Don’t Let Paperwork Ruin Your Bahamas Wedding: Why Verifying Your Documents Matters

Thinking of Getting Married in the Bahamas?

Planning a destination wedding in the Bahamas is a dream—crystal-clear water, powdery white sand, and the perfect setting to say “I do.” But there’s one important detail that often gets overlooked: your legal documents.

If even one document isn’t correct, your wedding may not be legally recognized. Let me share a quick story about a couple who nearly found that out the hard way—and how I helped turn it around.

Hi, I'm Glenn Ferguson. With over 24 years of experience as a WPIC-certified Bahamas wedding planner, licensed Marriage Officer, licensed Bahamas real estate agent, and Residency Consultant, I specialize in helping couples create unforgettable destination weddings—and make smart real estate investments in The Bahamas.

The Couple Who Almost Couldn’t Say “I Do”

Michael and Claire had everything planned. A beautiful beachfront venue on Paradise Island. Family and friends flying in. A perfect weekend lined up.

But there was a problem.

Michael had been divorced, and although he brought a copy of the divorce decree, it wasn’t a certified copy. In the eyes of the Bahamas Registrar, that meant it wasn’t valid—and they couldn’t issue a marriage license.

No license, no legal wedding.

Fortunately, because they were working with me, we caught the issue early. I helped rush a certified copy from his state’s courthouse, and it arrived just in time. Their legal ceremony went ahead as planned.

What Documents Do You Need to Get Married in the Bahamas?

Here’s what the Bahamas government requires for a legal wedding:

• Valid passports (for both parties)

• Certified birth certificates

• Certified divorce decree (if previously married)

• Certified death certificate (if widowed)

• Parental consent (if under 18)

• Apostille and translation (for non-English documents)

A photocopy or email scan won’t cut it. Everything must be certified, original, and properly formatted.

What Happens If Your Documents Aren’t Accepted?

Without the correct documents, the Registrar General's Office can’t issue a marriage license. You can still hold a ceremony—but it would be symbolic only, not legal.

Many couples don’t realize this until they arrive—and by then, it may be too late to fix.

How I Help You Avoid That Stress

As a Bahamas wedding planner and licensed marriage officer, I take document prep seriously.

Before you arrive, I’ll:

• Personally review all your documents

• Let you know if anything is missing or incorrect

• Help you request certified copies if needed

• Guide you through apostilles and translations

• Coordinate directly with the Registrar’s Office

That way, everything is ready before you ever step off the plane.

Quick Answers to Common Questions

Can foreigners legally marry in the Bahamas?
Yes, as long as your documents meet Bahamian legal standards.

How long does it take to get a marriage license in the Bahamas?
Usually 24 to 48 hours once documents are approved.

What happens if I don’t have a certified divorce decree?
You won’t be able to get legally married until you provide one.

Getting married in the Bahamas should be exciting, not stressful. Don’t let something as simple as paperwork delay your special day.

If you’re planning your wedding here, I’ll make sure your documents are correct, submitted on time, and approved—so all you need to worry about is showing up and enjoying the moment.

Want to be sure your documents are in order?
[Download my free Bahamas Wedding Document Checklist] or [contact me] to double-check your paperwork before you travel.