Hi, I’m Glenn Ferguson, a WPIC-certified Bahamas wedding planner and licensed Bahamas Marriage Officer with over 20 years of experience helping couples from around the world get legally married in the Bahamas. If you’re dreaming of a destination wedding in paradise, I’m here to give you the inside scoop on everything you need to know on how to get legally married in the Bahamas —including little-known tips that haven’t been published before!

Whether you want a simple beach elopement, a grand luxury wedding, or a private island ceremony, the Bahamas offers stunning options. But before you say “I do,” you need to ensure your marriage is legally recognized. Let’s walk through the process together.

1. Understanding Bahamas Marriage Laws

The Bahamas is one of the easiest places in the world to get legally married. No long waiting periods, no residency requirements beyond 24 hours, and no blood tests!

What Most Couples Don’t Know

🔹 You don’t need a Bahamian residency to get married here. You only need to be in the country 24 hours before applying for your marriage license. This means you can fly in, relax for a day, apply the next morning, and get married the same day or shortly after.

🔹 You can have a completely private wedding. If you’re eloping, I can provide the two witnesses required by law so you don’t need to bring anyone along.

🔹 You don’t have to get married on the same island where you apply for the license. If you're flying into Nassau but want to get married on Exuma, Eleuthera, or The Abacos, we can arrange everything for you!

2. How to Apply for a Bahamas Marriage License

Your Bahamas marriage license is issued by the Registrar General’s Office and is valid for 90 days. Here’s how to apply:

Required Documents

1. Valid passports for both of you
2. Immigration card (you get this when you arrive in the Bahamas)
3. Divorce decree (if applicable)
4. Death certificate & previous marriage certificate (if widowed)
5. Legal name change documents (if applicable)
6. Parental consent (if under 18)

📍 Insider Tip: If you arrive on a weekend or holiday, you can apply for a special arrangement to get your marriage license processed faster. Ask me about this option!

💰 Cost: The Bahamas marriage license fee is $100.00 USD (cash only).

⏳ Processing Time: If all your documents are correct, the marriage license is issued within one hour - using our Priority Bahamas Marriage Application Service.

👉🏽 Want help with your Bahamas marriage license? Ask me about handling your paperwork!

3. Choosing a Licensed Bahamas Marriage Officer

Your wedding ceremony must be performed by a licensed Bahamas Marriage Officer (like myself) to be legally recognized.

💡 Insider Tip: Not all officiants at resorts are licensed Marriage Officers. Many are just resort staff performing symbolic ceremonies. If you want your wedding to be legally binding, I can help ensure your officiant is properly registered.

🚢 Getting Married During a Cruise Stop? No problem! I regularly officiate weddings for cruise ship passengers, even with limited time onshore. Check out our cruise wedding packages for a seamless experience.

4. Holding Your Wedding Ceremony

Once you have your license, you’re free to have your ceremony anywhere in the Bahamas!

🌴 Popular Wedding Locations:

• Nassau & Paradise Island: Beaches, gardens, and historic sites like The Cloisters
• Exuma: Stunning secluded beaches and luxury resorts
• Eleuthera & Harbour Island: Pink sand beaches and intimate island vibes
• The Abacos & Bimini: Romantic and rustic island settings

💡 Insider Tip: You can have your wedding and honeymoon in one trip—many couples get married on one island and then honeymoon on another! Ask me about planning a seamless wedding-to-honeymoon experience.

5. Receiving Your Certified Marriage Certificate

After your wedding, I will file your marriage documents with the Registrar General’s Office.

📜 Your Certified Marriage Certificate will be ready within 2-3 days. We can either deliver it to you before you leave or have it FedEx to you.

✈️ Need it quickly? You can request an expedited copy if you need to show proof of marriage for visa or legal reasons back home.

6. Getting Your Marriage Recognized Internationally

Bahamas marriages are legally recognized worldwide, including in the U.S., Canada, Germany, the EU, and the U.K.

For international use, you may need to get your marriage certificate apostilled by the Bahamas Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

✅ If you’re from the U.S., or Canada, your marriage certificate is usually enough.

✅ Some countries require an Apostille Stamp for verification. If you’re unsure, ask me about getting your marriage certificate apostilled.

7. Special Wedding Considerations

• Symbolic Ceremonies vs. Legal Weddings: Some resorts offer symbolic ceremonies, but these aren’t legally binding. Make sure you book a licensed Bahamas Marriage Officer like myself.
• Same-Sex Marriages: Unfortunately, same-sex marriage is not yet legally recognized in the Bahamas. However, commitment ceremonies are available.
• Religious vs. Civil Weddings: You can have either a religious or civil wedding—whichever fits your vision best!

Ready to Get Married in the Bahamas? Let’s Talk!

I’ve helped thousands of couples plan and legally marry in the Bahamas, and I’d love to help you too! Whether you need assistance with wedding planning, your marriage license, or officiating your ceremony, I’ll make the process easy and stress-free.

💌 Get in touch today! Click here to ask me anything about getting married in the Bahamas.

Looking forward to making your Bahamas wedding dreams come true! 💍🌴

Glenn Ferguson
📍 Licensed Bahamas Marriage Officer | WPIC-Certified Wedding Planner
📧 Contact Me Here