Canadians Getting Married
in the Bahamas
Legal in All Provinces. From $1,495.
Valid Canadian passport. 24 hours in the Bahamas. A $120 USD government licence. That is everything you need to be legally married. No blood test. No registration required in Canada. Glenn Ferguson -- the only WPIC-Certified Wedding Planner in the Bahamas -- handles the rest.
Licensed Bahamas Marriage Officer · WPIC-Certified Wedding Planner · 24+ Years · 5.0 Rating · 82+ Google Reviews
Yes -- completely legally. Canadian citizens need only a valid Canadian passport, 24 hours in the Bahamas, and a $120 USD government marriage licence. No blood test, no residency visa, no attorney required. The Government of Canada confirms that marriages legally performed in a foreign country are usually valid in Canada and do not need to be registered. Glenn Ferguson -- Licensed Bahamas Marriage Officer and WPIC-Certified Wedding Planner (certified by the Wedding Planners Institute of Canada) with 24+ years of experience -- handles every step: document verification before you fly, marriage licence, Affidavit of Singlehood through a Bahamian Notary Public ($95 USD total), beach ceremony, flowers, witnesses, and your certified marriage certificate in hand before you leave Nassau. Elopement packages from $1,495 USD all-inclusive. One call: +1-(242)-395-8495.
| Requirement | Detail for Canadian Citizens |
|---|---|
| Passport | Valid Canadian passport required for both partners |
| Residency requirement | 24 hours physically in the Bahamas before applying |
| Blood test | Not required |
| Registration in Canada after | Not required |
| Attorney required | Not required |
| Marriage licence fee | $100 USD + $20 USD certified copy = $120 USD total |
| Affidavit of Singlehood | $95 USD via Bahamian Notary Public (Glenn arranges) |
| Recognised in Canada | All provinces and territories ✓ |
| Quebec name change | Birth name kept for legal purposes (unique to Quebec) |
| Packages from | $1,495 USD all-inclusive (includes 10% Bahamas VAT) |
Why Canadian Couples Choose the Bahamas
Direct flights from Toronto in under 4 hours. Legally recognised across all provinces. Glenn holds the WPIC certification issued by the Canadian body that trains wedding planners across Canada.
Recognised Across All Provinces
The Government of Canada confirms that foreign marriages are usually valid in Canada without registration. Your certified Bahamas certificate is accepted by Service Canada, Passport Canada, provincial Vital Statistics, the CRA, banks, and employers nationwide.
Under 4 Hours From Toronto
Direct flights from Toronto (approx. 4 hours), Montreal, and seasonal service from Calgary and Vancouver. Connect through Miami or Fort Lauderdale from any Canadian city. Wedding and honeymoon in a single trip.
WPIC Certification -- A Canadian Credential
Glenn's WPIC certification is issued by the Wedding Planners Institute of Canada -- the same body that certifies professional wedding planners across Canada. Canadian couples recognise and trust this credential. He is the only WPIC-Certified Wedding Planner based in the Bahamas.
Fraction of Canadian Wedding Costs
The average Canadian wedding costs $30,000 to $40,000 CAD. A complete Bahamas beach elopement with Glenn starts at $1,495 USD 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 post-wedding registration in Canada. Bahamas marriage requirements for Canadians are among the simplest in the region.
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 ensures you leave Nassau with your certificate in hand.
What Documents Do Canadians Need to Get Married in the Bahamas?
Send copies to Glenn before you travel. He pre-verifies everything -- this is the single most important step in preventing problems on arrival.
Everyone Must Bring
Valid Canadian 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.
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. Takes approximately 5 minutes during your licence appointment. Can also be sworn before a Canadian Solicitor or Commissioner for Oaths before you travel.
If Divorced or Widowed
If divorced: original or certified copy of your final divorce decree certified by the issuing court. Must carry an official court seal or stamp. Quebec decrees in French are accepted in the Bahamas. If you were divorced in another language, a certified English translation is required. If widowed: certified death certificate with an official seal.
The Affidavit of Singlehood -- What Canadian Citizens Need to Know
The Affidavit of Singlehood is a sworn legal declaration that you are free to marry. Canadian citizens have three options. Glenn's recommendation is Option 1 -- the simplest and fastest.
Option 1 (Recommended): Bahamian Notary Public. Glenn arranges this as part of your package at no extra charge. It takes approximately 5 minutes during your licence appointment at the Registrar General's Office. Cost: $95 USD total for both partners. No separate appointment needed.
Option 2: Canadian Solicitor or Commissioner for Oaths (before you travel). The affidavit can be sworn in Canada before a Solicitor or Commissioner for Oaths before your trip. Convenient if you prefer all paperwork completed before arriving.
Option 3: Canadian Honorary Consulate in Nassau. Canada has an Honorary Consulate at Shirley Street Plaza in Nassau. Note this is an Honorary Consulate, not a full High Commission -- the High Commission of Canada responsible for the Bahamas is located in Kingston, Jamaica. Contact the Honorary Consulate in advance to confirm whether notarial services are available, as this may vary.
"The most common document issue I see with Canadian couples is the divorce certificate. In some provinces, the Certificate of Divorce and the Divorce Judgement are different documents -- you need the final decree with an official court seal. If you were divorced in Quebec, your decree may be in French, which is accepted in the Bahamas. If you have any doubt about your documents, call me before you book your flights. I review every document personally and it takes five minutes."
How Canadians Get Married in the Bahamas -- 4 Steps
Glenn has completed this exact process more than 200 times. Every step is handled for you from first contact through your certified certificate.
Contact Glenn and Verify Your Documents
Call or WhatsApp +1-(242)-395-8495. Choose your package ($375 to $11,995 USD) 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.
Arrive in Nassau
Fly direct from Toronto (approx. 4 hours), Montreal, or connect through Miami or Fort Lauderdale from any Canadian city. Your passport is stamped at Nassau Lynden Pindling International Airport -- this stamp starts the 24-hour residency clock. 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. Glenn arranges the Affidavit of Singlehood through a Bahamian Notary Public during this visit ($95 USD total).
Priority processing: licence same day. Standard processing: licence 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. You leave Nassau legally married, certified marriage certificate in hand -- recognised across all Canadian provinces and territories. Apostille certification ($120 USD) through the Bahamas Ministry of Foreign Affairs is available if required by any provincial agency.
Is a Bahamas Marriage Legal in Canada?
Yes -- the Government of Canada confirms that marriages legally performed in a foreign country are usually valid in Canada and do not need to be registered. Your certified Bahamas marriage certificate is sufficient proof across all provinces and territories.
"In 24 years I have never had a Canadian couple return to tell me their Bahamas marriage was not recognised at home. The certificate carries the Registrar General's official government seal. Service Canada, provincial Vital Statistics offices, and Passport Canada all accept it. The only time an Apostille may be needed is if a specific provincial agency requests additional authentication of a foreign document -- which is uncommon but possible. I can arrange the Apostille before you leave Nassau if you want to be certain."
Provincial Vital Statistics
Your certified Bahamas marriage certificate is accepted by Vital Statistics offices in all provinces and territories. Foreign-issued certificates are valid when issued by a government authority and are in English or French (Quebec French decrees and certificates are accepted).
Service Canada (SIN)
Visit any Service Canada office in person to update your Social Insurance Number record. Present your certified Bahamas marriage certificate and current photo ID. Your SIN number does not change -- only the name associated with it is updated. No Apostille required for this.
Passport Canada
Name changes require a full new passport application, not a renewal. Fees: $120 CAD (5-year) or $160 CAD (10-year). Your provincial ID must already be updated in your new name before applying for a new passport. If you have travel booked under your current name, wait until after that trip.
CRA, Banks, Employers & Insurance
Your certified Bahamas marriage certificate is accepted by the Canada Revenue Agency for marital status and filing status changes, all major Canadian banks, employers for benefits enrolment, and insurance companies for adding a spouse. Marriage is a qualifying life event -- you typically have 30 to 60 days to update coverage.
Canadian Name Change Checklist After a Bahamas Wedding
The name change process in Canada varies by province. In most provinces, you can assume your spouse's surname using your marriage certificate alone -- no separate legal name change application is needed. Quebec is the exception.
-
1
Provincial Driver's Licence and Health Card -- Start Here
Visit your provincial service office: Service Ontario, ICBC (BC), SAAQ (Quebec), Service Nova Scotia, Access PEI, Service New Brunswick, Manitoba Public Insurance, SGI (Saskatchewan), Alberta Registries, or Service NL. Present your certified Bahamas marriage certificate plus current photo ID. Some provinces allow you to update both your driver's licence and health card in a single visit. Glenn ensures you leave Nassau with your certificate so you can do this the week you return.
-
2
Social Insurance Number (SIN) -- Service Canada
Visit any Service Canada office in person with your certified Bahamas marriage certificate and current photo ID. Your SIN number does not change -- only the name on record is updated. Free. No Apostille required for this step.
-
3
Canadian Passport
A name change requires a full new passport application, not a renewal. Fee: $120 CAD (5-year) or $160 CAD (10-year). Your provincial ID must already reflect your new name before applying. If you have upcoming travel booked under your current name, complete those trips first before updating your passport.
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4
Banks and Financial Accounts
Visit your bank in person with your new driver's licence and Bahamas marriage certificate. Update all accounts, credit cards, investments, and beneficiary designations. Most major Canadian banks accept foreign-issued marriage certificates without issue.
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5
CRA, Employer and Insurance
Notify the CRA of your marital status change for tax purposes -- marriage affects your filing status. Update your employer's HR records for benefits and tax withholding. Add your spouse to health, dental, and life insurance within the qualifying life event window (typically 30 to 60 days from your wedding date).
In Quebec, you generally keep your birth name for all legal purposes after marriage under the Civil Code of Quebec. You may use your spouse's surname socially, but provincial ID and legal documents will remain in your birth name. This is unique to Quebec -- all other provinces and territories permit you to assume your spouse's surname using your marriage certificate.
Getting Married in Nassau During a Cruise Port Stop
Many Canadian couples sail from US ports on Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Norwegian, and Celebrity cruise lines that stop in Nassau. One of the most popular and affordable options for Canadian couples.
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 in Nassau and coordinates the same-day priority licence, beach ceremony, photography, and certified certificate entirely within your Nassau port window. Canadian couples sailing from Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and Port Canaveral are covered.
How Much Does It Cost for Canadians to Get Married in the Bahamas?
All prices in USD. Government fees are paid directly at the Registrar General's Office -- separate from Glenn's package pricing. No hidden charges.
| Item | Cost (USD) | 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; get 2 to 3 extras at $20 each for name changes |
| Affidavit of Singlehood (Bahamian Notary) | $95 | Bahamian Notary | Total for both partners; Glenn arranges as part of your package |
| Apostille (if needed) | $120 | Ministry of Foreign Affairs | May be required by some Canadian provincial agencies; not always needed |
| Glenn's packages from | $1,495 | Island Nuptial | All-inclusive: officiant, flowers, witnesses, transport, certificate |
| All package prices include 10% Bahamas VAT. Average Canadian wedding: $30,000 to $40,000 CAD. Complete Bahamas beach elopement from $1,495 USD. | |||
"There are no hidden fees. The $120 government licence fee and the $95 Notary fee go directly to the Bahamas government -- not to me. I tell every Canadian couple exactly what to bring in US cash or by credit card before the appointment. You will know every cost before you book your flights."
Glenn's Packages for Canadian Couples -- $1,495 to $11,995 USD
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
- Escort to Registrar General's Office
- Affidavit of Singlehood arranged ($95 USD)
- 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 USD. View all 2026 packages →
Glenn Ferguson -- WPIC-Certified, Licensed, and Experienced
Glenn Ferguson has been performing weddings and elopements in the Bahamas for more than 24 years. His WPIC certification is issued by the Wedding Planners Institute of Canada -- the same body that trains and certifies wedding planners across Canada. He is the only WPIC-Certified Wedding Planner based in the Bahamas, and Canadian couples recognise this credential as a mark of professional standards.
He is also a government-licensed Marriage Officer and BREA-Licensed Real Estate Agent -- giving him unmatched knowledge of the islands, the legal system, and the best locations. 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, and ensures you leave Nassau with your certified marriage certificate in hand.
What Canadian 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 your flights. Packages from $1,495 USD all-inclusive. Recognised in all Canadian provinces.
Canadians Getting Married in the Bahamas -- 13 Answers for 2026
Every question Canadian couples ask before booking. Verified facts, current for 2026.
You do not need to register your Bahamas marriage at a Canadian government office after the ceremony. Your certified Bahamas marriage certificate, bearing the Registrar General's official government seal, is your legal proof of marriage in Canada. See the full Bahamas wedding legality guide.
Email copies to Glenn before you travel. He reviews every document and advises before you book flights. Call +1-(242)-395-8495.
An Apostille may occasionally be requested by some provincial agencies when processing a foreign marriage certificate. Glenn can arrange Apostille certification ($120 USD) through the Bahamas Ministry of Foreign Affairs before you leave Nassau -- easier to handle while still in the Bahamas.
The clock starts from your immigration stamp at Nassau arrival. Glenn schedules your Registrar's appointment and ceremony to align with your arrival time. See the full marriage licence guide.
It can also be sworn before a Canadian Solicitor or Commissioner for Oaths before you travel, or at the Canadian Honorary Consulate in Nassau (contact in advance to confirm availability of notarial services). Glenn's Bahamian Notary option is the simplest and is included in every package.
You will need to update your records with your provincial service office, Service Canada, Passport Canada, and the CRA -- but this is not registration of the marriage, it is updating your name and marital status on existing records. See the full Canadian name change checklist above.
Glenn specialises in cruise ship weddings and coordinates same-day priority licence processing, beach ceremony, photography, and your certified certificate entirely within your Nassau port window.
All other Canadian provinces and territories allow you to assume your spouse's surname using your marriage certificate alone, without a separate legal name change application. Quebec-resident Canadians should confirm the current rules with the Directeur de l'etat civil (DEC) before travelling.
Glenn ensures you leave Nassau with your certificate so you can begin immediately on return. See the full Canadian name change checklist above.
The average Canadian wedding costs $30,000 to $40,000 CAD. Flights and accommodation are the only costs beyond Glenn's package. Most Canadian couples combine the wedding with their honeymoon in a single trip. See the full cost breakdown.
Glenn is the only WPIC-Certified Wedding Planner based in the Bahamas -- certified by the Wedding Planners Institute of Canada, the same body that trains wedding professionals across Canada. He is also a Licensed Bahamas Marriage Officer with 24+ years of experience across 7 islands. Visit his full profile or read all verified reviews.
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. Licence to certificate, all-inclusive.
View packages →Apostille Service
Authentication through the Bahamas Ministry of Foreign Affairs. May be needed for some provincial agencies.
Apostille details →Cruise Ship Weddings
Getting married during a Nassau port stop. Priority processing, all cruise lines, any schedule.
Cruise wedding guide →Bahamas Wedding Cost Guide
Full cost breakdown comparing Bahamas vs Canadian wedding costs. Sample budgets and line-item pricing.
Compare costs →Is a Bahamas Wedding Legal?
Country-by-country legal recognition, what makes a wedding legally binding, Apostille requirements.
Legality guide →All 2026 Wedding Packages
Compare all packages from $375 vow renewals to $11,995 luxury celebrations. Glenn officiates every ceremony.
View all packages →Meet Glenn Ferguson
Full profile, WPIC credentials, 82+ verified reviews, and 24+ years 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 Canadian provinces.
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