Bahamas Marriage License Requirements & Process | Complete 2025 Guide

Last Updated: March 17, 2025

Getting married in the beautiful Bahamas is a dream for many couples. As a certified Bahamas wedding officiant with over 20 years of experience, I've helped thousands of couples navigate the marriage license process with ease. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about obtaining your Bahamas marriage license in 2025.

Quick Answer: To obtain a Bahamas marriage license, both parties must be in Nassau for 24 hours before applying at the Registrar General's Office with valid passports, birth certificates, and required documentation. The license costs USD 100.00, takes 1 business day to process, and is valid for 90 days.

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Bahamas Marriage License Requirements for 2025

To legally marry in the Bahamas, you must meet these official requirements:

Required Documentation for Your Bahamas Wedding

All couples must provide:

✓ Valid passports with at least 6 months validity
✓ Birth certificates (original or certified copies)
✓ Tourist visa cards received upon arrival in the Bahamas

If previously married:

• Divorce decree (original or certified copy)
• Death certificate of former spouse (if widowed)

For non-English documents:

• Certified English translations of all documents
• Apostille certification may be required

Expert Tip: Have all documents authenticated before arriving in the Bahamas to avoid delays. I can review your documents before your arrival to ensure everything is in order.

Step-by-Step Process to Obtain Your Bahamas Marriage License

1. Arrival Planning

• Arrive in the Bahamas at least 2 business days before your wedding ceremony. The Registrar's Office operates Monday-Friday, 9:30 AM - 4:00 PM, excluding public holidays.

2. Document Preparation

• Organize all required documents and make copies for your records. Bring US currency for payment of fees.

3. Visit the Registrar General's Office

• Location: Registrar General's Office
  Shirley & Charlotte Streets
  P.O. Box N-532
  Nassau, The Bahamas
• Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:30 AM - 4:00 PM

4. Complete Application

• Complete the marriage license application form with both parties present. A government official will administer an oath.

5. Pay the Fee

• The Bahamas Marriage License Application fee is USD 100.00, payable in cash.

6. Return for License Pickup

• Return the next business day to collect your license unless expedited service was requested.

7. Provide to Wedding Officiant

• Give the license to your wedding officiant before the ceremony (the officiant must be a Licensed Bahamas Marriage Officer for your marriage to be officially recognized by the Bahamas government).

Expert Tip: As a Licensed Bahamas Marriage Officer and wedding officiant, I can accompany you to the Registrar's Office and guide you through the entire process, ensuring everything goes smoothly.

Marriage License Costs and Processing Times in Nassau

Payment Methods Accepted:

• US cash (preferred)
• Bahamian currency

Expert Tip: 1-Hour processing is available with our Priority Bahamas Marriage License Application Service. For stress-free planning, I recommend using this service.

Special Circumstances for Bahamas Marriage Licenses

For Non-US Citizens

Additional documentation may be required depending on your country of origin. Common requirements include:

• Apostille certification of documents
• Declaration of single status - (Affidavit of Single-hood is prepared in the Bahamas). 
• Legal translation of non-English documents

For Same-Sex Couples

• The Bahamas currently does not legally recognize same-sex marriages. Same-sex commitment ceremonies can be performed, but they are not legally binding in the Bahamas.

For Cruise Ship Passengers

If arriving via cruise ship, you must:

• Ensure your ship is in Bahamian waters for 24 hours.
• Visit the Registrar's Office to apply
• Return on the next day to collect your license
• Have your ceremony performed before departing

Validity of Bahamas Marriages Internationally

Marriages performed legally in the Bahamas are recognized worldwide. However, I recommend:

1. Obtaining multiple certified copies of your marriage certificate
2. Checking with your home country's embassy about any additional requirements like whether an Apostille is needed
3. Registering your marriage with your home country upon return

Bahamas Marriage Certificates vs. Licenses: What You Need to Know

Before planning your wedding, you should understand the difference between these two important documents:

The marriage license is your pre-wedding legal permission that allows your ceremony to take place legally.

The marriage certificate is your post-wedding documentation that proves your marriage has occurred. This document is crucial for international recognition and updating your legal status in your home country.

As your wedding officiant, I handle the process of converting your license to a certificate by:

1. Filling out the ceremony details for your license
2. Having witnesses sign the document
3. Returning the completed paperwork to the Registrar
4. Requesting certified copies of your marriage certificate

Important Note: Certificate Authentication

• For international recognition, your Bahamas marriage certificate may need additional authentication or an Apostille.
• I suggest getting at least 3 certified copies, as some countries require original documents.
• Under Commonwealth rules (Bahamas Matrimonial Causes Act of 1879, Section 13-2), these certificates are recognized throughout British Commonwealth nations without extra authentication and countries including Canada and the USA.

Common Questions About Bahamas Marriage Licenses

1. How far in advance should we apply for our Bahamas marriage license?

• Apply for your license no more than 90 days before your wedding date, as licenses are valid for 90 days from issuance. You must be in the Bahamas at least one business day before your wedding.

2. Can we apply for a Bahamas marriage license online?

• No, both parties must appear in person at the Registrar General's Office in Nassau. There is no online application process available.

3. What if one of us cannot travel to the Bahamas before the wedding?

• Both parties must be present to apply for the marriage license. There are no exceptions to this rule.

4. Can we get married the same day we arrive in the Bahamas?

• No, you are required to be in the Bahamas for 24 hours before applying for your Bahamas Marriage License. However, you can get married on the same day that your marriage License was issued.  

5. What happens after the ceremony?

• Your officiant will complete the required Bahamas Marriage Register "Form 9" with details from your marriage license and ceremony and return it to the Registrar's Office. This information is required to file your marriage as officially performed and used to prepare your Certified Bahamas Marriage Certificate, which you can request for an additional fee of $20.00 each.

6. Is our Bahamas marriage legally recognized in our home country?

• Yes. Marriages legally performed in the Bahamas are recognized internationally including in the USA, Canada, the UK, and the EU. However, an Apostille may be needed to authenticate your Bahamas Marriage certificate. 

Tips From an Experienced Bahamas Wedding Officiant

As a professional wedding officiant who has performed over 300 ceremonies in the Bahamas, here are my top tips:

1. Arrive Early: Plan to arrive at least 2-3 days before your wedding to allow time for any unexpected delays.
2. Organize Documents: Create a dedicated folder with all original documents.
3. Verify Names: Ensure all documents show identical spelling of your names. Even minor discrepancies can cause delays.
4. Consider Weather: The Registrar's Office may close during severe weather like Hurricanes. Build flexibility into your schedule.
5. Hire Local Assistance: A local Bahamas wedding planner or officiant can navigate potential challenges and accompany you to the Registrar's Office.

Why Choose Glenn Ferguson as Your Bahamas Wedding Officiant

As a Licensed Bahamas wedding officiant with over two decades of experience:

• I've performed over 300 wedding ceremonies throughout the Bahamas
• I'm fully licensed and recognized by the Bahamian government
• I provide complimentary marriage license assistance
• I accompany couples to the Registrar's Office when needed
• I handle all legal documentation and filing after your ceremony