The Bahamas Wedding Checklist: Five Steps for Getting Married in The Bahamas

The Bahamas Wedding Checklist: Five Steps for Getting Married in The Bahamas

The Bahamas is one of the most convenient, easy, quickest, and thrilling destinations to get married. It's no surprise that the Bahamas is renowned as the 'Wedding Paradise of the World.' To ensure a flawless Bahamas wedding day, simply follow these five steps to get married in The Bahamas:

Step 1: Make sure you are eligible to get married in The Bahamas.

While there is no required waiting period between getting the marriage license and having the ceremony, the Bahamas marriage laws require that to get married in The Bahamas you meet the following:

• 24-hour Residency with proof of the date of arrival in The Bahamas.
• The legal marriage age in the Bahamas is 18 years old for both genders.
• A Bahamas marriage license must be obtained before the wedding.
  • THE FOLLOWING IS REQUIRED TO OBTAIN A BAHAMAS MARRIAGE LICENCE:
    • Both parties must be present
    • Complete the Bahamas Marriage License Application Form 
    • Accepted forms of identification - Any Government Issued ID
    • Marriage Licence Fee of $100.00. 
    • Affidavit of Single-hood for persons who have never been married before.  
    • Divorced  - A certified (SEALED BY THE COURT) copy of the final divorce decree (translated and apostilled where applicable).
    • Widowed - Original or Certified copy of deceased spouse's death certificate and Marriage Certificate

Step 2: Apply for a marriage license at Registrar General's Offices in Nassau or Freeport.

• You can apply for your Bahamas marriage license at the Registrar General's Offices in Nassau, or Freeport, or the administrator's offices in any of the family islands.
• Your Bahamas Marriage License is valid for 90 days so you will have to get married within that time or you will have to apply for another marriage license.
• Registrar General's Office hours are 9:30 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. Monday - Friday (Closed on Bahamian holidays). 
• Get your Bahamas Marriage License in 1-hour with Priority Bahamas Marriage License Services

Step 3: Get Married in The Bahamas!

• Once you have your Bahamas marriage license in hand, you have 90 days from the date of receiving your marriage license to get wed in the Bahamas.
• Whether you decide to get married at the beach or a resort, be sure to bring your marriage license and IDs with you to give to your Licensed Bahamas Marriage Officer (Officiant) - as this is the ONLY person authorized to perform marriages in The Bahamas.
• Don’t forget, you’ll need two witnesses (not the officiant) at the ceremony, who are at least 18 years of age.
• Now, recite those vows, exchange rings, and kiss.
• Sign the Required "Duplicate Marriage Register Forms 9 and 11" which are required to be signed by yourself, witnesses, and officiant.
• You’re now married in the Bahamas

Step 4: Get a certified copy of your marriage certificate.

• After the ceremony, your officiant is required to submit the "Duplicate Marriage Register Form 9" to the Marriage Department at the Registrar General's Office.
• Get Certified Bahamas Marriage Certificates, the cost is $20.00
• Your certificate may be necessary for several reasons, including for filing taxes and changing one’s name.
• Your Bahamas marriage certificate is accepted around the world including the USA, Canada, the United Kingdom, the EU, Germany, and 150 other countries.
• You may need an Apostille of your marriage certificate to register the marriage in your country of residence. Click here to ASK Glenn about getting an Apostille.

Step 5: Celebrate!

You got married in The Bahamas, guaranteeing that everyone (including you!) will have the time of their lives. The abundance of options, from entertainment and world-class dining to attractions and swanky lounges, means there is something for everyone. Finally, celebrate your love honeymooning on one of the many family islands. Whatever you decide  - the Bahamas has it just for you.

No matter what kind of wedding you have or what your plans are before and after, The Bahamas —and all its glory—is here to celebrate you and get your wedded bliss started off the right way.

Meet Glenn Ferguson

Glenn Ferguson is the premier Bahamas wedding planner and coordinator at Bahamas Package Wedding. He is a WPIC-certified Wedding Planner and a licensed Bahamas Marriage Officer. Glenn is experienced in organizing weddings in The Bahamas and ensuring that couples have a memorable and special day.

Glenn Ferguson is not only a wedding planner but also a seasoned Bahamas marriage laws Specialist and wedding officiant in the Bahamas. With his expertise and experience, he helps couples turn their wedding dreams into reality. As a licensed Bahamas Marriage Officer, Glenn is dedicated to making each ceremony unique and unforgettable.

For couples looking to get married in The Bahamas, Glenn is a reliable choice. He can assist with obtaining the marriage license and provide his services as a licensed marriage officer to perform the ceremony. Glenn's expertise as a Bahamas wedding planner and officiant makes the wedding planning process smooth and stress-free.