Legal Requirements
Essential documents and eligibility requirements for getting married in The Bahamas
What are the legal requirements for having a wedding in the Bahamas?
Required Documents:
- Valid passport or government-issued photo ID
- Proof of citizenship (birth certificate or passport)
- Divorce decree (if previously married)
- Death certificate of former spouse (if widowed)
- Affidavit of Single-hood (if never married)
- Parental consent (if under 18)
Key Requirements:
- Minimum age: 18 years (16-17 with parental consent)
- 24-hour residency requirement in The Bahamas
- Both parties must be present for license application
- Marriage must take place before sunset
- License valid for 90 days
Can I use my marriage license from my home country?
No, you cannot use a foreign marriage license in The Bahamas.
According to Bahamas Marriage Laws, only a Bahamian marriage license issued by the Registrar General's Department is legally recognized for weddings in The Bahamas.
After your wedding, you'll receive a certified Bahamas Marriage Certificate, which is legally recognized worldwide including the US, Canada, and your home country.
Will my Bahamian marriage be legal in my home country?
Yes, absolutely! Your Bahamas marriage is legally recognized worldwide.
The Bahamas Marriage License is issued by the Bahamas government and creates a legal marriage. Your certified Bahamas Marriage Certificate serves as official proof and is accepted in:
- United States
- Canada
- United Kingdom
- European Union countries
- All other countries worldwide
Marriage License Process
Step-by-step guide to obtaining your Bahamas marriage license
How do I get a Bahamas Marriage License?
Standard Process (2 days):
- Day 1: Arrive in The Bahamas and wait 24 hours
- Day 2: Visit Registrar General's Office with all documents
- Submit application and pay $100 fee
- Return next day to collect license
Location: Registrar General's Office
2nd Floor, Shirley House
50 Shirley Street, Nassau
Tel: (242) 397-9113
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Where do I find the Registrar General's Office?
Nassau Location:
Registrar General's Office
2nd Floor, Shirley House
50 Shirley Street, Nassau, Bahamas
Phone: (242) 397-9113
Other Locations:
- Grand Bahama: Available at local office
- Family Islands: Available at Commissioner's Office on each island
Special Situations
Cruise weddings, timing requirements, and weekend ceremonies
Can I get married if I arrive via cruise ship?
Yes! Cruise ship passengers can get married with special provisions.
Required:
- Letter from ship's purser stating when ship entered Bahamian waters
- Ship ID along with passport
- Letter to Registrar General stating intention to marry with ship details
Do I have to get married before sunset in The Bahamas?
Yes, this is true. For your marriage to be legally valid in The Bahamas, the ceremony must take place before sunset.
Check sunset times for your wedding date to plan accordingly. Most couples schedule their ceremony 1-2 hours before sunset for the perfect golden hour lighting.
Can I get married on weekends in The Bahamas?
Yes! You can get married any day of the week, including Saturday and Sunday.
Important Notes:
- Marriage license applications are processed Monday-Friday only
- You must obtain your license before the weekend
- Wedding ceremonies can be performed any day
Can my pastor, priest, or rabbi perform the ceremony?
No, according to Bahamas Marriage Laws, only licensed Bahamas Marriage Officers can perform legal weddings in The Bahamas.
However, your religious leader can:
- Participate in the ceremony
- Offer blessings and prayers
- Deliver the sermon or spiritual message
A licensed Bahamas Marriage Officer (like Glenn Ferguson) must handle the legal aspects, sign documents, and officially declare you married.
Planning & Professional Help
Working with wedding planners and understanding professional services
Should I hire a Bahamas Wedding Planner?
Highly recommended! Professional Bahamas wedding planners provide invaluable local expertise.
Benefits of hiring a professional planner:
- Navigate complex legal requirements with ease
- Local vendor relationships and better pricing
- Handle all paperwork and appointments
- Ensure your wedding is legally valid worldwide
- Stress-free experience on your special day
