples to arrive with paperwork complications. Call +1-(242)-395-8495 to start the process.
An Apostille is generally not required for domestic US use, though some institutions may request one. Glenn can arrange Apostille certification ($120) through the Bahamas Ministry of Foreign Affairs before you leave Nassau easier to arrange while still in the Bahamas than after you return home.
The 24-hour clock starts from the immigration stamp on your passport at Nassau arrival. Glenn schedules the Registrar General’s Office appointment and ceremony to align precisely with your arrival time. Most American couples are married within 48 hours of landing. See the full marriage licence guide.
The Bahamian Notary Public visit takes approximately 5 minutes during your licence appointment at the Registrar General’s Office. No separate appointment is needed. Glenn handles all scheduling as a standard part of every package this is never an extra step for the couple.
This is one of the most common misconceptions among American couples planning a Bahamas wedding. The Embassy registration step does not exist for US citizens your Bahamas government-issued certificate is everything you need when you return home to update your records.
Glenn specialises in cruise ship weddings and coordinates the same-day priority licence, beach ceremony, photography, and certified certificate entirely within your Nassau port window. He provides the exact letter template to request from your cruise line before you sail.
Glenn ensures you leave Nassau with your certified marriage certificate in hand not a promise it will be mailed later. You can begin the name change process the day you return home. See the full US name change checklist above.
The only additional costs are your flights to Nassau and accommodation both of which you would need for a honeymoon anyway. See the full Bahamas wedding cost breakdown and the comparison with destination wedding alternatives.
Most American couples getting married in the Bahamas combine the wedding with their honeymoon in a single trip, effectively making the ceremony cost the only wedding-specific expense they incur. See how the Bahamas compares to Mexico, Jamaica, and a US destination wedding.
For legally binding same-sex marriage, couples from the US would need to marry in a US state or jurisdiction that recognises same-sex marriage, then use the Bahamas for a honeymoon or symbolic celebration. Glenn is happy to create a beautiful ceremonial experience for same-sex couples regardless of legal status.
Everything Else You Need to Plan Your Bahamas Wedding
Bahamas Marriage Licence Guide
Requirements, fees, timeline, priority processing, and 2026 public holidays that affect scheduling.
Read the guide →Elopement Packages from $1,495
Just the two of you on a Bahamas beach. Everything included, licence to certificate.
View packages →Apostille Service
Need your certificate authenticated for international use? Glenn handles the complete Ministry of Foreign Affairs process.
Apostille details →Cruise Ship Weddings
Getting married during a Nassau port stop. Priority processing, all cruise lines, any port schedule.
Cruise wedding guide →Bahamas Wedding Cost Guide
Full cost breakdown Bahamas vs US vs Mexico vs Jamaica. Sample budgets, guest costs, line-item pricing.
Compare costs →Is a Bahamas Wedding Legal?
Country-by-country legal recognition, what makes a wedding legally binding, and Apostille requirements.
Legality guide →All 2026 Wedding Packages
Compare all packages from $375 vow renewals to $11,995 luxury celebrations. Every package includes Glenn as your licensed officiant.
View all packages →Meet Glenn Ferguson
Full profile, credentials, 82+ verified reviews, and the story of 24+ years performing weddings across 7 Bahamas islands.
Read Glenn’s profile →
Get Married in the Bahamas with Glenn Ferguson
One call. One person. Document verification before you fly, marriage licence, ceremony, flowers, witnesses, and your certified certificate in hand before you leave Nassau. Recognised in all 50 US states.
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