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Age Requirement
Both parties must be at least 18 years old. If under 18, parental consent is required.
Introduction
Getting married is one of life's most important milestones.
The Bahamas offers the perfect backdrop with crystal-clear waters, pristine beaches, and stunning scenery.
Before planning your dream wedding, understanding the legal requirements is essential.
Legal Requirements for Marriage in The Bahamas
The legal requirements for getting married in the Bahamas are straightforward and manageable:
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Marital Status
Both parties must be free to marry (not currently married or in a civil partnership). Previous marriage requires an original or certified copy of the divorce decree or death certificate.
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Mental Capacity
Both parties must be of sound mind and capable of giving consent, understanding the nature of marriage.
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Bahamas Marriage License
A Bahamas marriage license must be obtained before the ceremony. Valid for 90 days from issue date.
License Cost & Validity
Cost: $100 USD
Validity: 3 months (90 days) from issue date
Location: Registrar General's Office in Nassau or satellite offices
Step-by-Step Marriage Process
Follow this comprehensive guide to ensure your Bahamas wedding goes smoothly:
Choose Your Wedding Destination & Venue
The Bahamas consists of over 700 islands. Popular destinations include Nassau, Grand Bahama Island, Eleuthera, and Exuma. Select from hotels, resorts, beaches, or unique locations that suit your vision.
Contact a Licensed Marriage Officer
Engage a licensed Bahamas marriage officer to officiate your ceremony. Glenn Ferguson offers professional services with decades of experience in creating perfect wedding ceremonies.
Obtain Your Marriage License
Required Documents:
- Valid passports
- Birth certificates
- Divorce decree or death certificate (if previously married)
Visit the Registrar General's Office in Nassau or satellite offices. Cost: $100, valid for 90 days.
Plan Your Wedding Ceremony
Work with your licensed marriage officer and wedding planner to design your perfect ceremony. Choose from traditional, modern, beach, garden, or custom wedding styles.
Get Married in Paradise
On your wedding day, your licensed marriage officer performs the ceremony. You'll exchange vows and rings, sign the marriage license, and your marriage becomes legal and internationally recognized.
Why Choose a Bahamas Wedding?
- Stunning natural beauty with pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters
- Year-round tropical climate perfect for outdoor ceremonies
- Straightforward legal requirements and process
- International recognition of marriage certificates
- Professional wedding services available
- Multiple venue options across 700+ islands
- Combination wedding and honeymoon destination
Frequently Asked Questions
A Bahamas marriage license costs $100 USD and is valid for 90 days from the date of issue. This fee is paid directly to the Registrar General's Office when you submit your application.
Note: Some sources may list different amounts, but the current official fee is $100 USD as of 2025.
Required documents include:
- Valid passports for both parties
- Original or certified birth certificates
- If previously married: original divorce decree or death certificate of former spouse
- Completed marriage license application
All documents must be original or certified copies. Photocopies are not accepted.
Both parties must be at least 18 years old. If either party is under 18, written parental consent is required along with additional documentation.
Minors under 18 will also need to provide proof of parental consent and may require additional legal documentation depending on their country of origin.
A Bahamas marriage license is valid for 3 months (90 days) from the date of issue. The wedding ceremony must take place within this timeframe, or you will need to apply for a new license.
We recommend scheduling your ceremony well within this period to avoid any complications.
Yes, marriages performed in the Bahamas are legally recognized worldwide in most countries, including the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, and European Union nations.
However, we always recommend verifying with your home country's embassy or consulate for any specific requirements or additional documentation needed for recognition.
We recommend planning at least 3-6 months in advance to secure your preferred date, venue, and obtain all necessary documentation.
Peak season considerations: December through April is peak season and may require booking 6-12 months in advance for popular venues and dates.
However, with our streamlined process, we can accommodate weddings with as little as 2-3 weeks notice for simpler ceremonies.
Yes, you need at least two witnesses who are 18 years or older to sign your marriage certificate during the ceremony.
If you don't have witnesses available, Glenn Ferguson can arrange witnesses for you as part of his wedding services. The witnesses must be present during the ceremony and provide valid identification.
While all beaches in the Bahamas are technically public, some locations may require special permits or permissions, especially those adjacent to hotels and resorts.
Glenn Ferguson can help you navigate these requirements and recommend the best beach locations that offer both beauty and accessibility for your ceremony. Some popular options include Cable Beach, Paradise Island, and secluded coves throughout the islands.
Contact Information
Get Started Today
Phone: (242) 395-8495
WhatsApp: Available for international clients
Experience: 20+ years as licensed marriage officer
Location: Nassau, New Providence, Bahamas
Available for weddings throughout all Bahamian islands including Nassau, Paradise Island, Grand Bahama, Eleuthera, Exuma, and more.
