Australians Getting Married
in the Bahamas
Legal Across All States. From $1,495.
Valid Australian passport. Full birth certificate. 24 hours in the Bahamas. No blood test. No notice period. Glenn Ferguson handles the licence, ceremony, and Apostille. Recognised across all Australian states and territories under the Marriage Act 1961.
Licensed Bahamas Marriage Officer · WPIC-Certified Wedding Planner · 24+ Years · 5.0 Rating · 82+ Google Reviews
Yes. Australian citizens need only a valid Australian passport, full birth certificate, 24 hours in the Bahamas, and a $120 USD government marriage licence. No blood test, no notice period, no waiting. Under the Marriage Act 1961 (Cth), marriages legally performed overseas are recognised across all Australian states and territories. Glenn Ferguson — Licensed Bahamas Marriage Officer and WPIC-Certified Wedding Planner with 24+ years — handles every step: document verification before you fly, marriage licence, Affidavit of Singlehood through a Bahamian Notary Public ($95 USD total), beach ceremony, and Apostille certification if required by your state BDM. Elopement packages from $1,495 USD (~$2,300 AUD). WhatsApp: +1-(242)-395-8495.
| Requirement | Detail for Australian Citizens |
|---|---|
| Passport | Valid Australian passport required for both partners |
| Birth certificate | Full (long form) with raised seal — not commemorative or extract |
| Residency requirement | 24 hours physically in the Bahamas before applying |
| Blood test | Not required |
| Notice period | Not required |
| Marriage licence fee | $100 USD + $20 USD certified copy = $120 USD (~$185 AUD) total |
| Affidavit of Singlehood | $95 USD total (~$145 AUD) via Bahamian Notary Public (Glenn arranges) |
| Recognised under | Marriage Act 1961 (Cth) — all states and territories |
| Apostille needed? | May be requested by some state BDM offices for registration |
| Packages from | $1,495 USD (~$2,300 AUD) all-inclusive incl. 10% VAT |
On This Page
Why Australian Couples Choose the Bahamas
The long-haul flight is the only real barrier — and most Australian couples combine the wedding with a US road trip or broader Caribbean holiday. The legal process itself is simpler than almost anywhere else in the world.
Recognised Under the Marriage Act 1961
Under Commonwealth law, a marriage legally performed overseas in accordance with the laws of that country is recognised across all Australian states and territories. No re-marriage, no Australian ceremony required.
Simplest Requirements in the Caribbean
No blood test. No notice period. No attorney. No waiting beyond 24 hours. The Bahamas has among the simplest marriage requirements of any destination, particularly for English-speaking Commonwealth citizens.
Fraction of Australian Wedding Costs
The average Australian wedding costs $36,000 AUD. A complete Bahamas beach elopement with Glenn starts at $1,495 USD (~$2,300 AUD) all-inclusive. Flights and accommodation are the only additions — and you would need those for a honeymoon anyway.
English-Speaking Commonwealth Nation
The Bahamas is an English-speaking Commonwealth country. No language barriers, no translation costs, shared legal heritage. Glenn has worked with couples from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, and Adelaide.
Combine Wedding and US Holiday
Most Australian couples fly into Los Angeles, spend a week on the US West Coast or exploring New York, then connect to Nassau for the wedding and a Caribbean honeymoon. The Bahamas is a natural stop between the US and home.
One Person Handles Everything
Glenn is your planner, officiant, legal guide, and day-of coordinator. He verifies your Australian documents via WhatsApp before you book flights, escorts you to the Registrar General's Office, and ensures you leave Nassau legally married with certificate in hand.
What Australian Citizens Need to Marry in the Bahamas
Send photos of your documents to Glenn via WhatsApp before you travel. He pre-verifies everything and advises of any issues before you book flights. The most common issue for Australian couples is bringing the wrong birth certificate format.
Everyone Must Bring
Valid Australian passport for both partners, not expired. Full birth certificate (long form) with raised seal — not the commemorative certificate, not a birth extract, and not the wallet-size version. The full certificate shows parents' names and registration details. Order from your state BDM if you do not have one. Glenn provides two legal witnesses at no additional charge.
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 part of every package. Cost: $95 USD total for both partners (~$145 AUD). Takes approximately 5 minutes during your licence appointment. No separate preparation needed before you travel.
If Divorced or Widowed
If divorced: Australian Divorce Order (formerly Decree Absolute) with official court seal. This is the document issued by the Family Court confirming the divorce is finalised — not the divorce application or any interim order. If widowed: certified death certificate of your former spouse with an official seal. Glenn checks all documents via WhatsApp before you fly.
The Affidavit of Singlehood for Australian Citizens
Bahamas law requires a sworn Affidavit of Singlehood from unmarried applicants — a declaration that you are legally free to marry. For Australian citizens, Glenn arranges this through a Bahamian Notary Public as a standard part of every package. The total cost is $95 USD (~$145 AUD) for both partners combined. It takes approximately 5 minutes during your marriage licence appointment at the Registrar General's Office.
"The most common issue I see with Australian couples is the birth certificate. Australia has several different birth certificate formats and only the full long-form certificate with your parents' names is accepted at the Registrar General's Office. Send me a photo of your certificate on WhatsApp before you book your flights and I will confirm within the hour whether it will work. That five-minute check prevents every problem."
How Australian Couples Get Married in the Bahamas
Glenn has completed this exact process more than 200 times. Every step is handled from first WhatsApp message to certified marriage certificate.
WhatsApp Glenn and Verify Documents
WhatsApp +1-(242)-395-8495 from anywhere in Australia. Send photos of your passport and birth certificate. Choose your package ($375 to $11,995 USD) and pay your deposit. Glenn responds within hours, pre-verifies every document, and confirms exactly what you need before you book your long-haul flights.
Fly to Nassau via the US
Fly Qantas or Virgin Australia from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, or Perth to Los Angeles, then connect to Nassau via Miami — total journey approximately 20 to 24 hours. Many Australian couples add a US stopover before or after. Your Australian passport is stamped at Nassau immigration — the 24-hour residency clock starts from this stamp.
Apply for Your Marriage Licence
Glenn escorts you personally to the Registrar General's Department. Both partners must be present. Glenn arranges the Affidavit of Singlehood through a Bahamian Notary Public during this visit ($95 USD total).
Priority processing: licence same day. Standard: next day.
Get Married and Leave with Your Certificate
Glenn performs your legal ceremony before sunset at your chosen beach or resort location, as required under the Bahamas Marriage Act. Flowers, witnesses, and transport included in your package. You leave Nassau legally married, certified Bahamas marriage certificate in hand — recognised across all Australian states and territories under the Marriage Act 1961 (Cth). Apostille ($120 USD) is available if required by your state BDM for registration purposes.
Is a Bahamas Marriage Recognised in Australia?
Yes. Under the Marriage Act 1961 (Cth), a marriage legally solemnised in a foreign country in accordance with the laws of that country is recognised as valid in Australia. Your certified Bahamas marriage certificate is sufficient legal proof across all eight states and territories.
"Australian couples sometimes ask whether they need to register the overseas marriage in Australia when they get home. The answer is no — registration with your state BDM is optional, not compulsory. The marriage is legally recognised under Commonwealth law the moment it is performed in the Bahamas. However, if you want an Australian record or if your state BDM requests an Apostille for voluntary registration, I can arrange that before you leave Nassau."
Marriage Act 1961 (Cth)
Section 88D of the Marriage Act 1961 confirms that a marriage solemnised in a foreign country is recognised in Australia if it was valid under the law of that country. A marriage performed by Glenn as a Licensed Bahamas Marriage Officer meets this requirement fully.
Australian Passport Office (DFAT)
Your certified Bahamas marriage certificate is accepted by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade for name changes on your Australian passport. Apply via the DFAT passport office with your Bahamas certificate and current passport. An Apostille may be requested.
State and Territory BDM Offices
You may optionally register your overseas marriage with your state or territory Births, Deaths and Marriages office. Registration is not compulsory for legal recognition. Some BDMs may request an Apostille on your Bahamas certificate for the voluntary registration process.
ATO, Medicare, Services Australia, and Centrelink
Your certified Bahamas marriage certificate is accepted by the Australian Taxation Office for marital status changes, Medicare for updating records, and Services Australia for Centrelink payments that depend on relationship status. Each agency has a slightly different process for accepting foreign marriage certificates.
Flights from Australia to the Bahamas
There are no direct flights from Australia to Nassau. All routes connect through the United States, typically Los Angeles or Miami. Most Australian couples use this as an opportunity to add a US leg to their trip.
Best Routes from Australia to Nassau
Most common: Fly Qantas or Virgin Australia from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, or Perth to Los Angeles (approx. 13 to 16 hours depending on your departure city), then connect to Nassau via Miami or Fort Lauderdale on American Airlines or Spirit (approx. 3 to 4 hours). Total journey time: approximately 20 to 24 hours including layover.
Alternative via the Middle East: Emirates from Melbourne or Sydney to Dubai, then connecting through the US to Nassau. Slightly longer but often well-priced from Eastern Australian cities.
Australian couples typically combine the Bahamas wedding with: A week in Los Angeles, New York, or Miami before or after the ceremony · A Caribbean island-hopping trip from Nassau · A US road trip bookending the Nassau stop.
Glenn recommends booking your Nassau hotel near Cable Beach or in Nassau's Cable Beach corridor for the best access to ceremony locations and the Registrar General's Office.
Australian Name Change Checklist After a Bahamas Wedding
The name change process varies by state and territory. Start with your Australian passport — this is accepted as photo ID at every other agency and makes subsequent changes easier.
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1
Australian Passport (DFAT)
Apply for a new passport via the Australian Passport Office with your certified Bahamas marriage certificate. A name change requires a full new application. Current fee: $362 AUD for adult standard passport. DFAT may request an Apostille on your Bahamas certificate — Glenn can arrange this ($120 USD) before you leave Nassau, or after you return via the Bahamas Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
-
2
State Driver's Licence (Roads Authority)
Update your driver's licence with your state roads authority: Service NSW, VicRoads, Transport and Main Roads QLD, SACA (SA), WAPOL (WA), Tasmania Roads, Access Canberra (ACT), or MVR (NT). Present your Bahamas marriage certificate and current licence. Processing times and fees vary by state.
-
3
Medicare Card (Services Australia)
Update your Medicare card name via myGov, in person at a Services Australia service centre, or by phone. Present your Bahamas marriage certificate. Updated card is mailed within approximately 2 weeks. Free.
-
4
ATO (Tax File Number Records)
Notify the Australian Taxation Office of your name change via myGov or by calling the ATO. Your TFN does not change — only the name on record is updated. Also update your superannuation fund records at this stage.
-
5
Banks, Employer, and Insurance
Visit your Australian bank with your updated passport or driver's licence and Bahamas marriage certificate. Update all accounts, superannuation beneficiary designations, and insurance policies. Notify your employer's HR department for payroll, tax withholding, and benefits. Marriage may affect your Centrelink payments or entitlements — notify Services Australia of your relationship status change.
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6
State BDM Registration (Optional)
You may optionally register your overseas marriage with your state or territory BDM for an Australian record. This is not legally required for recognition but some couples prefer an Australian record. BDM offices that accept overseas marriage registrations may request an Apostille — Glenn arranges this as part of the Romance package and above, or as an add-on ($120 USD).
How Much Does It Cost for Australians to Get Married in the Bahamas?
All prices in USD (Bahamian dollar pegged 1:1 to USD). AUD equivalents at approximately 1.55 AUD per USD — check current rates before travelling. Government fees are paid separately at the Registrar General's Office.
| Item | Cost (USD) | Cost (approx. AUD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marriage licence | $100 | ~$155 | Government fee, paid at Registrar General's Office |
| Certified marriage certificate | $20 | ~$31 | Included in $120 total; extra copies $20 USD each |
| Affidavit of Singlehood (Notary) | $95 | ~$147 | Total for both partners; Glenn arranges |
| Apostille (if needed) | $120 | ~$186 | May be needed for DFAT passport application or BDM registration |
| Glenn's packages from | $1,495 | ~$2,317 | All-inclusive: officiant, flowers, witnesses, transport, certificate |
| All package prices include 10% Bahamas VAT. Average Australian wedding: $36,000 AUD. Complete Bahamas elopement from $1,495 USD (~$2,317 AUD). | |||
"The long-haul flight from Australia is the main cost Australian couples need to plan for — but most are already travelling to the US for holidays and just adding Nassau as a stop. The actual wedding cost is modest: the government fees total $215 USD and my packages start at $1,495 USD. You can have a legal beach wedding in the Bahamas for less than the average Australian wedding caterer's deposit."
Glenn's Packages for Australian Couples — $1,495 to $11,995 USD
Every package includes Glenn Ferguson as your Licensed Marriage Officer, 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
- Escort to Registrar General's Office
- Affidavit of Singlehood arranged ($95 USD total)
- Tropical bridal bouquet & boutonniere
- Two legal witnesses provided
- Roundtrip transportation
- Certified marriage certificate
- Apostille available as add-on (+$120 USD)
- Everything in Sweet Beginning
- 1-hour professional photography
- All edited digital photos delivered
- Limousine transportation (up to 6 guests)
- Enhanced floral arrangements
- Apostille included
- Everything in Sweet Beginning
- 1-hour professional photography
- All edited digital photos delivered
- Coach transportation (up to 25 guests)
- Beach ceremony setup
- Apostille available as add-on
Full wedding packages from $3,995 USD (~$6,192 AUD) for larger celebrations. 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, and BREA-Licensed Real Estate Agent. He knows the exact documents Australian citizens need, understands the Marriage Act 1961 (Cth) recognition framework, and handles everything from the Bahamian Notary Public for the Affidavit of Singlehood through to the Apostille if your state BDM requires one.
WhatsApp works perfectly from Australia. Glenn reviews your documents the same day you send them and confirms everything before you book your long-haul flights.
What 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. 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."
Ready to Get Married in the Bahamas?
Glenn confirms availability within hours and verifies your Australian documents before you book flights. Packages from $1,495 USD (~$2,317 AUD). Recognised under the Marriage Act 1961 (Cth).
Australians Getting Married in the Bahamas — 13 Answers for 2026
Every question Australian couples ask before booking. Verified facts, current for 2026.
Glenn is a Licensed Bahamas Marriage Officer authorised by the Government of the Bahamas. The ceremony is fully legal and the resulting certificate is your proof of marriage under both Bahamian and Australian law. See the full Bahamas wedding legality guide.
No Australian registration is required for the marriage to be legally recognised. You may optionally register the overseas marriage with your state or territory BDM for an Australian record. Some BDMs may request an Apostille on your Bahamas certificate for voluntary registration. Glenn can arrange the Apostille ($120 USD) before you leave Nassau.
Send photos to Glenn via WhatsApp before booking flights. He reviews every document and advises within hours. The most common issue is the wrong birth certificate format — easily fixed before you travel.
You can order a full birth certificate from your state BDM: NSW BDM, VicRoads BDM, Queensland Registry, SA BDM, WA BDM, Tasmanian BDM, ACT BDM, or NT BDM. Processing times vary from a few days to a few weeks. Glenn recommends ordering early.
The 24-hour clock starts from your immigration stamp at Nassau arrival. Glenn schedules the Registrar General's Office appointment to align with your arrival time. See the full marriage licence guide.
Most Australian couples add a US leg to their trip — a week in Los Angeles, New York, or Miami before or after the wedding. This makes the long-haul flight worthwhile as part of a broader US and Caribbean holiday.
Average Australian wedding cost: $36,000 AUD. A complete Bahamas beach elopement for under $2,700 AUD total (including government fees) is one of the most affordable legal wedding options available to Australian couples. See the full Bahamas wedding cost guide.
Glenn ensures you leave Nassau with your certified certificate. The Apostille is included in the Romance package and above, or available as an add-on ($120 USD) to Sweet Beginning. See the full Australian name change checklist above.
Glenn is a Licensed Bahamas Marriage Officer and WPIC-Certified Wedding Planner with 24+ years of experience. He reviews your Australian documents via WhatsApp before you book your long-haul flights, handles every step through to your certified marriage certificate, and arranges the Apostille if required by your state BDM. Visit his full profile or read all 82+ verified reviews.
Everything Else You Need to Plan Your Bahamas Wedding
Apostille Service
The Bahamas Apostille may be needed for your Australian passport name change and optional BDM registration. Glenn handles it in Nassau.
Apostille details →Elopement from $1,495 USD
Just the two of you on a Bahamas beach. Licence to certificate, all-inclusive from ~$2,317 AUD.
View packages →Bahamas Marriage Licence
Requirements, fees, timeline, and priority processing. $120 USD total government fee.
Read the guide →Bahamas Wedding Cost Guide
Complete cost breakdown in USD. All packages, government fees, add-ons, and hidden cost warnings.
Compare costs →Is a Bahamas Wedding Legal?
Country-by-country legal recognition including Australia under the Marriage Act 1961 (Cth).
Legality guide →Cruise Ship Weddings
Getting married during a Nassau port stop. All cruise lines, priority processing within your port window.
Cruise wedding guide →All 2026 Wedding Packages
Compare all packages from $375 USD vow renewals to $11,995 USD luxury celebrations.
View all packages →Meet Glenn Ferguson
Full profile, credentials, 82+ verified reviews, and 24+ years across 7 Bahamas islands.
Read Glenn's profile →
Get Married in the Bahamas with Glenn Ferguson
WhatsApp from anywhere in Australia. Glenn verifies your documents before you book your long-haul flights, handles everything from licence to Apostille, and ensures you leave Nassau legally married under the Marriage Act 1961 (Cth).
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