Ask Glenn Ferguson
Your Bahamas Wedding Planner
and Licensed Officiant

Yes, and it is one of the easiest places in the world to do it. Foreigners can legally marry in The Bahamas and the marriage is recognised worldwide - including in the United States, Canada, the UK, and EU nations. Both of you must be in The Bahamas for at least 24 hours before applying for the marriage licence. The ceremony must be performed by a Licensed Bahamas Marriage Officer - that is me. Over 2,000 destination weddings take place here every year.

The documents you need are: valid passport for each of you; birth certificate for each of you; and proof of arrival in The Bahamas (immigration card or passport entry stamp). If you have never been married before, you will need a single status affidavit - I arrange this for you here in The Bahamas at a cost of $95 per person. There is no need to notarise anything before you leave home. If either of you was previously divorced, bring a certified copy of the final divorce decree. If widowed, bring a certified death certificate. Any non-English documents must be translated, certified, and notarised. I review every document set with you before the licence appointment so there are no surprises.

The Bahamas marriage licence fee is $100 USD plus $20 for a certified certificate copy, totalling $120 USD, paid directly to the Registrar General. This government fee is paid separately and is not included in my package prices. The licence is valid for 90 days. If you need an Apostille for international use of your certificate, this is $120 USD through the Bahamas Ministry of Foreign Affairs - I handle this as part of my service and arrange worldwide courier.

The minimum timeline is two days. Arrive day one. Apply for the licence the following day after the required 24-hour residency period. I use a priority concierge process and most couples have their licence within 1 to 2 hours of applying. The ceremony can take place the same day. I have coordinated complete weddings with 48 hours notice for cruise passengers and last-minute elopements. Cruise ship passengers qualify with a letter from the ship's purser confirming 24 hours in Bahamian waters.

No. Your home country's minister or pastor cannot legally marry you in The Bahamas. The ceremony must be performed by a Licensed Bahamas Marriage Officer. However, your pastor or rabbi is very welcome to participate alongside me - they can give readings, blessings, or a homily while I perform the legal portion. This is a common and beautiful arrangement. I perform ceremonies of all faiths, denominations, and styles.

Yes. A legally performed marriage in The Bahamas is recognised in all 50 US states, Canada, the UK, and most countries worldwide. The key requirements are that the ceremony is performed by a Licensed Bahamas Marriage Officer and the Marriage Duplicate Register is filed with the Registrar General - I handle both. For countries requiring additional verification, an Apostille is available through the Bahamas Ministry of Foreign Affairs. I arrange this and courier the certified documents to you anywhere in the world.

Same-sex marriage is not currently legally recognised under Bahamian law. However, same-sex couples can hold a symbolic commitment ceremony which is a beautiful and meaningful celebration of your love and commitment. I perform personalised, heartfelt symbolic ceremonies for same-sex couples at any venue across the islands - on beaches, at resorts, at private villas, and at any location you choose. The symbolic ceremony is not a legal marriage in The Bahamas but can be every bit as meaningful and memorable as any ceremony I perform. WhatsApp me and I will tell you exactly what is possible for your situation.

A certified copy of the marriage certificate is typically available within a few days of the ceremony being filed with the Registrar General. I arrange for this to be ready as quickly as possible and will deliver it to you before you leave The Bahamas when timing allows, or courier it to you anywhere in the world. If you need an Apostille for international recognition, this takes 5 to 7 business days through the Bahamas Ministry of Foreign Affairs - I manage the entire process and use tracked courier delivery.

The Bahamas is a year-round wedding destination. December through April is peak season - cooler temperatures (75 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit), lower humidity, and minimal rain. Popular dates at Atlantis, Baha Mar, and Four Seasons book 6 to 12 months in advance in this period. May through November offers lower package prices, fewer crowds, and more venue availability, though this overlaps with hurricane season (June to November). I build weather contingency plans into every wedding regardless of season. If your date is flexible, WhatsApp me and I will tell you the best available dates for your preferred venue and budget.