Requirements to Get Married in The Bahamas: Ultimate 2025 Guide

Last updated: March 24, 2025

The requirements to get married in The Bahamas are pretty simple, which is why couples from around the world choose our islands.

I'm Glenn Ferguson, a WPIC Certified Bahamas Wedding Planner and Licensed Marriage Officer who's been creating amazing weddings in The Bahamas for 24 years now.

Based on what I've learned, after planning hundreds of weddings here, I've put together this guide for you

What You Need to Get Married in The Bahamas (2025)

I've helped so many couples work through Bahamian marriage laws that I could practically recite them in my sleep. Here's what you'll need:

Documents You Must Bring

Most wedding hiccups happen because of paperwork problems. Make sure you have:

• Passports valid for at least 6 months (I once had to help with an emergency passport renewal three days before a wedding!)
• Birth certificates with raised seals – no photocopies
• Immigration cards they'll give you on your flight
• If you were married before:
  • Divorced? Bring your original divorce decree with a court seal
  • Widowed? Bring the original death certificate
  • Change your name? Bring proof of the change

Bring $100.00 cash for the Bahamas marriage license fee – and I mean cash because the government offices often don't take cards. I've sent too many couples hunting for ATMs on what should be a relaxing pre-wedding day.

How the Application Works

Unlike some islands that make you wait, The Bahamas lets you arrive and get married on the next day. But after 24 years of planning weddings, I don't recommend cutting it that close:

1. You'll go to the Registrar General's Department in Nassau (that pink building on Shirley & Charlotte Streets, open 9:30 am-4:00 pm Monday-Friday) or to the Administrator's Office if you're on one of the outer islands
2. They usually process your license in 24 hours
3. Your license is good for 90 days

I always build in a 2-3 day buffer. Last April, I had a couple whose flight was delayed by a day – without extra time, they would have missed their own wedding.

Age Requirements and Other Legal Things

You both need to be at least 18. Younger folks (15-17) can marry with parents present, but I rarely see that work well.

For same-sex couples: The Bahamas doesn't legally recognize same-sex marriages yet. However, symbolic ceremonies for same-sex couples are possible, you would typically handle the legal marriage at home.

"Glenn made everything so easy. He handled all the paperwork while we enjoyed our stay, and the ceremony was better than we imagined." — Sarah & James K., married April 2024, Nassau

Types of Ceremonies

In my years as both a planner and marriage officer, I've created all kinds of ceremonies:

Civil Ceremonies

As a Licensed Bahamas Marriage Officer, I perform civil ceremonies that are recognized worldwide. The great thing is we can hold them almost anywhere:

• Beaches at sunrise
• Yacht decks at sunset
• Garden pavilions
• Even underwater for diving couples (one of my favorites!)

You need two witnesses (I can bring them) and about 20-30 minutes for the ceremony. Despite being "civil," these ceremonies can be deeply personal. 

Religious Ceremonies

The Bahamas has some stunning historic churches. Different religions have different requirements:

• Catholic weddings need the most prep time (usually 6+ months)
• Protestant ceremonies are typically more flexible
• Jewish ceremonies can happen with visiting rabbis (I arrange this often)

Christ Church Cathedral in Nassau dates to 1670 and makes for amazing photos. Last winter, a couple lit its walls with hundreds of candles for their sunset ceremony.

Best Places to Get Married in The Bahamas

After planning weddings on nearly every Bahamian island, I have some clear favorites:

Nassau & Paradise Island

Perfect if you want luxury and easy flights. My top spots based on hundreds of weddings:

• The Ocean Club Four Seasons: Those Versailles Gardens create a backdrop unlike anything else in The Bahamas. Recently I lined their reflection pools with floating orchids for a sunset ceremony that looked like a dream.
• Rosewood Baha Mar: For modern luxury and flexibility. Last summer, we transformed their lawn with suspended flowers that created a ceiling of tropical blooms.
• The Cove Atlantis: Great for bigger weddings with several events. I often plan welcome parties at their adults-only pool before beach ceremonies and ballroom receptions.

Exuma

If you've seen those incredible aerial photos of Bahamian waters in different shades of blue, that's Exuma. Worth the trip for:

• Sandbars that only appear at low tide (I've planned ceremonies where guests arrived by boat to what felt like a private island)
• Staniel Cay Yacht Club for laidback luxury
• Villas overlooking the Exuma Sound (I planned a wedding where guests sent lanterns over the water at night)

The swimming pigs have become quite popular – I arrange surprise visits during wedding weekends that always become the talk of the trip.

"We worried about all the paperwork for our destination wedding, but Glenn handled everything. Our ceremony on that sandbar in Exuma was magical and worth every penny." — Michael & Rebecca T., married February 2023, Exuma

Harbour Island

The pink sand beaches here create a naturally romantic setting. Perfect for couples wanting boutique luxury:

• Pink Sands Resort sits right on those famous beaches
• The Dunmore offers old Bahamian charm with modern comforts
• Coral Sands has the best sunset views on the island

I recently designed a wedding here with dinner directly on the pink sand, and vintage chandeliers hanging from palm trees. Twenty years ago, that would have been impossible, but now I have vendors who can create these settings even on remote islands.

Weather Patterns for Bahamas Weddings

After 24 years here, I can tell you exactly what to expect:

November-May: Best Weather

Temperatures 70-85°F, low humidity, and little rain. December through April is peak season – prices are higher and dates are booked faster. I secure these dates 12-18 months ahead for the best venues.

June-October: Better Prices

Yes, it's hurricane season, but direct hits aren't common. The real issues are afternoon rain and humidity. The upside: much lower prices (often 30-40% less) and more venue options.

I've gotten good at weather backup plans – from elegant tents to quick indoor switches. Last August, the rain started right before a beach ceremony. My team moved 80 guests to a covered space and recreated the entire setting in 20 minutes – the couple never knew it wasn't the original plan.

Planning Timeline That Actually Works

Here's what I recommend after hundreds of weddings:

12-18 Months Before

• Lock in your date and venue
• Book me for planning and performing the ceremony
• Reserve room blocks while they're available

I recently had a couple book The Ocean Club two years ahead for a date with special meaning – that kind of planning gets you exactly what you want.

9 Months Before

• Secure photographers and musicians before they're booked
• Design invitations
• Start planning your welcome events

Last year, I created a three-day experience with a sailing trip, island tour, and farewell brunch – these multi-day celebrations have become something I'm known for.

6 Months Before

• Send invitations (allow extra time for international mail)
• Taste and select menu options
• Start confirming travel plans

For a wedding last spring, we made custom welcome boxes with local rum, handwoven straw items, and personalized maps – guests still talk about them.

3 Months Before

• Finalize ceremony wording and vows
• Confirm all vendor contracts
• Arrange welcome bag delivery to rooms

1 Month Before

• Make sure all documents are ready for your license
• Create a timeline for your wedding party
• Confirm final guest count and meal needs

I give all my couples a digital guide to Bahamian marriage requirements they can reference throughout planning.

"Glenn knows everything about getting married in The Bahamas. He knew exactly which documents we needed and when, saving us so much time and worry." — Jennifer & David M., married December 2024, Paradise Island

What Bahamas Weddings Really Cost

Here's what I've seen across thousands of weddings:

• Bahamas Marriage license fee: USD 100.00
• Marriage officer fee: depending on location
• Small ceremonies (2-20 guests): $5,000-15,000 all-in
• Medium weddings (20-50 guests): $15,000-30,000
• Larger celebrations (50+ guests): $30,000-100,000+

The most memorable weddings don't always cost the most. Last year, I planned a small ceremony on a quiet beach with just 18 guests, local musicians, dinner under string lights, and surprise fireworks – simple but unforgettable.

Winter weddings (December-April) typically cost 20-30% more than summer/fall dates.

After You Say "I Do"

After your ceremony, I handle the paperwork:

• Your marriage certificate usually takes 2-4 Days
• It's recognized worldwide
• I can arrange apostille service if your country requires it
• You can use your certificate for name changes back home

I know many officials at the Registrar's office, which helps with processing. For a couple last year who were moving overseas right after their wedding, I got their certificate processed in just 2 Days – something that would be tough for someone without connections.

Bahamian Touches Your Guests Will Remember

The weddings people remember most include some local culture:

• Junkanoo: A mini carnival parade with colorful costumes, drums, and dancing. I've arranged surprise Junkanoo performers to lead guests from ceremony to reception – always a hit.
• Rake n' Scrape bands: Traditional island music played with everyday objects, including a carpenter's saw.
• Conch shell ceremony: A beautiful island tradition where blowing a conch shell announces your marriage – I've used this in dozens of ceremonies as an alternative to unity candles.

After 24 years of working with local artists, I can find authentic touches most planners can't – from handmade straw ceremony programs to custom steel drum performances of your favorite songs.

Common Questions About Bahamas Weddings

1. How much does a Bahamas wedding cost?

• The license itself costs $120. Small ceremonies typically run $5,000-15,000, while luxury resort weddings range from $30,000-100,000+ depending on guest count and what you include.

2. How long does getting a marriage license take?

• Usually 24 hours after you apply. I recommend using our Priority Bahamas Marriage License Service for expedited one-hour service.

3. Do we need witnesses?

• Yes, two witnesses for all legal ceremonies. If you're eloping or having an intimate wedding, I'll bring the witnesses.

4. How far ahead should we plan?

• For winter weddings (December-April), start 12-18 months ahead. For summer and fall, 6-9 months is usually enough for most venues.

5. Can we get married the same day we arrive?

• No, but you can the next day once you have your Bahamas Marriage License. 

Ready for Your Bahamas Wedding?

I've helped hundreds of couples with the requirements to get married in The Bahamas, and I'd love to help you too.

Call me at 1-(242)-395-8495 to talk about what you're imagining for your wedding day. I'll handle everything from the legal requirements to creating moments you and your guests will remember forever.

Still have questions about marriage requirements or venues? Let's talk! With my experience as both a Marriage Officer and Wedding Planner, I can answer all your questions and help you avoid common mistakes. Reach out now and let's start planning.

Don't try to figure out the requirements to get married in The Bahamas by yourself. After 24 years planning weddings here, I've seen it all and know how to make the process easy and enjoyable.

Contact me today to start planning a wedding that's legally sound and beautifully executed.

This guide to requirements to get married in The Bahamas is updated regularly to keep the information current. For personalized help, contact Glenn Ferguson directly.

Related Pages:

• Bahamas Wedding Venues
• Destination Wedding Packages
• Planning Your Wedding Weekend