Married in the Bahamas?

Let's start with the basics:

Your Bahamas marriage license is not the same as your marriage certificate.

Your marriage certificate is what you'll need to:

• Change your name legally
• File for spousal benefits or taxes
• Apply for immigration or residency
• Register your marriage with your local civil registry

As a licensed Marriage Officer, I personally file all marriage records directly with the Registrar General's Department, ensuring everything is properly registered—so you never get stuck chasing paperwork across borders.

Even with your certified marriage certificate in hand, some institutions (especially abroad) require another level of authentication.

That's where the apostille comes in.

An apostille is a special certificate that authenticates the signature and seal of a government-issued document—so it's recognized in countries that are part of the Hague Apostille Convention (like the U.S., Canada, UK, and EU nations).

You'll typically need an apostille for:

• Immigration or spousal visa applications
• Legal name changes
• Filing foreign taxes
• Accessing pensions or survivor benefits
• Registering your marriage in another country

Don't worry—I handle this entire process on your behalf, working directly with the Bahamas Ministry of Foreign Affairs. No long waits, no embassy appointments, and no international legal confusion.