Canadians Getting Married in the Bahamas
Yes, Canadian citizens can legally marry in the Bahamas — and your marriage is recognised across all provinces and territories. No blood test, no registration required in Canada, marriage licence issued same day. Glenn Ferguson, WPIC-certified planner and licensed Marriage Officer, handles everything from paperwork to ceremony.
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Can Canadians get married in the Bahamas? Absolutely yes. Canadian citizens need a valid passport, 24 hours in the Bahamas, and a $120 USD marriage licence. No blood test, no residency visa, no registration required in Canada. 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. As a WPIC-certified wedding planner and licensed Marriage Officer with 24+ years of experience, I've helped hundreds of Canadian couples marry in the Bahamas — from beach elopements to luxury celebrations at Atlantis and Rosewood Baha Mar. See the full Bahamas wedding legality guide.
What Documents Do Canadian Citizens Need?
The Bahamas has some of the simplest marriage requirements in the Caribbean for Canadian citizens. There is no blood test, no waiting period beyond the 24-hour residency rule, and no requirement to hire a local attorney. Here is exactly what you need to bring from Canada:
Everyone Needs
Valid Canadian passport. Your passport immigration stamp from arrival serves as proof of your 24-hour residency. Two witnesses aged 18+ must sign your licence — Glenn provides witnesses if it's just the two of you.
If Never Married
Affidavit of Singlehood — a sworn declaration that you are not currently married. Can be sworn before a Canadian Solicitor or Commissioner for Oaths before you travel, or completed in the Bahamas before a Notary Public or Justice of the Peace. Glenn arranges this as part of your package.
If Divorced
Original or certified copy of your final divorce decree (Decree Absolute). Must be certified by the court or registry where it was issued. If your decree is not in English, bring a certified English translation (French decrees from Quebec are accepted).
If Widowed
Certified death certificate of your deceased spouse. The certificate should ideally mention the applicant as the surviving spouse. If it does not, you can swear an affidavit in the Bahamas confirming your status.
The Affidavit of Singlehood — What Canadians Need to Know
If you have never been married before, the Bahamas requires a sworn Affidavit of Singlehood. This is simply a legal declaration that you are not currently married and are free to marry. Canadian citizens have three options:
Option 1: Before you travel — Canadian Solicitor or Commissioner for Oaths. You can have the affidavit sworn in Canada before a Solicitor or Commissioner for Oaths. This is convenient if you prefer to have all paperwork completed before arriving.
Option 2: Bahamian Notary Public or Justice of the Peace (Glenn's recommendation). This is the fastest and simplest option. Glenn arranges for a Bahamian Notary Public to complete your affidavit as part of your wedding package — no extra appointments needed, no separate fees. This is included in all of Glenn's wedding packages.
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 embassy or high commission) — consular services may be limited. The full High Commission of Canada responsible for the Bahamas is located in Kingston, Jamaica. Contact the consulate in advance to confirm availability of notarial services.
How Canadians Get Married in the Bahamas — Step by Step
Glenn has guided hundreds of Canadian couples through this process. Here's exactly how it works:
Book Glenn & Choose Your Package
Call +1-(242)-395-8495, WhatsApp Glenn, or book your free consultation. Choose from 12 wedding and elopement packages from $375 to $11,995 USD. Glenn verifies your documents are in order before you fly.
Arrive in the Bahamas
Fly into Nassau — direct flights from Toronto (approx. 4 hours), Montreal, and seasonal service from Calgary, Vancouver, and other Canadian cities. Many Canadian couples also connect through Miami or Fort Lauderdale. Your passport gets stamped at immigration — this stamp is your proof of arrival for the 24-hour residency requirement.
Apply for Your Marriage Licence
The day after arrival, Glenn takes you to the Registrar General's Department to apply. Both partners must be present. Glenn handles the paperwork, the Affidavit of Singlehood, and all declarations. The marriage licence costs $120 USD and includes one certified copy of your marriage certificate. Glenn offers Priority Processing for same-day or next-day approval.
Complete the Affidavit of Singlehood
Glenn arranges a Bahamian Notary Public to complete your Affidavit of Singlehood — included in your package. No separate trip to the Canadian Consulate needed.
Get Married
Once your licence is approved, your ceremony can take place the same day. Beach, resort, garden, yacht — Glenn arranges the venue, photographer, flowers, and everything in your package. As a licensed Marriage Officer, Glenn can officiate your ceremony himself, or arrange a pastor, minister, or other officiant.
Receive Your Certified Marriage Certificate
After your ceremony, your marriage is registered with the Registrar General's Department and you receive a certified Bahamas marriage certificate with the official seal. This document is your legal proof of marriage in Canada — accepted by all provincial and federal agencies.
Update Your Canadian Records
Back home, present your certified Bahamas marriage certificate to update your provincial ID (driver's licence, health card), SIN at Service Canada, Canadian passport, CRA, employer, banks, and insurance. The process varies by province — see the name change checklist below.
Is a Bahamas Marriage Legal in Canada?
Yes — absolutely. The Government of Canada states that marriages legally performed in a foreign country are usually valid in Canada, and you do not need to register them in Canada. Your certified Bahamas marriage certificate is all you need. Read the full Bahamas wedding legality guide for country-by-country details.
Here is where your Bahamas marriage certificate is accepted in Canada:
Provincial Vital Statistics
Your certified Bahamas marriage certificate is accepted by Vital Statistics offices in all provinces and territories. Foreign-issued certificates are valid if issued by a government authority and are in English or French (or accompanied by a certified translation).
Service Canada (SIN)
Present your certified Bahamas marriage certificate to update your Social Insurance Number record. Visit any Service Canada office in person with your certificate and photo ID. Your SIN number doesn't change — only the name associated with it.
Passport Canada
Apply for a new Canadian passport in your married name. Name changes require a full new 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.
CRA, Banks, Employers & Insurance
Your certified Bahamas marriage certificate is accepted by the Canada Revenue Agency for tax filing status changes, all major Canadian banks, employers (for benefits enrolment), and insurance companies (for adding a spouse to your policy).
Your Bahamas marriage is legally recognised across all of Canada. Peak season dates (December–March) fill months ahead.
Book Free Consultation WhatsApp GlennAfter Your Bahamas Wedding — Canadian Name Change Checklist
The name change process in Canada varies by province. In most provinces (except Quebec), you can assume your spouse's surname using your marriage certificate alone — no legal name change application is needed. Start with your provincial service office:
Provincial Driver's Licence & Health Card
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 Registry, etc. Present your certified Bahamas marriage certificate plus current photo ID. Some provinces let you update both licence and health card in a single visit.
Social Insurance Number (SIN)
Visit any Service Canada office in person with your certified Bahamas marriage certificate and photo ID to update your SIN record. Your SIN number doesn't change — only the name associated with it is updated.
Canadian Passport
Apply for a new passport — name changes require a full new application (not a renewal). Fee: $120 CAD (5-year) or $160 CAD (10-year). Your provincial ID must already be updated in your new name before applying. If you have travel booked under your current name, wait until after that trip to update your passport.
Banks & Financial Accounts
Visit your bank in person with your new driver's licence and marriage certificate. Update all accounts, credit cards, and investments. Most Canadian banks accept foreign-issued marriage certificates without issue.
CRA, Employer & Insurance
Notify the CRA of your marital status change for tax purposes — marriage is a qualifying life event. Update your employer's HR records for benefits and tax withholding. Add your spouse to health and life insurance (you typically have 30–60 days). Update professional licences, memberships, and registrations.
Cruise Ship Weddings in Nassau for Canadians
Many Canadian couples sail from US ports such as Miami, Fort Lauderdale, or Port Canaveral on Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Norwegian, and other cruise lines that stop in Nassau. Getting married during a cruise port stop is one of the most popular and affordable options for Canadian couples.
The 24-hour rule: You must be in Bahamian waters for 24 hours before applying for a licence. Most cruise itineraries satisfy this — your ship enters Bahamian waters well before it docks in Nassau. You need a letter from the Ship's Purser or Guest Services confirming the date and time your ship entered Bahamian waters.
Glenn specialises in cruise ship weddings in Nassau and coordinates the entire process around your ship's port schedule. He arranges the licence application, ceremony, photography, and certificate — all within your port time window. Popular options include beach ceremonies near the cruise port and beautiful Nassau waterfront venues.
How Much Does It Cost for Canadians to Get Married in the Bahamas?
Complete cost breakdown — all prices in US dollars (at par with Bahamian dollars). For a full analysis, see How Much Does a Bahamas Wedding Cost? The Bahamas is one of the most affordable destination wedding locations for Canadian couples, especially compared to the average Canadian wedding cost of $30,000–$40,000 CAD.
| Item | Cost (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Marriage licence | $120 | Includes 1 certified marriage certificate |
| Additional certified copies | $20 each | Recommended: get 2–3 extras for name changes |
| Affidavit of Singlehood (Notary) | Included | Glenn arranges as part of your package |
| Apostille (if needed) | $120 | May be required by some Canadian provincial agencies |
| Government fees only | $120 | Licence + 1 certificate — minimum legal cost |
Glenn's Wedding Packages for Canadians
| Package | Starting At (USD) | Includes |
|---|---|---|
| Beach Elopement | $1,495 | Beach venue, officiant, photos, flowers, licence, 2 witnesses |
| Classic Wedding | $2,995 | Full planning, venue, photographer, flowers, cake, licence |
| Luxury Celebration | $11,995 | Premium venue, full coordination, photography, videography, reception |
All packages include Glenn's personal handling of the marriage licence application, Affidavit of Singlehood, and certified certificate. View all 12 packages and pricing. Also see Bahamas vs Mexico vs Jamaica for a destination comparison.
Ready to Plan Your Bahamas Wedding?
Join hundreds of Canadian couples who've married in the Bahamas with Glenn Ferguson.
WPIC-certified planner · Licensed Marriage Officer · 24+ years · 85+ Google Reviews
Peak season dates (December–March) book 6–9 months ahead. Contact Glenn early to secure your preferred date.
Book Free Consultation Call +1-(242)-395-8495Your Guide: Glenn Ferguson
Glenn Ferguson — WPIC-Certified Wedding Planner & Licensed Marriage Officer
With over 24 years of experience, Glenn has helped hundreds of Canadian couples navigate the Bahamas marriage process. As both a licensed Marriage Officer and WPIC-certified planner, he handles every aspect — from verifying your Canadian documents before you fly, to officiating your ceremony, to making sure you leave with your certified marriage certificate in hand.
What Canadian Couples Say
"Glenn made our destination wedding from Toronto completely stress-free. He verified all our documents before we flew down, handled the licence at the Registrar General's office, and arranged a stunning beach ceremony. We had our certified marriage certificate the same day — Service Ontario accepted it without any issues when we got home."
"We got married during our cruise stop in Nassau. Glenn coordinated everything around our port schedule — we were off the ship, married on the beach, had photos taken, and back on the ship with time to spare. He even arranged witnesses since it was just the two of us. Perfect for Canadian couples looking for something different."
"My fiance had been divorced in Quebec and we were worried about the French divorce documents. Glenn reviewed everything before our trip, confirmed the Bahamas would accept them, and the process was seamless. Our Baha Mar wedding was absolutely beautiful — Glenn thought of every detail."
Frequently Asked Questions — Canadians Getting Married in the Bahamas
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