How to Obtain a Copy of Your Bahamas Marriage Certificate: Official Guide

Option 1: In-Person Application (Fastest Method)

1. Visit the Registrar General's Department located at:

   Bahamas Financial Center Shirley Street
   P.O. Box N-532
   Nassau, N.P., The Bahamas

2. Request and complete the "Application for Certified Copy of Marriage Certificate" form
3. Present your identification and supporting documents
4. Pay the fee (see fee structure below)
5. Receive a receipt with the collection date (typically 3-5 business days)
6. Return on the specified date to collect your certified copy

Option 2: Mail-In Application

1. Download and complete the application form
2. Include a notarized copy of your identification
3. Enclose a money order or bank draft for the applicable fee
4. Include a pre-paid return envelope with tracking
5. Mail your complete package to:

   Registrar General's Department
   P.O. Box N-532
   Nassau, N.P., The Bahamas

6. Allow 4-6 weeks for processing and international shipping

Option 3: Online Application (Newest method)

You can use our online Application for a Certified Copy of Bahamas Marriage Certificate form to make your request. 

Processing Times and Fees

*Same-day service is only available for in-person applications submitted before 10:00 AM

Payment Methods Accepted:

• Cash (in-person only)
• Credit/Debit Cards (Visa, MasterCard, Discover)
• Money Orders (payable to "Registrar General's Department")
• Bank Drafts (for international applications)
• PayPal (online applications only, 3.5% service fee applies)

1. Missing Marriage Details

If you don't remember the exact date or location of your Bahamas wedding:

• Provide the approximate month and year
• Include the island where the ceremony took place
• Mention the resort or venue name if possible
• The Registrar's office can conduct a broader search that may add up to 5 days to your search.
• Provide names of witnesses or the wedding party if possible

"I only remembered we got married 'sometime in March 2018' at a resort in Nassau. Glenn's team was able to locate our certificate using just our names and the resort information." — Amanda & Robert, Chicago

2. Name Discrepancies

If your name has changed since the marriage:

• Include documentation showing the name change (e.g., court order, deed poll)
• Provide identification in both your previous and current names if possible
• Submit a notarized affidavit confirming both names refer to the same person

3. Lost Applications

If you've applied but haven't received your certificate:

• Keep your receipt number for tracking purposes.
• Contact our team directly: +1 (242) 395-8495
• Email inquiries to: registrargeneral@bahamas.gov.bs with the subject line "Application Status Check: [Your Receipt Number]"
• Submit a formal inquiry using Form RG-SI2 if no response is received within 10 business days

1. How long are Bahamas marriage certificates valid?

• Bahamas marriage certificates do not expire. Once issued, they remain valid indefinitely. There is no renewal requirement for Bahamas marriage certificates.

2. Can someone else request a copy of my marriage certificate?

• Yes, but they must provide:
  • Proof of relationship to one of the named individuals (birth certificate, marriage certificate)
  • Authorization letter from one of the named individuals (must be notarized)
  • Their own valid identification (passport or driver's license)

Third-party requests typically take 2-3 days to process due to additional verification steps.

3. Are digital copies of Bahamas marriage certificates available?

• The Registrar General's Department only issues physical certified copies with official seals and security features. Digital copies are not considered legally valid. 

4. How many copies of my Bahamas marriage certificate should I request?

• We recommend obtaining at least 2-3 certified copies, as some processes (name changes, immigration) may require you to surrender an original copy. Most couples end up needing multiple copies for various legal purposes. Getting extra copies costs $20.00 each when ordered together with your first copy.

5. What if my marriage ceremony was on a cruise ship in Bahamian waters?

• If your marriage was legally registered in the Bahamas (even if performed on a cruise ship in Bahamian territorial waters), the certificate is available through the same process described above. You'll need to provide the ship's name, cruise line, and approximate coordinates if possible. Cruise ship marriages fall under the "Maritime Marriages Act" subset of Bahamian law.

6. Can I expedite international delivery of my Bahamas marriage certificate?

• Yes, the our Priorty Bahamas Marriage Certificate Service offers expedited international courier services via FedEx and typically delivers within 2-3 business days to most international destinations. This service includes online tracking and delivery confirmation.

7. What if there's an error on my original Bahamas marriage certificate?

• If there are errors on your original certificate, you can apply for a correction using Form RG-MC3 "Application for Marriage Certificate Amendment." This requires supporting documentation proving the correct information, and typically takes 10-15 business days to process. Once corrected, you'll need to request a new certified copy of the corrected certificate.

8. How do I know if my Bahamas marriage is legally recognized in my home country?

• Marriages performed legally in the Bahamas are recognized in most countries worldwide under international law principles. However, some countries require an Apostille or Authentication certificate attached to your marriage certificate. We recommend consulting with your local government office or embassy to confirm specific requirements for your country. For most major countries, we provide detailed recognition guides on our website.