GETTING MARRIED IN THE BAHAMAS

Call or WhatsApp 1-(242)-395-8495 to Get Legally Married in The Bahamas

Bahamas Bliss: Your Guide to a Dream Wedding in Paradise.

Say 'I do' in tropical paradise! Explore our guide for getting married in the Bahamas – from breathtaking venues to legal essentials.
Call or WhatsApp 1-(242)-395-8495 to Start your journey to a dream destination wedding in the beautiful Bahamas today!

 

Getting Married in Bahamas

Want to know, how to get married in The Bahamas? Well, getting married in The Bahamas is an easy thing to do and you don't have to worry about whether your marriage in The Bahamas is legal, as a legal marriage in The Bahamas is recognized anywhere you happen to live in the world. And we guide you through the simple steps of how to get married in The Bahamas. 

To get married in the Bahamas, you must satisfy a 24 Bahamas residency with proof of arrival in the Bahamas, which you can do with your stamped passport and get a Bahamas marriage license.

And all you need to prove that you got legally married in The Bahamas is your Certified Bahamas marriage certificate. While some countries may require an Apostille, this is very easy to get and can be done in as little as one day.

10 Commonly Asked Questions About
Getting Married in The Bahamas

What You Need to Know to Get Legally Married in The Bahamas

Bahamas Marriage Requirements

 

Marriages in The Bahamas

How to get married in The Bahamas? No matter if your wedding in the Bahamas is a cruise wedding, Beach wedding, or formal wedding, here are the answers to 10 Commonly Asked Questions About Getting Married in The Bahamas including the legal requirements and tips to make your marriage in The Bahamas legal anywhere in the world. 

 

This a must-read before a Bahamas wedding or elopement and if you just want to know about marriages in The Bahamas.

 

While I have answered the most frequently asked questions about getting married in Bahamas, you can ask any questions you may have about a wedding in the Bahamas by using my Ask Glenn page and I will get you the answer.

 

  1. What are the legal requirements for having an elopement or wedding in the Bahamas?
  • Anyone wishing to have a wedding in the Bahamas must first request a Bahamas marriage license from the Registry. A Bahamas marriage license is valid for three months. After a marriage has taken place, a Marriage Duplicate Register (Form No. 9) is sent to the Registry by the Marriage Officer as quickly as possible. From this document, certified Bahamas marriage certificates are issued.
  • The legal age of marriage in the Bahamas is eighteen (18).
  • Both parties must be in The Bahamas at the time of the application.
  • The Bahamas Law states that the couple must be resident in The Bahamas for 24 hours prior to the date of the application. A Bahamian-issued marriage license is valid for 90 days for those seeking early application. You can write Marriages, Registrar General’s Office prior to your arrival at: P.O. Box H-532, Nassau, Bahamas, or fax to 242-323-7908.
  • If either party is a minor (a person under 18 years of age), an affidavit of parental consent is required. Forms of consent may be obtained from the Registrar General’s office.
  • If either party has been divorced, the original final decree or a certified copy (with a raised or colored seal) must be produced. For European residents, the original decree or a certified copy (with a raised or colored seal) must be produced in the native language along with a translated certified or notarized copy in English.
  • If either party is widowed, the death certificate of the deceased spouse must be produced.
  • If either party is unmarried, for a citizen or resident of the U.S.A., a declaration certifying this fact must be sworn before a U.S. Consul at the American Embassy, Nassau, Bahamas, for a fee of $75, a Bahamian Notary Public or Justice of the Peace (JP). (Please note, the U.S. Embassy is closed on American and Bahamian holidays).
  • * If either applicant is Bahamian and aged forty (40) years or older and single, a mandatory search is necessary. A minimum period of two (2) weeks is necessary for the search. A license will be issued after the search is completed. However, this rule does not apply to non-Bahamians getting married in Bahamas.
  • If either party is unmarried and is a citizen or resident of a country other than the U.S.A., a declaration certifying this fact must be sworn before a Notary Public or other person authorized to administer oaths in that country and must accompany the application for the marriage license. The said declaration may also be obtained at a Notary Public or Justice of the Peace (JP) in Nassau.

The parties must produce either:-

  • a valid passport (stamped by The Bahamas Immigration to show the date of entry into the country) or
  • a valid driver’s license (with photo) plus a certified copy of your birth certificate plus a stamped immigration card from Bahamas Immigration (you receive this when you enter The Bahamas).
  • A passport is required for persons who are residents of a Commonwealth country.
  • The parties must produce evidence of the date of their arrival in The Islands Of The Bahamas (i.e., airline ticket, immigration card).

Persons desirous of being married on a Family Island (any island outside of New Providence or Grand Bahama) can obtain the Marriage License at the Commissioner’s Office on that Island and need not come to New Providence or Grand Bahama. Initial inquiries can be made at this office.

 

No blood test is necessary.

  • The fee for a marriage license is $100.00.
  • The Fee for a Certified Copy of the Marriage Certificate is $20.00

NOTE: Marriage licenses are issued at the Marriage Office of the Registrar General located on the 2nd Floor at Shirley House, Fifty (50) Shirley Street in Nassau, which is open to the public Monday to Friday between the hours of 9:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. (Closed on weekends and Bahamian Public Holidays.)

Registrar General

P. O. Box N- 532

Nassau, The Bahamas

Tel: 242-397-9113

Fax: 242-323-7908

 

2. What is the process for securing my Bahamas Marriage License?

  • You have to be on the island for 24 hours before applying for a Bahamas marriage license.
  • You then visit the Marriages Department of the Registrar General’s Office on the 2nd Floor of Shirley House at Fifty (50) Shirley Street to make an application for your Bahamas marriage license.
  • The standard processing time is two-day and requires you to visit the office two times. Your first trip to the registrar’s office is to submit your application with supporting documentation including affidavits. The office will collect your documents and make photocopies of your passport & immigration cards.
  • You will then be required to pay the $100.00 application fee for your Bahamas marriage license (the cashier is located on the next floor). 
  • You may also prepay the $20.00 for a certified copy marriage certificate.
  • You then bring the pink cashier receipt (for the marriage license) to the office personnel who collected your passports.
  • You will then ask to return the next day to pick up your marriage license.
  • You will need affidavits (it is mandatory for anyone who has never been married) to accompany your Bahamas marriage license application. We can provide these affidavits for you, just complete the Information for Affidavit form or Call or WhatsApp 1-242-395-8495
  • You can also speed up the processing of your application by using our convenient Priority Bahamas Marriage License Application Service

 

3. How do I locate the Registrar General’s Office?

  • The Marriage Office of the Registrar General is located 2nd Floor of Shirley House at Fifty (50) Shirley Street in Nassau.
  • Tel: (242) 397-9113
  • You can also speed up the process of your application by using our convenient Priority Bahamas Marriage License Application Service

 

4. What if I arrive for my Bahamas wedding via cruise ship?

  • You need to be in the Bahamas for 24 hours before being eligible to apply for a marriage license for your Bahamas wedding. However, exceptions are made for cruise ship passengers, once you obtain a letter from the ship’s purser, stating when the ship came into Bahamian waters, and you bring your ship ID along with you to the Registrar General’s Office.
  • It is also helpful to write a letter to The Registrar General’s Office, stating your intention to get married in the Bahamas. Include your time of arrival and cruise ship details.
  • You can also speed up the process of your application by using our convenient Priority Bahamas Marriage License Application Service

5. Is it true that you have to get married before sunset in The Bahamas?

  • Yes, this is true. For your marriage in the Bahamas to be valid, it must take place before sunset. If you would like to find out what time the sun will set on your Bahamas wedding day, check here.

6. Would I be able to use my marriage license from my country?

  • No, only a Bahamian marriage license is legally recognized when getting married in the Bahamas. As it is the only document that provides authorization for a wedding in the Bahamas. And after your wedding, you will be issued a certified Bahamas Marriage Certificate, signifying that you were legally married in The Bahamas

7. Will a Bahamian marriage license be legal in my country?

  • Yes, the Bahamas marriage license is a legal document issued by the Bahamas government and is legal in any country in the world. You can also get a certified copy of your marriage certificate. Here is an article on Making Your Wedding In The Bahamas Legal.

8. What if I hire a Bahamas Wedding Planner?

  • You will find that there is a cadre of professional Bahamas wedding planners, including our WPIC, certified, Bahamas Wedding Planners that are available to help you plan your wedding in the Bahamas. 
  • While most wedding planners offer wedding packages inclusive of a wedding minister, our officiant, Glenn Ferguson, can work with any planner you choose. However, the fee paid by your wedding planner may only apply to him performing your wedding ceremony and may not include collaboration on planning your ceremony.
  • You can contact our officiant services in addition to your Bahamas wedding planner, once you let them know that you have secured our services and that you will be paying us directly.

9. Can my pastor, priest, or rabbi perform my wedding ceremony in the Bahamas?

  • No, your pastor, priest, or rabbi will not be able to perform your wedding ceremony in the Bahamas. They may assist in the ceremony but a Licensed Bahamas Marriage Officer will have to handle the signing of the legal documents and will have to declare you as husband and wife at the ceremony.

10. Can I get married on the weekend?

  • Yes, you can get married on any day you choose including Saturday and Sunday, provided you have made an application and received a marriage license. Application for your marriage license can be made during the working days of Monday thru Friday.

Let us know if there are any other questions you have about getting married in the Bahamas and we will help you to make your dream wedding in the Bahamas possible. Simply ASK Glenn

 

 

Getting Married in The Bahamas

Call or WhatsApp 1-(242)-395-8495 to get married on The Bahamas

It may surprise you to learn that getting married in The Bahamas is a really simple process and we have included all the services needed to get legally married in The Bahamas in this one of a kind Priority Bahamas Marriage License Application Service, that removes all the stress and concerns about legally having your wedding in The Bahamas.  So if you are planning an elopement or wedding, call or WhatsApp 1-(242)-395-8495 to let our Bahamas Marriage Laws Specialist and Marriage Officer, Glenn Ferguson help you get married in The Bahamas.

To get married in the Bahamas, you must satisfy a 24 Bahamas residency with proof of arrival in the Bahamas, which you can do with your stamped passport.

Here are some potential questions you could ask about getting married in the Bahamas:

  1. What are the legal requirements for getting married in the Bahamas, and how do I ensure that my marriage will be recognized in my home country?
  2. What are some of the most popular wedding venues in the Bahamas, and what sets them apart from one another?
  3. What are some unique customs or traditions associated with Bahamian weddings, and how can I incorporate these into my own wedding ceremony?
  4. What are some of the challenges that may arise when planning a destination wedding in the Bahamas, and how can I address these?
  5. How can I ensure that my wedding guests have a memorable and enjoyable experience in the Bahamas, and what are some of the must-see attractions on the island?
  6. What are some of the best times of year to get married in the Bahamas, taking into account weather, availability, and costs?

These are just a few possible questions to consider when planning a wedding in the Bahamas. Of course, you may have additional questions based on your personal preferences and needs.  And here are answers for you:

  1. To get married in the Bahamas, you must satisfy a 24 Bahamas residency with proof of arrival in the Bahamas, which you can do with your stamped passport. Provide a passport or birth certificate and a declaration certifying their marital status. Additionally, couples must apply for and obtain a marriage license from the Registrar General's office. After the ceremony, the couple will receive a certified Bahamas Marriage Certificate, which they can use to obtain legal recognition of their marriage in their home country. A wedding planner like Glenn Ferguson, who has experience working with the Registrar General's office and other local vendors, can be an invaluable resource for navigating the legal requirements of getting married in the Bahamas.
  2. There are many beautiful wedding venues in the Bahamas, from beachfront resorts to historic churches. Glenn Ferguson, a wedding planner in the Bahamas, can help couples identify the perfect venue for their wedding based on their budget, guest count, and personal style. Some of the most popular options include the Atlantis Paradise Island Resort, the Sandals Royal Bahamian Resort, and the Graycliff Hotel in Nassau. Each venue has its own unique features and amenities, so it's important to work with a knowledgeable wedding planner like Glenn to select a venue that suits your specific needs and preferences.
  3. Bahamian weddings are often infused with a sense of tradition and culture. Glenn Ferguson, a wedding planner and officiant in the Bahamas, can help couples incorporate local customs and traditions into their wedding ceremony and reception. For example, many couples choose to exchange vows on a beach overlooking the turquoise waters of the Caribbean or incorporate Junkanoo music and dance into their wedding celebrations. Other customs may include traditional Bahamian cuisines, such as conch salad or peas and rice, and incorporating local flowers and foliage into the decor.
  4. Planning a destination wedding can present some unique challenges, such as coordinating travel and accommodations for guests, dealing with language and cultural barriers, and navigating local regulations and customs. Glenn Ferguson, a wedding planner in Nassau, Bahamas, has years of experience working with couples from around the world and can help streamline the planning process to ensure a stress-free and memorable wedding experience. He can help couples arrange transportation, accommodations, and activities for their guests, and can coordinate with local vendors to ensure that everything runs smoothly on the day of the wedding.
  5. The Bahamas is known for its beautiful beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant culture. Glenn Ferguson, a wedding planner in the Bahamas, can help couples plan an unforgettable wedding experience for their guests. Some popular attractions for wedding guests include snorkeling or scuba diving, exploring historic sites like Fort Charlotte or the Queen's Staircase in Nassau, or simply relaxing on the beach with a tropical drink. Glenn can provide recommendations for local activities and excursions based on the couple's interests and budget.
  6. The best time of year to get married in the Bahamas will depend on your individual preferences and needs. Glenn Ferguson, a wedding planner in Nassau, Bahamas, can help couples navigate the different factors that may impact their wedding date, such as weather, availability, and costs. The peak tourist season is from mid-December to mid-April, which can be a great time to enjoy the warm weather and festive atmosphere. However, this can also be a more expensive time to travel and plan a wedding. The off-season, from May to November, may offer more affordable rates and fewer crowds, but you'll need to be prepared for hotter temperatures and the possibility of tropical storms.

Answers to 14 Popular
Bahamas Wedding Questions

Call or WhatsApp 1-(242)-395-8495 with Bahamas Wedding Questions

To get married in the Bahamas, you must satisfy a 24 Bahamas residency with proof of arrival in the Bahamas, which you can do with your stamped passport.

Here are answers to some commonly asked questions about getting married in The Bahamas... 

1. Do We Need a Marriage License to Get Married in The Bahamas?

Yes, you will need to obtain a Bahamian marriage license to get married in The Bahamas. Both the bride and groom must be present to apply for the license.

2. What Documents Do We Need to Apply for a Bahamian Marriage License?

You will need the following documents:

  1. A valid passport.
  2. Original or certified copy of birth certificates.
  3. If either party is divorced, an original or certified copy of the final divorce decree.
  4. If either party is widowed, an original or certified copy of the death certificate of the deceased spouse.
  5. If either party is under 18, written parental consent is required.
  6. Proof of 24 Hour Residency, usually the immigration entry stamp or card.

3. Is There a Residency Requirement to Get Married in The Bahamas?

Yes, there is a 24-hour residency requirement in The Bahamas before you can apply for a marriage license. You'll need to present your arrival date and immigration stamp as proof of residency.

4. How Long Does it Take to Get a Marriage License in The Bahamas?

The marriage license can be issued within 24 hours of the application, provided all required documents are in order and the residency requirement has been met.

5. Can We Have a Religious or Civil Ceremony?

Yes, you can have either a religious or civil ceremony in The Bahamas, depending on your preference. However, persons performing legal wedding ceremonies in The Bahamas must be licensed Bahamas marriage officers or Supervised by a licensed Bahamas Marriage officer.

6. Can We Write Our Own Vows?

Yes, you can write your own vows for your wedding ceremony in The Bahamas. However, it's recommended to consult with the officiant to ensure your vows meet any necessary legal requirements.

7. Do We Need Witnesses for Our Wedding?

Yes, you will need at least two witnesses for your wedding ceremony in The Bahamas, who must be at least 18 years of age. If you don't have friends or family attending the wedding, your wedding planner or officiant can usually provide witnesses.

8. Is Our Marriage Legally Recognized Worldwide?

Yes, as long as you have followed all legal requirements and obtained a Bahamian marriage license, your marriage will be recognized worldwide. It's recommended to obtain a certified copy of your Bahamas marriage certificate for your records and any future legal purposes.

9. Can We Have a Same-Sex Wedding in The Bahamas?

Same-sex marriage is not legally recognized in The Bahamas. However, you can still have a symbolic or commitment ceremony.

10. What is The Best Time of Year to Get Married in The Bahamas?

The Bahamas enjoys warm weather year-round, but the most popular months for weddings are typically from November to April, when the weather is cooler and drier. However, keep in mind that the hurricane season runs from June to November, which may pose a risk to your wedding plans.

11. What are the Legal Requirements for Getting Married in The Bahamas?

To get married in The Bahamas, both parties must be at least 18 years old, not closely related, and not currently married. You'll need to apply for a marriage license from the Registrar General's Office and be in The Bahamas for at least 24 hours before applying.

12. Can We have our wedding on the beach?

Yes, beach weddings are quite popular in The Bahamas. Be sure to check with local authorities for any permits or regulations.

13. Do we need a Bahamas wedding planner?

While not required, a local Bahamas wedding planner can help you navigate the planning process, find the best vendors, and handle any legal requirements.

14. How much does a wedding in The Bahamas cost?

The cost of a wedding in The Bahamas varies greatly depending on factors such as location, number of guests, and the services you choose. It's best to create a budget and research local vendors to determine an accurate estimate.

 

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