How much is a Bahamas marriage license?

The Bahamas government service listing shows a BS$100 fee for a marriage licence. Some tourism resources quote higher bundled amounts that may include a certified copy. Confirm the fee at time of application.

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UPDATED FOR 2026 • NASSAU & FAMILY ISLANDS

Bahamas Marriage License: Requirements, Fees, 24-Hour Rule & the Fastest Way to Get It Done

Q: How long do you have to be in The Bahamas before applying for a marriage license?

The Bahamas requires couples to be present for at least 24 hours before applying for a marriage license. Cruise passengers may need a letter from the ship’s Purser/Guest Services confirming time in Bahamian waters.

Q: How long is a Bahamas marriage license valid?

The Bahamas government service listing states the marriage licence is good for 90 days (three months) from the date of issue.

Q: Do you need witnesses to get married in The Bahamas?

Yes. Two witnesses aged 18+ are required to sign.

If you’re planning a legal wedding in The Bahamas, your Bahamas marriage license is the key step. I’m Glenn Ferguson—a Licensed Bahamas Marriage Officer, Wedding Officiant, and a WPIC-certified Bahamas wedding planner—and I help couples handle the license process cleanly, so your ceremony stays stress-free and your marriage is recognized worldwide.

24-hour presence rule Valid 90 days Cruise-friendly proof Nassau • Paradise Island • Family Islands

WhatsApp Glenn Now Call 1-(242)-395-8495 Check Your Eligibility

Last updated: January 4, 2026. Requirements and fees can change—official sources are linked below.

Fast Answers

Rule 24-hour requirement Government guidance requires 24 hours in-country before applying.
Fee Government listing fee BS$100 (confirm at time of application).
Validity How long it’s valid 90 days (three months).
Cruise Ship arrivals You may need Purser/Guest Services proof of time in Bahamian waters.

Helpful Next Pages

Bahamas destination wedding couple photo representing Bahamas marriage license requirements, 24-hour rule, and document checklist — Next: official government requirement links + my step-by-step plan so you don’t lose time.

Official Bahamas Marriage License Requirements (Government Sources)

When you’re dealing with legal paperwork, the safest approach is verifying the rules with the official government pages close to your travel date:

Bahamas Government Service: Marriage Licence (Bahamas.gov.bs) — shows the fee (BS$100) and validity (90 days).
Registrar General’s Department: Marriage Licence (RGD) — process overview and guidance.
Government overview page: Getting Married in The Bahamas (Bahamas.gov.bs) — confirms the 24-hour rule prior to applying.

Note on fees you may see online: Some tourism sites quote different totals (often bundled with a certified certificate copy). The government service listing is the most reliable reference point.

Am I Eligible to Apply for a Bahamas Marriage License?

Quick Eligibility Checklist

Presence: You must satisfy the 24-hour presence requirement before applying.
Status: You must be single, divorced, or widowed (with proof).
Identification: Bring valid passports (originals).
Witnesses: Your ceremony requires two witnesses (18+).

Documents That Cause Delays

Divorced: Original final divorce decree (official, complete).
Widowed: Original death certificate of the deceased spouse.
Never married: Proof of single status (often an affidavit of singlehood).

Send me your wedding date + island + marital status and I’ll tell you exactly what to bring.

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What Are the Requirements to Get a Marriage License in The Bahamas?

How long do you have to be in The Bahamas before applying for a marriage license?

The official government guidance states you must be in The Bahamas for at least 24 hours before applying. Cruise couples can still qualify, but you’ll often need proof from the ship showing time in Bahamian waters.

What documents do you need for a Bahamas marriage license?

All Couples Typically Need

Valid passports (originals)
Proof of arrival / date of entry (stamp or equivalent)
Completed application and declarations

If Previously Married

Divorced: final divorce decree
Widowed: death certificate of former spouse
Never married: affidavit / proof of single status (as applicable)

Step-by-Step: How to Get a Bahamas Marriage License (Nassau & Family Islands)

This is the clean, real-world path couples follow—built to match the official rules (24-hour presence, proper documents, and business-day processing).

Glenn’s One-Hour Priority Bahamas Marriage License Service

If your timeline is tight, I offer a one-hour priority service to help you move fast with clarity:

Verify documents (single/divorced/widowed) and flag gaps that trigger rejections
Time the 24-hour rule correctly for air or cruise arrivals
Map the submission plan for your island and travel schedule
Prep ceremony requirements (witnesses, timing, signing, registration)
Advise on certified copies and Apostille steps if needed internationally

Book the One-Hour Priority Session Call to Book

Step	What You Do	What I Do (So You Don’t Lose Time)	Best Timing
1) Arrive + meet the 24-hour rule	Be present in The Bahamas long enough to qualify before applying.	I help you choose the smartest application day based on flights/cruise schedule.	Day 1
2) Confirm your document set	Bring passports + correct single-status proof (divorce/death/affidavit).	I review what you have and tell you what will be questioned or rejected.	Before application
3) Complete application details	Fill the form accurately (names/dates must match passports and prior records).	I help you avoid errors that cause delays (especially second marriages).	Same day
4) Submit to the correct office	Submit application to the appropriate government office for your location.	I direct you based on where you’re marrying (Nassau/PI/Family Islands).	Business day
5) Pay government fee	Pay the official fee shown on the government service listing.	I tell you what to expect and what to keep for your records.	At submission
6) Pick up license	Collect the license once issued (business-day turnaround varies).	I ensure you’re ready for ceremony requirements and signing.	Next business day (varies)
7) Ceremony + registration	Get married with a Bahamian-licensed marriage officer and two witnesses (18+).	I officiate and ensure paperwork is completed properly for registration.	Wedding day

Get My Exact Step Plan Onshore Packages & Support

Fees & Timing (2026): What to Expect

How much does a Bahamas marriage license cost?

The official Bahamas government service listing shows a BS$100 fee for a marriage licence. Some tourism resources quote higher totals that may include a certified certificate copy. Confirm the fee at time of application.

Official Fee + Common Add-ons

Marriage licence fee (government listing): BS$100
Certified marriage certificate copies: often listed online as $20 each (confirm at time of request)
Apostille/legalization: depends on destination country and document type

Timing Reality Check

24-hour presence requirement is the first constraint
Business-day processing: turnaround varies with office volume/holidays
Validity: 90 days from issuance

Cruise Ship Weddings: What’s Different?

If you arrive by cruise ship, what proof do you need?

Cruise passengers may need a letter from the ship’s Purser/Guest Services confirming the ship has been in Bahamian waters long enough to satisfy the 24-hour requirement.

Cruise Checklist

Confirm your itinerary supports the 24-hour rule
Request the Purser/Guest Services letter early
Bring passports + single-status documents
Plan around business days for processing

Cruise Wedding Help (WhatsApp) Call Now

Bahamas Marriage License FAQ

How long is a Bahamas marriage license valid?

The government service listing states the marriage licence is valid for 90 days from the date of issue.

Do you need witnesses to get married in The Bahamas?

Yes. Two witnesses aged 18+ are required for the ceremony.

Do you need a blood test to marry in The Bahamas?

No. Blood tests are not required.

How long does it take to get a Bahamas marriage license?

Processing time varies by business day, volume, and holidays. Many couples plan for next-business-day pickup after submission, but it’s smart to build buffer time.

How do we get our Bahamas marriage certificate after the ceremony?

After the ceremony paperwork is submitted for registration, you can request certified copies. If you need international use, you may also need an Apostille depending on your destination country.

Next step: Get a Copy of Your Bahamas Marriage Certificate.

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Work With a Licensed Bahamas Marriage Officer

Glenn Ferguson, WPIC-certified Bahamas wedding planner and licensed marriage officer, assisting a couple on their destination wedding day in Nassau Bahamas — Glenn Ferguson — Licensed Bahamas Marriage Officer • Wedding Officiant • WPIC-Certified Bahamas Wedding Planner.

I officiate weddings and help couples complete the marriage-licence process the right way—especially when timing is tight, documents are complex, or you’re arriving by cruise. If you want this handled quickly and correctly, I’ll guide you end-to-end.

What I do for you

Confirm your exact document checklist based on your status (single/divorced/widowed)
Align your schedule with the 24-hour rule and business-day processing
Prevent application mistakes that trigger delays
Officiate your ceremony and complete paperwork properly for registration
Guide you on certified copies and Apostille steps if needed

Message Glenn on WhatsApp Call 1-(242)-395-8495

This page is informational and not legal advice. Always verify details close to travel with Glenn and, using the official sources linked above.