Getting Married in the Bahamas

Absolutely — and it's easier than you think. As a WPIC-certified Bahamas Wedding Planner & Licensed Marriage Officer, I help couples from the U.S., Canada, the UK, and around the world get legally married here every week. You'll just need to be in the Bahamas for 24 hours before applying for your marriage license.

It depends on your vision. Bahamas weddings start from $1,495 for our Island Nuptial Sweet Beginning package to $30,000+ for a luxury villa celebration. Most of my couples spend between $5,000–$15,000, including the ceremony, venue, license, planner, and photography.

The Bahamas is a year-round wedding destination, but the most popular months are:

I often recommend May or early June — perfect weather with fewer crowds and better venue availability.

Yes — you'll need two witnesses over the age of 18. If you're eloping or planning a private ceremony, I can provide legal witnesses for you.

Yes. Once your marriage is registered, it's legally binding and recognized internationally. I also help you obtain a certified marriage certificate and an apostille, which may be required for legal use in your home country.

Ideally, start planning 6–12 months in advance. That gives you the best selection of venues, vendors, and dates. However, I've planned beautiful elopements and micro-weddings in under 30 days — with the right support, it's absolutely doable.

Absolutely. The Bahamas is one of the few countries where beach weddings are legal and easy to arrange. You just need permission if it's a private or resort beach. I'll handle that for you.

Yes — I offer Express Elopement Packages for couples who want a simple, romantic ceremony with all the legal details handled. You can arrive, apply, and get married within 48–72 hours.

Unfortunately, same-sex marriage is not legally recognized in the Bahamas at this time. However, symbolic ceremonies and commitment celebrations are welcome and beautiful — and I'm happy to help you create a meaningful experience.

Yes, this is a legal requirement. For your marriage in the Bahamas to be valid, it must take place between sunrise and sunset. During winter months, ceremonies must be completed before 5:00 PM, and during summer months before 8:00 PM.

Your wedding planner can guide you in determining the proper ceremony time and lighting for photography following your ceremony.

No blood test is required to get married in the Bahamas. This makes the process much simpler compared to some other destinations.

It takes two business days to process your marriage license, excluding Bahamian holidays. You can apply on the same day if all your documents are in order, but you must return the next business day to pick up your license.

If you've never been married before, you'll also need affidavits, which we can help you obtain.

An apostille costs $120 per copy and typically takes 5-7 days to obtain from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This special seal certifies that your marriage certificate is a true copy of an original document.

Most couples need an apostille for legal recognition in their home country for purposes like immigration, banking, or name changes.

While cruise ships can't perform legally binding ceremonies in Bahamas waters, many couples do symbolic ceremonies onboard and then have a legal ceremony on land during their port day. I coordinate many beautiful shore excursion weddings for cruise passengers who want both the romance of a ship celebration and a legal Bahamas marriage.

Absolutely! Vow renewal ceremonies don't require a marriage license, making them even easier to plan. Whether you're celebrating 5 years or 50 years of marriage, the Bahamas provides the perfect romantic backdrop to reaffirm your love. I offer beautiful vow renewal packages with all the ceremony elements minus the legal paperwork.

While technically possible, foreigners must establish legal residency in the Bahamas before filing for divorce, which requires living here for an extended period. Most couples who married in the Bahamas find it easier to divorce in their home country, where their Bahamas marriage certificate will be recognized.

No, you cannot use a marriage license from your home country for a legal ceremony in the Bahamas. Only a Bahamian marriage license provides legal authorization for weddings in the Bahamas. This is why you must apply for and obtain your license locally, regardless of any licenses you may have from other countries.