What is the difference between a legal and symbolic wedding in The Bahamas?

A legal wedding follows the official process with an authorized officiant and is treated as an official marriage. A symbolic ceremony is a celebration that may not include a legal marriage process.

Legal vs Symbolic Bahamas Wedding: What’s the Difference?

Legal Wedding

A legal wedding means the proper process is followed, the authorized officiant performs the ceremony, and the marriage is treated as an official legal marriage.

If you need your marriage recognized for name change, immigration, benefits, or records—this is the route that matters.

Symbolic Ceremony

A symbolic ceremony is a celebration without a legal marriage process. It can still be beautiful—but it’s not the same thing as a legal wedding.

Some resorts offer symbolic ceremonies by default. If you want legal, confirm it directly.

My rule: decide “legal vs symbolic” before you pay deposits and build your schedule. Everything flows from that choice.

Legal foundation page: Who can legally officiate in The Bahamas

If you want the clean booking page: Licensed Wedding Officiant Nassau Bahamas

Fastest way to confirm your setup: tell me your island and whether you want legal marriage or a symbolic ceremony. I’ll tell you what to book.

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