How to Get a Marriage License in The Bahamas

If you are planning on getting married in The Bahamas, then you need to know, how to get a Bahamas marriage license,  as a marriage license is one of the legal requirements for getting married in The Bahamas.

The Legal Requirements to Get married in The Bahamas

The good news is that getting a marriage license in the Bahamas is not difficult at all. So here are the 6 easy steps to getting your Bahamas marriage license:

1. Residency. You and your partner must be in the Bahamas at least 24 hours before applying for your marriage license.  However, special provisions are made if you are on a cruise, as time spent in Bahamian waters helps to qualify your residency requirement.

2. Visit the Registrar General Office in Nassau and Freeport or the Administrative  Office on any of the family islands.

3. Prove Identity. You will need to prove that you are who you say you are. And you can do this with an official passport issued by your country of residence or birth.

4. Prove Eligibility. To get married in the Bahamas you must over the age of 18 and either single, divorced, or widowed and you must be able to prove your eligibility. If you are single then you will need to swear an "affidavit of singlehood" before a Justice of the Peace in The Bahamas. If divorced, then you will need to have the original copy of your "Divorce Decree Absolute." And if you are widowed then you will need the original copy of the death certificate of your deceased spouse.

5. Submit to an Interview. You and your partner must both be present when applying for your marriage license at the Registrar General's Office and be interviewed before your license is granted. No need to worry the interview is not a difficult one and you should do o.k

6. Pay Fees. You will have to pay a Bahamian marriage license fee of $100.00 and to get a certified copy of your Bahamas marriage certificate after the wedding it will cost you $20.00. You will also need your application notarized and that will cost you $75.00.

There you have it, 6 easy steps to getting a Bahamas Marriage License and satisfying the legal requirements for getting married in The Bahamas.

Common Questions about Bahamas Marriage License 

1. What do you need to apply for a marriage license in The Bahamas?

To apply for a marriage license in The Bahamas, you will need to gather several documents and meet certain requirements. The following are the basic requirements to obtain a marriage license in The Bahamas:

1. Valid passports or birth certificates with photo identification, such as a driver's license or government-issued ID.
2. Proof of date of arrival in The Bahamas, such as a copy of your flight itinerary or immigration entry stamp in your passport. As the marriage laws in The Bahamas, require you to be in The Bahamas for at least 24 hours before applying for your marriage license
3. If either party has been previously married, an original or certified copy of the divorce decree or death certificate of the former spouse, as applicable.
4. If either party is a minor (under 18 years old), written consent from both parents or legal guardians, as well as a birth certificate.
5. If either party is not a Bahamas, an affidavit of Single-hood attesting that neither has been married before. 
6. Completed Bahamas Marriage License Application form, notarized by a Justice of The Peace or Licensed, Bahamas Marriage Officer  
   

Once you have all the necessary documents, then you will have to apply for a marriage license, as a marriage license is required for all legal weddings in The Bahamas. Your application is made at the Registrar General's Department in Nassau or at one of the Out Island Commissioner's offices. The cost of a marriage license in The Bahamas is currently $100.00.

It is recommended that you apply for your marriage license at least two days prior to your wedding ceremony to ensure that all paperwork is processed in a timely manner. After the ceremony, you will receive a copy of your certified Bahamas Marriage Certificate, which will serve as proof of your legal marriage in The Bahamas.

2. Is a Bahamas Marriage License Legal in the US?

Yes, a Bahamas marriage is recognized as legal and valid in the United States. If you follow the legal requirements for obtaining a marriage license in The Bahamas, your marriage should be recognized as legal and valid in the United States, Canada, or any country that you live in. This means that you can use your Bahamas marriage certificate to change your name, apply for joint tax returns, and enjoy all the legal benefits of marriage in the United States. However, some states may require additional documentation, such as an Apostille of your certified Bahamas marriage certificate, to prove the validity of your marriage.

3. How Long does a marriage license take in The Bahamas?

The processing time for a marriage license in the Bahamas can vary but it's recommended that you apply for your marriage license at least two days prior to your wedding ceremony to allow for processing time. If you apply in person at the Registrar General's Department in Nassau or at one of the Out Island Commissioner's offices during regular business hours, you can typically expect to receive your marriage license within the same day or the following business day. However, if you are applying during a busy period, such as during the peak wedding season or a major holiday, processing times may be longer.

If you have questions or need help getting your Bahamas marriage license, call or WhatsApp 1-(242)-395-8495 or simply CLICK ASK Glenn