Getting Married in The Bahamas (2026 Update)
Here’s the clean path to a wedding that’s beautiful and legally correct: marriage license steps, required documents, timing, witness rules, and certificate/apostille basics—plus direct help when your timeline is tight.
Getting married soon?
Send your arrival date + ceremony date — I’ll map the cleanest Bahamas marriage license plan.
Send Your Dates — I’ll Map the Cleanest License Plan
This is the fastest way to prevent timing mistakes. Fill this out and then hit WhatsApp to send it instantly. (No guessing. No delays.)
Step-by-Step: Bahamas Marriage License + Legal Ceremony
This sequence is the difference between “smooth” and “stressed.” Follow it exactly—especially if you arrive close to a weekend or holiday.
Lock your arrival and ceremony dates first
Your arrival date controls everything because of the 24-hour presence requirement and government office timing. If your schedule is tight, don’t guess—message me your dates.
Prepare the correct documents before you fly
Bring valid passports, proof of entry, and supporting documents if applicable (divorce decree / death certificate). If documents are not in English, plan on certified translation and proper notarization.
Meet the 24-hour presence requirement
Plan to be in The Bahamas for at least 24 hours before applying for the marriage license.
Apply in person at the Registrar General’s Department (Nassau)
Both parties appear in person with documents. For the cleanest breakdown, read: How to Get a Bahamas Marriage License (Step-by-Step) and Bahamas Marriage License Requirements.
Pick up your license and schedule the legal ceremony
Your ceremony must be performed by a licensed Bahamas Marriage Officer with two witnesses (18+). More here: Who Can Officiate a Wedding in The Bahamas.
Registration + certificate copies + apostille (if your country requires it)
If you need your certificate for official use (name change, immigration, benefits), you may need certified copies and/or an apostille. Tell me your home country/state use-case and I’ll advise what to request so you don’t reorder twice.
Requirements & Documents Checklist
This is the most common failure point: missing prior-marriage paperwork or non-English document issues. Use this checklist before you travel.
Core Legal Requirements
• Both parties apply in person
• Be in-country at least 24 hours before applying
• Two witnesses (18+) for the legal ceremony
• Your ceremony must be performed by a licensed Marriage Officer
Documents You Should Have Ready
• Valid passports (both parties)
• Proof of entry / immigration details
• If divorced: final divorce decree (properly certified)
• If widowed: death certificate of previous spouse
• Certified translation + notarization (if documents are not in English)
Timeline That Actually Works (Avoid the Common Traps)
If your itinerary is tight (Friday arrivals, weekend plans, holidays), your timeline needs to be built around the license—not the other way around.
Baseline Timeline
• Arrive in The Bahamas
• Wait at least 24 hours
• Apply in person at the Registrar General’s Department
• Processing (often about 1 business day when submitted correctly)
• Legal ceremony + two witnesses (18+)
What Delays People
• Weekend/holiday office schedules
• Peak season volume
• Prior marriage documents not final/certified
• Non-English paperwork without certified translation/notarization
Fees Guidance, Certified Copies, and Apostille Basics
Fees and office procedures can change. The smartest move is confirming your specific plan and what you need the certificate for after you return home.
What You’re Paying For
Think of costs in layers: government license + officiant/ceremony service + certificate copies + optional apostille (depending on your country and use-case). If you want me to map what you actually need, call or WhatsApp with your dates.
Certified Copies & Apostille
If you need your Bahamas marriage certificate for official use abroad, you may need certified copies and/or an apostille. Whether you need it depends on where you’ll use the certificate (name change, immigration, benefits, etc.).
Ceremony Options in Nassau & Across The Bahamas
Legal first. Then we make it unforgettable—beach, resort, or private villa.
Beach Ceremony
Simple, romantic, and photo-friendly. Ideal for elopements and small groups. See also: Bahamas Elopement Packages.
Resort / Hotel Ceremony
Great for guest convenience. Timing is the key—especially if you’re flying in close to your wedding date. Start with: Bahamas Marriage License.
Private Villa Ceremony
Best for privacy and flexibility. I’ll keep the legal steps clean and tailor the ceremony script to your style.
Cruise / Short-Stop Couples
If you’re doing a cruise stop or short stay, your timeline must be mapped precisely. Read: Getting Married in The Bahamas on a Cruise (if applicable), then message me your dates.
FAQ's About Getting Married in The Bahamas
Direct answers to the exact questions people search right before they travel.
How do you get legally married in The Bahamas?
Be in The Bahamas at least 24 hours, apply in person for your marriage license with passports and proof of entry, then have your ceremony performed by a licensed Bahamas Marriage Officer with two witnesses (18+).
Where do we apply for a Bahamas marriage license in Nassau?
Marriage licenses are handled through the Registrar General’s Department (Nassau). Both parties must appear in person to apply. If you want the cleanest step-by-step, read: How to Get a Marriage License.
Do we need to be in The Bahamas for 24 hours before applying?
Plan for at least 24 hours in-country before you apply. This is why Friday arrivals can create pressure—send your dates and I’ll confirm the most realistic schedule.
What documents do we need to get married in The Bahamas?
Passports for both parties, proof of entry, and supporting documents if previously married (final divorce decree or death certificate). Non-English documents may require certified translation and notarization.
Do we need birth certificates?
Many couples are approved using passports and supporting documents, but requirements can vary by circumstances (prior marriage, name changes, non-English documents). Confirm early if your situation is not “standard.”
How long does it take to get the Bahamas marriage license?
Standard processing is often about 1 business day when your application is submitted correctly. Timing can vary with volume, weekends, and holidays.
Can we apply on a weekend?
Weekend/holiday schedules affect what’s possible. If your itinerary touches a weekend or public holiday, your timeline needs to be mapped carefully to avoid delays.
What if we arrive on a Friday?
Friday arrivals can compress the 24-hour requirement and office timing. If your ceremony is close, message me your arrival and ceremony dates for a realistic plan.
Do we need witnesses for the ceremony?
Yes—two witnesses aged 18+ are required for a legal Bahamas marriage ceremony.
Do we need a blood test?
Blood tests are not typically part of standard Bahamas marriage license requirements. If you have special circumstances, confirm early so you don’t travel with assumptions.
Is a Bahamas marriage recognized in the US/Canada/UK and other countries?
If your marriage is performed legally under Bahamas law and properly registered, it is generally recognized internationally. Some agencies or countries may require certified copies and/or an apostille depending on use.
What is an apostille and do I need it?
An apostille is an international authentication used by many countries for official documents. Whether you need it depends on where you’ll use your marriage certificate (name change, immigration, benefits, etc.).
Ready to Do This Without Stress?
I’ll keep the legal steps clean, the timing realistic, and the ceremony personal. Call or WhatsApp now and I’ll tell you what to do next.
Disclosure: This page provides general guidance to help you plan. Government procedures, office schedules, and fees can change. For best results, confirm your dates and documents in advance—especially around weekends and public holidays.
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