Bahamas Marriage License (2026): Requirements, Cost, Timeline — Done Right
If you want a legal Bahamas wedding without delays, paperwork surprises, or last-minute stress, this page gives you the exact process — and the fastest way to get help.
Quick Bahamas context video. (Your legal steps are still handled through the official process.)
When you're planning a legal Bahamas wedding, it’s about more than paperwork—it’s about peace of mind.
Message me on WhatsApp and I’ll tell you what you need based on your dates.
Important: Requirements and fees can be updated by the Registrar General’s Department. I keep my couples aligned with the current process.
Bahamas Marriage License Requirements (Checklist)
What you’ll typically need
- Valid passports (both parties)
- Proof of arrival (entry stamp or travel record)
- Single status documentation (if applicable)
- Divorce decree / death certificate (if previously married)
- Two witnesses aged 18+ (can often be arranged)
Common delay triggers (avoid these)
- Arriving too late to satisfy the 24-hour rule before applying
- Prior-marriage documents missing or unclear
- Non-English documents without proper support
- Holiday/weekend timing (office closures)
- Assuming resorts “handle everything” without confirming legal steps
Send me your dates + island and I’ll respond with a simple plan.
Step-by-Step: How to Get a Marriage License in The Bahamas
- Arrive and start your 24-hour presence window.
- Prepare documents (I’ll verify what applies to you).
- Apply in person through the Registrar General’s marriage licensing process.
- Pay the fee and confirm your certified copy options.
- Get approval and proceed with your legal ceremony.
- After the wedding, your marriage is registered and certificates can be ordered if needed.
Fees & Cost (What Couples Should Budget)
| Item | Typical Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Marriage licence fee | Often listed as BS$100–US$120 | Public sources can vary; confirm current fee for your application timing. |
| Certified marriage certificate copy | Often included (1 copy) or ~US$20 for extras | Many couples need extra certified copies for name change/records. |
| Apostille (if required) | Varies | Needed for certain international legal uses. See: Bahamas Apostille |
I’ll tell you what you actually need (and what you can skip).
Read the dedicated breakdown: Bahamas Marriage License Cost & Fees
Realistic Timeline (So You Don’t Miss Your Wedding Day)
| Day | What Happens | My Practical Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrival in The Bahamas | Arrive early enough to satisfy the 24-hour rule before applying. |
| Day 2 | Apply for the licence | Office timing matters — morning is safer than afternoon. |
| Day 3 | Approval / confirmation | Build buffer for weekends/holidays. |
| Day 4+ | Wedding ceremony | Once approved, you can legally proceed with confidence. |
See the full timeline page: Bahamas Wedding Legal Timeline
Witnesses (What You Need to Know)
Most couples need two witnesses aged 18+. If you’re eloping and it’s just the two of you, witnesses can be arranged.
FAQs
Can foreigners apply for a Bahamas marriage licence?
Yes — most couples I help are visiting from abroad.
Do we need blood tests?
No blood tests are typically required for a Bahamas marriage licence process.
Can cruise passengers meet the 24-hour requirement?
In many cases, cruise guests can meet the requirement with a letter confirming time in Bahamian waters (confirm for your itinerary).
How do we avoid delays?
Get your documents checked in advance, plan around office hours/holidays, and build a buffer day. If you message me your dates, I’ll tell you the safest timeline.
Arrival + ceremony date + island is all I need.
Related Pages (This Cluster Helps You Rank)
About Glenn Ferguson (Who You’re Trusting With Your Legal Wedding)
I’m Glenn Ferguson — a Licensed Bahamas Marriage Officer and a WPIC-Certified Wedding Planner. I help couples get legally married in The Bahamas with a clean timeline, correct paperwork, and zero last-minute surprises.
- Legal-first planning: I build your schedule around office hours, weekends, and the 24-hour presence rule.
- Document clarity: If something is missing or risky, I tell you early—before you travel.
- Fast help: WhatsApp me your arrival date, ceremony date, and island, and I’ll map the safest next steps.
Send: arrival date + wedding date + island + “previously married yes/no”.
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