Is a Bahamas Wedding Legal?
Yes. When performed by a Licensed Marriage Officer following the Bahamas Marriage Act, your wedding is legally recognised in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, the European Union, and worldwide. No re-registration required. I've performed 200+ legal ceremonies over 24 years — here's how it works.
Yes, a Bahamas wedding is 100% legally binding and recognised worldwide — including the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and the European Union. The U.S. Department of State confirms that marriages legally performed abroad are valid in the US. The UK and Canada have identical positions. You do not need to re-register your marriage in your home country. Your certified Bahamas marriage certificate is your legal proof of marriage, and an Apostille from the Bahamas Ministry of Foreign Affairs provides additional international authentication under the Hague Convention.
What's in This Guide
- The Short Answer & Who Wrote This
- What Makes a Bahamas Wedding Legally Binding
- Country-by-Country Recognition (US, UK, Canada)
- How to Get Legally Married — Step by Step
- Documents You Need
- The Apostille: International Authentication
- Legal Wedding vs Symbolic Ceremony
- What Couples Say About the Legal Process
- Frequently Asked Questions (13 Answers)
- Ready to Book Your Legal Bahamas Wedding?
Glenn Ferguson
I'm not quoting a legal source — I am one. As a Licensed Marriage Officer under the Bahamas Marriage Act, every ceremony I perform is legally binding and produces a certified marriage certificate recognised worldwide. I've guided 200+ couples through this process from the US, UK, Canada, Scotland, Ireland, Australia, and beyond.
What Makes a Bahamas Wedding Legally Binding
A Bahamas wedding is governed by the Bahamas Marriage Act. Four requirements must be met for your marriage to be legally valid:
Valid Marriage Licence
Issued by the Registrar General's Department in Nassau (or the Administrator's Office on Out Islands). Fee: approximately $120. Valid for 90 days. Both parties must be present to apply and must have been in the Bahamas for at least 24 hours.
Licensed Marriage Officer
The ceremony must be performed by a Licensed Marriage Officer or an authorised minister of religion. Glenn Ferguson holds an active Marriage Officer licence — meaning every ceremony he performs has full legal standing.
Two Witnesses (18+)
At least two witnesses aged 18 or older must be present and sign the marriage register. If you're eloping without guests, Glenn provides witnesses at no additional cost — included in every package.
Sunrise to Sunset
The ceremony must take place between sunrise and sunset. Winter ceremonies must conclude by 5:00 PM; summer ceremonies by 8:00 PM.
Country-by-Country: Is Your Bahamas Marriage Recognised?
United States
The U.S. Department of State confirms: "In general, marriages that are legally performed and valid abroad are also legally valid in the United States." You are not required to report or register your Bahamas marriage with the U.S. Embassy or any federal or state government office.
Your certified Bahamas marriage certificate is accepted for all legal purposes in the United States, including Social Security name changes, passport updates, joint tax filing, Real ID applications, and property ownership. An Apostille provides additional authentication if requested by any agency.
Glenn has performed legal weddings for couples from every US state. See the dedicated Americans Getting Married in the Bahamas guide with state-specific details.
United Kingdom (England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland)
Under UK law, a marriage performed abroad is recognised in England and Wales provided it was legally valid in the country where it took place and both parties had legal capacity to marry. There is no requirement — and no facility — to register a foreign marriage in the UK.
Your Bahamas marriage certificate is your proof of marriage for all purposes in the UK, including HMRC, NHS, pension entitlements, and immigration. The UK government's official position is published on GOV.UK and has been consistently upheld by English courts under the principle of lex loci celebrationis (the law of the place of celebration governs validity).
Glenn has performed legal weddings for couples from England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. See the British Citizens Getting Married in the Bahamas guide.
Canada
The Government of Canada states: "Marriages that are legally performed in a foreign country are usually valid in Canada, and you do not need to register them in Canada." Your marriage must comply with both Bahamas law and Canada's federal Civil Marriage Act.
Your Bahamas marriage certificate is accepted by the CRA, immigration authorities, provincial vital statistics offices, and all legal institutions. No re-registration process exists or is required.
Glenn has performed legal weddings for couples from Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta, Quebec, and across Canada. See the Canadians Getting Married in the Bahamas guide.
Have a Legal Question?
Glenn has handled every nationality and every situation — divorced couples, widowed partners, dual citizens, cruise ship arrivals. Peak season dates book 6-9 months ahead.
How to Get Legally Married in the Bahamas — Step by Step
Glenn handles every step so you can focus on your wedding, not paperwork.
Prepare Documents at Home
Glenn sends you a checklist after booking. You'll need passports, affidavits of singlehood, and any applicable divorce or death certificates. Glenn reviews everything before you travel.
Arrive & Meet Residency
You must be in the Bahamas for 24 hours before applying for your licence. Arrive, settle in, and enjoy your first evening. Your immigration stamp is your proof of arrival.
Apply for Marriage Licence
Glenn personally escorts you to the Registrar General's Office (Nassau) or Administrator's Office (Out Islands). He prepares all paperwork in advance. The licence is issued the same day — approximately $120, included in all packages.
Say "I Do"
Glenn performs your legal ceremony as a Licensed Marriage Officer, between sunrise and sunset, with two witnesses present. Your vows, your beach, your way.
Receive Marriage Certificate
You, your spouse, the witnesses, and Glenn sign the marriage register. Glenn obtains your certified marriage certificate from the Registrar General's Department. One certified copy is included in every package.
Apostille (Optional)
For international authentication, Glenn submits your certificate to the Bahamas Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Standard: $120 (4 business days). Expedited: $270 (1 business day). Learn more about the Apostille.
For the complete planning timeline, see the Bahamas Wedding Planning Checklist — a 52-task interactive guide from booking to honeymoon.
Documents You Need
The document requirements depend on your marital history. Here's the complete list — Glenn prepares and reviews everything before you travel.
Valid Passport (Both Parties)
Must be current and valid. Your immigration stamp serves as proof of 24-hour residency. Non-US/UK/Canadian citizens should also carry their immigration card.
Affidavit of Singlehood
A sworn declaration that you are free to marry, notarised in your home country or by a Bahamian notary. Cost: $95 each. Included in all Glenn's packages. US citizens can also swear this at the American Embassy in Nassau ($55).
Divorce Decree (If Previously Married)
Original or certified copy of your final divorce decree with a raised or coloured seal. Must be the final decree — not the filing or petition.
Death Certificate (If Widowed)
Original or certified copy of the deceased spouse's death certificate. Foreign-language certificates must include a certified English translation.
Parental Consent (If Under 18)
An affidavit of parental consent, available from the Registrar General's Office. The legal age of marriage in the Bahamas is 18 without parental consent.
That's it. No blood tests, no birth certificates (your passport is sufficient ID), no waiting period beyond the 24-hour residency rule. The Bahamas is one of the simplest countries in the world for destination weddings — which is part of why over 2,000 couples choose to marry here every year.
For a complete walkthrough, see How to Get Married in the Bahamas Made Simple and the Bahamas Marriage Licence Guide.
The Apostille: International Authentication
The Bahamas is a member of the Hague Apostille Convention (1961), as are the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and over 120 other countries. An Apostille is a certificate from the Bahamas Ministry of Foreign Affairs that authenticates the signature and seal on your marriage certificate — so it's accepted in all member countries without further verification.
Do You Need an Apostille?
Your certified Bahamas marriage certificate is legally valid on its own. However, an Apostille is recommended if you plan to:
Use your certificate for a US Real ID or driver's licence name change, file immigration or visa applications, update your Social Security record, renew or apply for a passport in your married name, present your marriage certificate to any government agency, insurance company, or legal institution that requires authenticated foreign documents.
How Glenn Handles the Apostille
| Detail | Standard | Expedited |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $120 | $270 |
| Processing time | 4 business days | 1 business day |
| Issued by | Bahamas Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Nassau | |
| Delivery | Tracked international courier to your home address | |
| Glenn handles everything? | Yes — certified copy, MOFA submission, courier | |
For the full Apostille guide, see Bahamas Marriage Certificate Apostille.
Legal Wedding vs Symbolic Ceremony
Not every Bahamas wedding is a legal wedding. It's important to understand the difference before you book.
| Feature | Legal Wedding | Symbolic Ceremony |
|---|---|---|
| Marriage licence required | Yes | No |
| Licensed Marriage Officer | Required | Any officiant |
| Witnesses required | Yes (2, aged 18+) | Optional |
| Marriage certificate issued | Yes — certified | No |
| Legally binding | Yes — worldwide | No |
| Recognised by governments | US, UK, Canada, EU, all | Not recognised |
| Name change possible | Yes | No |
| 24-hour residency required | Yes | No |
| Ideal for | Couples who want a legal marriage | Already-married couples, vow renewals, same-sex celebrations |
What Couples Say About the Legal Process
"For anyone apprehensive about getting married abroad — don't be. Glenn had all the paperwork completed for our arrival and organized a priority wedding license at the government building before taking us to the beach for the wedding."Stacey & Partner — Scotland
"He picked us up from our hotel and escorted us to get our marriage license. Once we were there, he made it so easy and painless — the whole process took about 20 minutes. He also picked up our license the next day and even met us at the airport to give us our other paperwork."Verified Couple — United States
"Getting married in the Bahamas was a breeze. Glenn Ferguson took care of everything and made the process run as smoothly as possible."Verified Couple — United States
Every Legal Detail — Handled
Peak season dates (December-March) book 6-9 months ahead. Contact Glenn early to secure your preferred date.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bahamas Wedding Legality
Is a Bahamas wedding legal in the United States?
Yes. The U.S. Department of State confirms that marriages legally performed abroad are valid in the US. No registration with any US government office is required. Your certified Bahamas marriage certificate is accepted for Social Security, passports, Real ID, tax filing, and all legal purposes. See the full Americans guide.
Is a Bahamas marriage recognised in the UK?
Yes. UK law recognises foreign marriages that were legally valid where they took place. There is no requirement or facility to register a foreign marriage in England and Wales. Your Bahamas marriage certificate is your legal proof. See the full British citizens guide.
Is a Bahamas wedding legal in Canada?
Yes. The Government of Canada confirms that marriages legally performed abroad are usually valid in Canada and do not need to be registered. Your marriage must comply with the Bahamas Marriage Act and Canada's Civil Marriage Act. See the full Canadians guide.
What makes a Bahamas wedding legally binding?
Four things: (1) a valid Bahamas marriage licence from the Registrar General, (2) a ceremony performed by a Licensed Marriage Officer, (3) two witnesses aged 18+, and (4) the ceremony takes place between sunrise and sunset. Glenn ensures all requirements are met for every wedding.
Do I need to register my Bahamas marriage in my home country?
No. The US, UK, and Canada all confirm that foreign marriages do not require domestic registration if they were legal where performed. Your certified marriage certificate is your proof.
What is an Apostille and do I need one?
An Apostille is an international authentication from the Bahamas Ministry of Foreign Affairs under the Hague Convention. It certifies your marriage certificate is genuine. While not always required, it's recommended for name changes, immigration, Real ID, and passport updates. Standard: $120. Expedited: $270. Glenn handles the entire process.
What documents do I need?
Valid passports for both parties, affidavits of singlehood ($95 each, included in Glenn's packages), and — if applicable — original divorce decree or death certificate. No blood tests or birth certificates required.
What is the difference between a legal wedding and a symbolic ceremony?
A legal wedding follows the Marriage Act, requires a licence and Licensed Marriage Officer, and produces a certified marriage certificate recognised worldwide. A symbolic ceremony is a celebration only — no licence, no certificate, no legal standing. Glenn performs both.
Can same-sex couples get legally married in the Bahamas?
The Bahamas does not currently recognise same-sex marriages. Same-sex couples can have a beautiful symbolic ceremony. Many choose to marry legally at home and celebrate with a symbolic ceremony in the Bahamas. Glenn is happy to plan symbolic ceremonies for all couples.
How long is a Bahamas marriage licence valid?
90 days from the date of issue. This gives couples flexibility to apply in advance. Licence fee: approximately $120, included in all Glenn's packages.
What is a Licensed Marriage Officer?
A person officially authorised by the Bahamas government under the Marriage Act to perform legally binding ceremonies. Not all officiants are Licensed Marriage Officers. Glenn Ferguson holds an active licence — every ceremony he performs is legally valid.
Can I get married on the day I arrive?
No — the Bahamas requires 24 hours of residency before you can apply for a licence. Most couples arrive Day 1, get the licence on Day 2, and marry the same day or the next. Glenn's priority processing keeps it quick.
Who should I contact about getting legally married in the Bahamas?
Call or WhatsApp Licensed Marriage Officer Glenn Ferguson directly at +1-(242)-395-8495. Glenn is a WPIC-certified wedding planner with 24+ years of experience and 200+ legal weddings performed. He provides free consultations and answers every legal question personally. You can also ask Glenn your questions online.
Your Bahamas Wedding Is Legal.
Now Let's Make It Beautiful.
Glenn handles every legal detail — licence, affidavits, witnesses, certificate, Apostille — so you can focus on the moment. 12 packages from $375 to $11,995. Peak season dates fill months ahead.
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