51 Questions • 10 Categories • Answered by Glenn Ferguson • 2026
Ask Glenn: Bahamas Wedding Questions Answered
Everything you need to know about getting married in the Bahamas — in one place, answered directly by Glenn Ferguson, Licensed Bahamas Marriage Officer and WPIC-Certified Wedding Planner with 24+ years of experience and 200+ ceremonies across Nassau, Exuma, Harbour Island, and Eleuthera.
The short answer: Getting married in the Bahamas requires a marriage licence ($100) from the Registrar General in Nassau, an affidavit of single status from a Bahamian Notary Public ($95), a Licensed Bahamas Marriage Officer to perform the ceremony, and two adult witnesses. Both parties must have been in The Bahamas for at least 24 hours before applying for the licence. A Bahamas wedding is legally valid in the USA, UK, Canada, and most countries worldwide.
Key Facts at a Glance
- Marriage licence: $100 — Registrar General, Nassau
- Affidavit of single status: $95 — Bahamian Notary Public
- Certified certificate copy: $20 — Registrar General
- Apostille for international use: $120 — Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- 24-hour residency required before applying for licence
- Two adult witnesses required at the ceremony
- Glenn’s packages: from $1,495 (elopement) / from $2,495 (full ceremony)
- Legally valid: USA, UK, Canada, Australia & most countries
- Licence issued same day — no waiting period after issue
- Glenn works independently of all resort wedding teams
“In 24+ years of planning and officiating weddings across the Bahamas, I have answered thousands of questions from couples planning their day from the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and beyond. The same questions come up again and again — about the marriage licence, the documents, what the beaches are actually like, whether a Bahamas marriage will be recognised at home, and how the apostille process works. I have answered all of them here, directly and honestly, without the marketing fluff. If your question isn’t covered, WhatsApp me. I respond the same day.”
Glenn Ferguson
Licensed Bahamas Marriage Officer • WPIC-Certified Wedding Planner • Nassau, Bahamas
BREA Licensed Bahamas Real Estate Agent, License #1247 • 200+ ceremonies • Licensed since 2001 • ★ 5.0 from 82+ couples
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Category 1
Marriage Licence 7 questions
Everything about obtaining a Bahamas marriage licence — where, how, cost, and timing.
Both parties attend the Registrar General's Department on the corner of Shirley and Charlotte Streets in Nassau, in person, with valid passports and a completed affidavit of single status ($95 from a Bahamian Notary Public — I arrange this). You must have been in The Bahamas for at least 24 hours before applying. The licence costs $100 and is issued the same day. I accompany all my clients to the Registrar General as part of the service.
The marriage licence is $100, payable to the Registrar General. A certified copy of the marriage certificate costs an additional $20. These are fixed government fees set by the Bahamas Government — they do not change based on nationality, package, or time of year.
The licence is issued the same day you apply at the Registrar General. There is no waiting period after the licence is issued — you can marry the same afternoon if we have the ceremony arranged. The only delay is the 24-hour residency requirement before you can submit the application.
The Registrar General's Department, corner of Shirley and Charlotte Streets, Nassau (P.O. Box N-532). Office hours: Monday to Friday, 9:30 AM – 4:00 PM. Phone: (242) 397-9179 or (242) 397-9113. Both parties must attend in person. I will take you there myself and make sure everything runs smoothly.
No — not as of 2026. Both parties must appear in person at the Registrar General in Nassau. There is no online application, no postal option, and no proxy application. This is a requirement I guide every couple through on the ground. It takes about 30 minutes when your documents are in order.
Three months from the date of issue. In practice, couples obtain the licence on arrival and marry within the same trip, so this rarely matters. If your plans change significantly and more than three months pass, a new licence is required.
Yes, both parties must appear in person. Both must also have been in The Bahamas for at least 24 hours. There are no exceptions to either requirement.
Category 2
Documents & Legal Requirements 7 questions
What you need to bring, prepare, and arrange before your Bahamas wedding.
Valid passports for both parties; affidavit of single status from a Bahamian Notary Public ($95 — I arrange this in Nassau); proof of 24+ hours in The Bahamas before applying; final divorce decree with raised court seal if either party was previously married. Two adult witnesses must be present at the ceremony. I send every client a personalised document checklist as soon as they book.
It is a sworn legal declaration that you are free to marry — that you have never been married. It is mandatory for the Bahamas marriage licence. The affidavit must be completed through a Bahamian Notary Public in Nassau and costs $95. I arrange this appointment for all my clients — you do not need to find a Notary Public yourself.
Through a Bahamian Notary Public in Nassau, at a cost of $95. I arrange this for all my clients as part of my service. Important: the US Embassy in Nassau no longer provides this service. The affidavit must be done through a local Notary Public, and I coordinate this appointment on your behalf.
You must provide a certified final divorce decree with a raised court seal from the court that granted the divorce. A photocopy is not accepted. The decree must show the divorce is absolute. If you have any uncertainty about your documents, WhatsApp me before you travel — it is better to clarify this before you arrive in Nassau than on the day of the licence application.
Yes — two adult witnesses (18+) must be present and must sign the marriage register. If you are eloping with no guests, I provide witnesses on your behalf at no additional charge. This is standard for elopement packages.
Both parties must have been in The Bahamas for at least 24 hours before applying for the licence. Arrive Monday, apply Tuesday. The licence is issued the same day you apply and there is no additional waiting period — so the fastest possible Bahamas wedding is approximately 48 hours after booking a flight.
No. Same-sex marriage is not legally recognised in The Bahamas as of 2026. The Bahamas Constitution defines marriage as being between a man and a woman. Same-sex couples are welcome to hold a symbolic commitment ceremony in the Bahamas, but it will not produce a legally binding Bahamian marriage.
Category 3
Costs & Fees 6 questions
Transparent pricing — government fees, officiant packages, and what is optional.
Government fees total $215: marriage licence $100, affidavit $95, certified certificate $20. My elopement packages start at $1,495 and full legal ceremony packages from $2,495. Apostille for international use adds $120 in government fees. All-in minimum for a legal Bahamas elopement: approximately $1,710. Full destination weddings with florals, photography, and supplier coordination are quoted on request.
Fixed 2026 government fees: marriage licence $100 (Registrar General); certified marriage certificate copy $20 (Registrar General); affidavit of single status $95 (Bahamian Notary Public, I arrange); apostille $120 per document (Ministry of Foreign Affairs). All fees are in Bahamian dollars, which is fixed at 1:1 with the US dollar.
My packages start at $1,495 for an elopement or intimate ceremony (up to 10 guests), and from $2,495 for a full legal wedding ceremony. Full destination coordination — supplier management, florals, day-of management — is quoted based on guest count and location. WhatsApp me for a specific quote.
No. Government fees are fixed and listed above. My package fee covers my services. Optional extras — flowers, photography, signing table, music — are quoted separately and agreed in writing before you travel. I send a complete cost breakdown on first enquiry. There are no surprise charges on the day.
All wedding services in The Bahamas are subject to 10% VAT under Bahamas VAT legislation. Government fees (licence, certificate, apostille) are fixed government charges and are not subject to additional service VAT. My package fees are clearly quoted inclusive of applicable VAT.
A beach elopement is the most affordable legal option. My elopement package starts at $1,495 plus $215 in government fees — approximately $1,710 total minimum. No resort venue, no floral arrangements, and no photographer are needed for a legally valid ceremony. You can add these later if you want them. Just you, your partner, two witnesses, a beach, and a legal ceremony.
Category 4
Beaches & Venues 6 questions
The best beaches for a Bahamas wedding, permit requirements, and timing advice.
My most-requested locations: Nuptial Beach (my private beach near Orange Hill, Nassau — complete seclusion, no resort guests); Cable Beach, Nassau (long, classic, close to Baha Mar); Love Beach, Nassau (quieter, more private); Cabbage Beach, Paradise Island (near Atlantis, iconic); Pink Sands Beach, Harbour Island (blush-pink sand, internationally famous); Exuma sandbar settings (remote, extraordinary). Every beach has different character — WhatsApp me and I will recommend the best match for your vision.
Nuptial Beach is my exclusive semi-private beach near Orange Hill on the western end of Nassau. It has white sand, turquoise water, and no resort guests — complete privacy. You cannot access it through any other planner, officiant, or resort. It is only available through my service. It is one of my most-requested locations precisely because it gives couples the classic Bahamas beach backdrop without any strangers walking through the background of their photographs.
For Nuptial Beach (my semi-private beach) — no permits required. For public Nassau beaches — small ceremonies generally do not require a formal government permit. For resort beaches — coordination with the resort is needed. I manage whatever permissions are required for your chosen beach. You do not need to contact any government departments or resort event teams yourself.
Yes. Public beaches in Nassau are generally accessible for small legal ceremonies. I officiate on public beaches regularly. The legal validity of the ceremony is not affected by the beach type — what matters is that I, as a Licensed Bahamas Marriage Officer, perform the ceremony, and the licence is in order. For full details, see the public beach weddings page.
A resort beach wedding typically requires booking a resort event package, paying venue hire, and using the resort's approved suppliers. My semi-private Nuptial Beach gives you complete control: no resort fees, no venue hire, no supplier restrictions, no resort guests in the background. I also work independently of all resort event teams at Atlantis, Baha Mar, and Sandals — couples at those resorts can book me directly without purchasing the resort's own package.
Late afternoon (4:00–6:00 PM) is the most popular — golden-hour light, cooler temperatures, and fewer resort guests on the beach. Early morning (8:00–10:00 AM) is the second choice: cool, calm water, and soft light before the midday heat. I advise against 11:00 AM–2:00 PM in summer months — it is the hottest part of the day and the least comfortable for guests standing on sand. I will suggest the best time based on your date, location, and priorities.
Still have a question not covered here?
Glenn responds to every WhatsApp the same day. Send your date, location, and question and he will give you a direct, honest answer.
Category 5
Legal Validity 5 questions
Whether a Bahamas marriage is recognised in your home country.
Yes. US authorities recognise overseas marriages that were legally performed in the country where they took place. A Bahamas marriage certificate is accepted for name changes, spousal benefits, tax filings, and all other official US purposes. If specific US government agencies require an apostille, I can arrange that in Nassau for a $120 government fee.
Yes. The UK recognises overseas marriages valid under the law of the country where they took place. The Bahamas is a Commonwealth nation and former British territory, and its marriage laws meet UK recognition standards. An apostille is available if required for specific UK official purposes. Many of my UK couples use their Bahamas certificate directly for name changes at the DVLA and Passport Office without needing an apostille.
Yes. Canadian authorities recognise foreign marriages legally performed in the jurisdiction where they took place, provided a Licensed Marriage Officer performed the ceremony and the licence requirements were met. All of those conditions are satisfied in a Glenn Ferguson ceremony. Several of my clients are Canadians who have used their Bahamas certificates for name changes and spousal sponsorship applications without issue.
Only a person holding a government licence as a Bahamas Marriage Officer. This is not a self-certification, online ordination, or religious title — it is a specific government appointment. Some licensed ministers of religion also hold Marriage Officer status. I am a government-Licensed Bahamas Marriage Officer as well as a WPIC-Certified Wedding Planner. A resort coordinator, hotel events manager, or wedding planner without a Marriage Officer licence cannot legally perform a ceremony.
Five requirements: a Licensed Bahamas Marriage Officer performs the ceremony; a valid marriage licence is in place; two adult witnesses are present; all parties sign the marriage register on the day; and the marriage is registered with the Registrar General. I handle every one of these requirements as part of my service. After the ceremony, I submit the registration and obtain your certified marriage certificate.
Category 6
Apostille & Certificate 5 questions
What an apostille is, when you need one, and how Glenn handles it for you.
An apostille is a certificate of authentication issued by a government authority that gives a public document legal standing in all Hague Apostille Convention countries — which includes the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, and most of Europe. You need an apostille if you plan to use your Bahamas marriage certificate for official purposes in another country: name changes, spousal visas, property ownership, or similar. If you are only using the certificate informally (to show family, etc.), an apostille is not required. I advise every couple on whether they need one based on their specific situation and home country.
The certified copy of the marriage certificate is submitted to the Consular Division of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at Charlotte House, Charlotte and Shirley Street, Nassau. The government fee is $120 per document. Standard processing: 4–7 business days. Express 24-hour processing is available. I manage this entire process on your behalf — you do not need to return to Nassau to have your documents apostilled.
The government apostille fee is $120 per document, payable to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This is in addition to the $20 certified certificate from the Registrar General. My procurement and international shipping service is available on request — ask me for a quote when booking your ceremony.
Standard processing at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Consular Division: 4–7 business days. Express 24-hour processing is available for an additional fee. I advise on which option suits your timeline and submit on your behalf. Most couples who need their apostilled certificate quickly opt for express processing.
Yes — completely. I obtain the certified certificate ($20), submit it for apostille ($120 government fee), and arrange international shipping to your address. Couples who have already flown home can have me manage everything remotely — the apostilled certificate arrives by post or courier. This is a standard part of my post-ceremony service. WhatsApp me to arrange it.
Category 7
Out Islands 4 questions
Getting married beyond Nassau — Exuma, Harbour Island, Eleuthera, and booking lead times.
Yes. The marriage licence is obtained at the Registrar General's Office in Nassau first, or the Administrator's Office on Exuma. I coordinate the Nassau licence process and then travel to Exuma for the ceremony. Settings include private cay ceremonies, sandbar weddings, and beachfront locations on Great Exuma. Exuma is one of the most extraordinary wedding environments I have worked in.
Yes. The licence process happens in Nassau first, or on Harbour Island, then I travel to Harbour Island for the ceremony. Pink Sands Beach is the most requested location — the blush-pink sand and crystal water make it one of the most visually distinctive wedding backdrops anywhere. I manage all travel and logistics from Nassau.
Yes. Popular Eleuthera ceremony locations include Lighthouse Beach, the Glass Window Bridge area, and Governor's Harbour settings. The dramatic, natural scenery of Eleuthera attracts couples who want something distinctly different from Nassau's resort environment. Same process: licence in Nassau or Eleuthera, ceremony in Eleuthera, with me coordinating all logistics.
9–18 months in advance for Out Island weddings in peak season (December through April). Travel logistics, accommodation, and my availability all need to align. In the off-peak season, 3–6 month timelines are sometimes possible. WhatsApp me as early as possible to check availability for your specific island and date.
Category 8
Elopement 4 questions
Eloping in the Bahamas — what it involves, what it costs, and how fast it can happen.
Four steps: book me as your Licensed Marriage Officer; gather your documents (passports, affidavit, divorce decree if applicable — I send a full checklist); arrive in Nassau at least 24 hours before applying for the licence; attend the Registrar General with me to obtain the licence; marry the same day or the next. I handle witnesses, the ceremony, the beach setup, and your certificate. You handle the flight. See the full Bahamas elopement page for details.
My elopement package starts at $1,495 plus government fees of $215 ($100 licence + $95 affidavit + $20 certificate). Minimum total: approximately $1,710 for a fully legal Bahamas elopement. No flowers, photographer, or resort venue required — though all are available as optional extras. Add apostille ($120) if you need the certificate authenticated for use in your home country.
Yes — but legally you need two adult witnesses plus me as the officiant. If it is just the two of you with no guests, I provide witnesses as part of my elopement package at no extra charge. The minimum group for a legal Bahamas elopement is therefore four people: you, your partner, me, and two witnesses.
The fastest possible legal Bahamas wedding is 48 hours after arrival: arrive Day 1, apply for the licence Day 2 (24-hour residency requirement met), marry Day 2 if I am available and the Registrar General is open. I have accommodated timelines as short as 48 hours for couples with their documents already in order. WhatsApp me your arrival date and I will confirm availability immediately.
Category 9
Vow Renewal 3 questions
Renewing your vows in the Bahamas — what is required and what it costs.
No. A vow renewal is a symbolic celebration of your existing marriage — not a new legal marriage. No licence, no government fees, no paperwork. I write a fully personalised ceremony script and officiate as your celebrant. You can arrive and hold the ceremony the same day. Packages start at $1,495.
Vow renewal packages start at $1,495. No government fees apply. The package includes my services as celebrant, a personalised ceremony script, and day-of coordination. Optional extras (florals, photography, signing table) are available at additional cost. See the vow renewal page for full package details.
A pre-ceremony consultation to hear your story; a fully personalised script written around your milestone anniversary; my services as officiating celebrant; ceremony coordination and timing on the day; personal vow exchange and ring exchange if desired; and a commemorative Certificate of Vow Renewal. No paperwork, no waiting period. Available across Nassau, Exuma, Harbour Island, and my semi-private Nuptial Beach.
Category 10
Resorts 4 questions
Atlantis, Baha Mar, Sandals — how Glenn works with and around resort venues.
Yes. I officiate legal weddings at and around Atlantis Paradise Island, including on Cabbage Beach in front of the resort. I work independently of Atlantis's internal event team — couples staying at Atlantis can book me directly without purchasing the resort's event package. I handle the full marriage licence process, ceremony, and certificate. See the Atlantis weddings page for details.
Yes. I officiate weddings at all three Baha Mar properties — Grand Hyatt, SLS, and Rosewood — as well as on Cable Beach in front of the resort. I work independently of Baha Mar's wedding coordination team. Couples can book me directly for the legal ceremony without buying Baha Mar's event package. See the Baha Mar weddings page for full details.
Yes — entirely. I work independently of resort event teams at Atlantis, Baha Mar, Sandals, and all other Nassau and Out Island resorts. Couples at any resort can book me directly as their Licensed Marriage Officer and WPIC-Certified Wedding Planner without needing to go through the resort's own wedding programme. This typically results in significant savings and more flexibility over ceremony design, timing, and supplier choices.
Resorts cannot perform legal ceremonies — only a government-Licensed Bahamas Marriage Officer can. Resorts typically recommend an officiant they have a relationship with as part of their event package, but you are not obligated to use the resort's recommended officiant. You are free to book me independently. As both the Licensed Marriage Officer and the WPIC-Certified Wedding Planner, I provide the complete service — planning, legal ceremony, and certificate — without resort event fees.
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About Glenn Ferguson
Licensed Bahamas Marriage Officer
WPIC-Certified Wedding Planner
BREA Licensed Bahamas Real Estate Agent, #1247
Licensed since 2001
200+ Ceremonies
★ 5.0 • 82+ couples
Glenn Ferguson is a Licensed Bahamas Marriage Officer and WPIC-Certified Wedding Planner based in Nassau, New Providence. He has officiated more than 200 ceremonies since 2001 across Nassau, Paradise Island, Cable Beach, Exuma, Harbour Island, and Eleuthera. His exclusive Nuptial Beach near Orange Hill provides a private ceremony location available only through his service. He holds BREA License #1247 as a Bahamas Real Estate Agent and has helped hundreds of international buyers relocate to the Bahamas.
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