Can You Get Married in the Bahamas? [Complete 2025 Guide]

Last Updated: March 23, 2025, by Glenn Ferguson, WPIC Certified Wedding Planner & Licensed Bahamas Marriage Officer

Yes, you can get married in the Bahamas as a non-resident or tourist. As a WPIC Certified Bahamas Wedding Planner and Licensed Bahamas Marriage Officer with 24 years of experience planning luxury weddings in the Bahamas, I'm here to guide you through every step of the process.

My name is Glenn Ferguson, and I've helped hundreds of couples tie the knot here on the islands. With blue waters and white sand beaches just steps away, the Bahamas makes for one of the best places anywhere to say "I do."

Quick Answer: You can get married in the Bahamas as a tourist. You'll need to be here for 24 hours first, get a Bahamas marriage license for $100.00, and bring your passports and proof you're here legally.

Can You Get Married in the Bahamas as a Tourist? The Legal Answer

Yes, international visitors can legally marry in the Bahamas without citizenship or residency. Having officiated hundreds of weddings for international couples, I can confirm the process is straightforward:

Have questions about what you'll need to get married here? Give me a call at 1-(242)-395-8495 and I'll walk you through it step by step.

Required Documents: Can You Get Married in the Bahamas Without Extensive Paperwork?

In my 24 years as a Bahamas wedding planner, I've guided couples through the documentation process countless times. The requirements are actually quite simple:

Essential Documentation Checklist

1. Valid passports for both partners
   • Must be current and not expired
   • Should have at least 6 months of validity remaining
2. Proof of arrival in the Bahamas
   • Immigration landing cards
   • Passport entry stamps
   • Must prove 24-hour presence before application
3. Evidence of marital status
   • For first-time marriages: Affidavit of Single-hood stating never previously married
   • For divorced individuals: Original or certified copy of final divorce decree
   • For widowed individuals: Original death certificate of deceased spouse
   • All documents in foreign languages must have certified English translations
4. Completed Bahamas Marriage License Application
   • Available online Here
   • Must be signed by both parties in person

Step-by-Step: How to Apply for a Bahamas Marriage License

After helping hundreds of couples navigate this process, I've perfected these steps and our Priority Bahamas Marriage License Application Service simplifies the process:

1. Arrive in the Bahamas
   • Both partners must be physically present
   • Begin a 24-hour waiting period upon arrival
2. Visit the appropriate government office
   • In Nassau: Registrar General's Department on Shirley Street 
   • In Grand Bahama: Registrar's Office in the Administrator's Complex
   • In other islands: the Local Administrator's Office
   • Office hours: Monday-Friday, 9:30 AM-4:00 PM
3. Submit your application with all required documents
   • Both partners must appear together
   • Bring original documents and photocopies
   • Have a government-issued photo ID in addition to passports
4. Pay the USD 100.00  Bahamas Marriage License Application fee
   • Accepted payment methods: cash, Visa, or MasterCard
5. Receive your marriage license
   • Standard processing: same day if submitted before 2:00 PM
   • Valid for ceremonies anywhere in the Bahamas
   • Must be used within 90 days

Timeline: Can You Get Married in the Bahamas on Short Notice?

I've arranged weddings with as little as 72 hours' notice, though I generally recommend more planning time. Here's a typical timeline:

Popular Wedding Locations: Where Can You Get Married in the Bahamas?

Over my 24-year career planning Bahamas weddings, I've organized ceremonies across dozens of locations. Here are my top recommendations:

Nassau & Paradise Island Wedding Venues

• Atlantis Resort, Paradise Island
  • Ocean's Edge venue with panoramic water views
  • Royal Deck overlooking Nassau Harbor
  • The Cove beach for intimate ceremonies
  • I've planned over tens of weddings at this iconic location
• Sandals Royal Bahamian
  • Over-the-Water Chapel with glass floor panels
  • European Village garden setting
  • Colonial-style manor house
  • All-inclusive simplifies guest arrangements
• Rosewood Baha Mar
  • Exclusive beachfront estate setting
  • Private beach cabanas
  • Luxury ballrooms for receptions
  • Exceptional for high-end luxury weddings
• Blue Lagoon Island
  • Private island experience
  • Dolphin Encounter enhancements available
  • Natural beach setting with coconut palm canopy
  • One of my favorite locations for an authentic island atmosphere

Exuma Wedding Locations

• Sandals Emerald Bay on Great Exuma
  • Greg Norman-designed golf course ceremonies
  • Secluded half-mile beach options
  • I've arranged tens of weddings at this spectacular resort
• Staniel Cay Yacht Club
  • Famous swimming pigs nearby for unique photos
  • Thunderball Grotto for adventurous couples
  • Private island/cay rental options
  • Incredible for intimate destination elopements

Eleuthera & Harbour Island Venues

• Pink Sands Beach, Harbour Island
  • World-famous rosy-hued sand
  • Boutique luxury resorts
  • My clients consistently rave about the unique color of the sand
• The Cove Eleuthera
  • Cliffside ceremonies with panoramic views
  • Private beach settings
  • Point House for elegant receptions
  • Perfect for privacy-seeking couples

Abaco Islands Wedding Settings

• Abaco Beach Resort
  • Marina-view ceremonies
  • Private beach options
  • A hidden gem I recommend for couples seeking authenticity
• Hope Town Harbour Lodge
  • Historic lighthouse backdrop
  • Colonial garden settings
  • Charming setting for history-loving couples

Want to know which venues would work best for what you have in mind? ASK ME with a few details about your wedding and I'll suggest some great spots.

Wedding Costs: Can You Get Married in the Bahamas on a Budget?

Having planned everything from simple elopements to multi-day luxury affairs, I can guide you through the costs:

Essential Costs

• Legal Fees:
  • Marriage License: USD 100.00
  • Certified Copies: USD 20.00 each
• Ceremony Costs:
  • My Marriage Officer Services: Let's Talk
  • Other Officiants: $150-USD 400 depending on location and customization
  • Church Ceremonies: $300-USD 1,000 (varies by denomination)

Package Options

Island Nuptial Bahamas Wedding Packages

Cost-Saving Strategies

After planning hundreds of weddings, I've developed these insider tips:

• Book midweek ceremonies (Monday-Thursday) for 15-30% savings
• Travel during shoulder season (May, November) for better rates while maintaining good weather
• Choose morning ceremonies (typically 15% less expensive than sunset slots)
• Select all-inclusive resorts for bundled value
• Combine wedding and honeymoon for package discounts

Ceremony Types: What Wedding Styles Can You Have in the Bahamas?

As both a certified planner and licensed Bahamas marriage officer, I've performed ceremonies in numerous styles:

Civil Ceremonies

• I personally officiate these ceremonies with legal standing
• Customizable vows and ceremonies
• The most efficient and straightforward option for visitors
• Can include cultural elements and personal touches

Religious Ceremonies

• Anglican/Episcopal: I can arrange with historic churches on most islands
• Catholic: Requires parish priest coordination 3+ months in advance
• Baptist/Methodist: Available through my connections with local ministers
• Jewish: Limited rabbinical services; I arrange these with advance notice
• Hindu/Muslim/Other: I've coordinated numerous multi-cultural ceremonies

Symbolic Ceremonies

• Perfect for couples already legally married at home
• No legal requirements or paperwork
• Complete creative freedom with ceremony structure
• I've created many meaningful symbolic ceremonies for already-married couples

Unique Bahamas Wedding Experiences

• Underwater ceremonies for certified divers (I arrange these with special underwater officiants)
• Sunset catamaran wedding cruises
• Private island ceremonies on secluded cays
• Swimming pigs as wedding guests in Exuma
• Lighthouse backdrop ceremonies in Abaco

Weather Considerations for Your Bahamas Wedding

Having planned weddings year-round for 24 years, here's my insider knowledge on Bahamas weather: 

Best Times: When Can You Get Married in the Bahamas?

Based on my 24 years of experience:

• Most Popular Months: February, March, April
• Best Value Months: May, November
• Best Weather: January-April
• Most Available Vendors: September-October
• Recommended Booking Lead Time: 6-12 months

Frequently Asked Questions: Common Queries About Bahamas Weddings

After hundreds of consultations, here are the questions I'm most commonly asked about getting married in the Bahamas:

1. Can you get married in the Bahamas without a ceremony?

• No, Bahamian law requires a physical ceremony with both partners present, an authorized officiant like myself, and two witnesses over the age of 18.

2. Can you get married in the Bahamas on a cruise?

• Yes, with specific conditions. If your ship is docked in Bahamian waters, you need a Bahamian marriage license obtained during a port stay of sufficient duration (minimum 24 hours in the country before application). I frequently coordinate with cruise ships for these arrangements.

3. How quickly can you get married in the Bahamas after arriving?

• The absolute minimum timeframe is 48 hours: 24 hours in-country before applying for the license, plus time for processing. I typically recommend at least 3 days from arrival to ceremony for a stress-free experience.

4. Can you get married in the Bahamas if previously married?

• Yes, and I've officiated hundreds of second marriages. You'll need proper documentation showing the legal termination of prior marriages (divorce decree or death certificate).

5. What is the age requirement to get married in the Bahamas?

• The legal age for marriage without parental consent is 18. Individuals 16-17 years old can marry with written parental/guardian consent that has been notarized.

6. Can same-sex couples get married in the Bahamas?

• No, currently the Bahamas does not legally recognize same-sex marriages. I can arrange symbolic ceremonies for same-sex couples, but they hold no legal standing in the Bahamas.

7. Can you get married in the Bahamas and make it legal in your home country?

• Yes, the marriages I perform are recognized internationally, including in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, and European Union countries. Some countries may require apostille certification of your marriage certificate.

Got other questions about getting married in the Bahamas? ASK Glenn and I'll get right back to you.

Client Stories: Real Couples, Real Weddings

I've been doing this for 24 years now, and the stories from my couples are what keep me going:

"Glenn made everything so easy. He handled the paperwork, found us this amazing little beach that wasn't crowded at all, and just took care of us. Our friends still bring up our wedding when we get together." — Sarah & James from Chicago

"I was a wreck trying to plan from Toronto. Glenn was so patient with all my questions and calls. When we got there, everything was exactly how we wanted it." — Melissa & David from Toronto

"We had to change our dates twice because of family emergencies. Glenn never made us feel bad about it and worked around our new dates. That beach with the pink sand was worth the wait!" — Rebecca & Michael from London

Why I Love Planning Bahamas Weddings

Even after all these years and hundreds of weddings, I still get excited about helping couples get married here. The Bahamas has a lot going for it:

• It's close to the US - just a 50-minute flight from Miami
• We speak English, so there's no language barrier to worry about
• You can fly direct from most major cities
• We've got over 700 islands, so I can find you spots most tourists never see
• Great hotels at every price point
• I know all the best photographers, florists, and musicians
• The legal process is straightforward, especially with me helping
• The beaches and water here really are as nice as they look in photos
• Plenty for your guests to do before and after the wedding
• Everyone's happy to get an invitation to a Bahamas wedding!

My Wedding Planning Services

I wear two hats here - I'm both a certified Bahamas wedding planner and a licensed marriage officer (which means I can legally perform your ceremony). That makes things easier for you since you're dealing with one person for both your planning and the ceremony itself.

I take care of:

• Getting all your paperwork in order
• Finding the right venue (including places you won't find online)
• Bringing in the best photographers, florists, and musicians
• Booking rooms for your guests at good rates
• Airport pickups and getting around the islands
• Welcome dinners, activities for your guests
• Reception planning, from simple to elaborate
• Connecting you with great honeymoon options

Book Your Bahamas Wedding With Me

Now that you know you can definitely get married in the Bahamas, let me help you make it happen without all the stress.

I've been doing this for 24 years and have helped hundreds of couples. I know the ins and outs of getting married here, and I can handle both your planning and perform your ceremony.

Let's talk about what you're looking for:

📞 Call or text: 1-(242)-395-8495

ASK Glenn

 💬 Chat: Click below and we can talk right away

[Let's Talk About Your Wedding]

Bahamas Wedding Checklist

Here's a simple checklist to keep you on track:

✓ 6-12 Months Before:

• Pick your date and which island you want
• Book your venue and rooms
• Get in touch with me
• Start collecting your documents

✓ 3-6 Months Before:

• Book your flights
• Choose a photographer
• Figure out what you'll wear (it's hot here!)
• Let your guests know the date

✓ 1-3 Months Before:

• Finalize your guest list and send invitations
• Double-check all your bookings
• Plan any welcome events for your guests
• Figure out how you'll get around when you're here

✓ 2-4 Weeks Before:

• Make sure all your documents are in order
• Confirm your travel plans
• Make a schedule for your wedding day
• Pack your wedding clothes in your carry-on (never check them!)

✓ When You Get Here:

• Relax for a day (that's the law!)
• Go to the office for your marriage license
• Meet with me to go over last-minute details
• Enjoy your wedding day!

This info is current as of March 2025. Requirements sometimes change, so it's always good to ASK Glenn before finalizing your plans.

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