Getting Married in The Bahamas
1. Be in The Bahamas for at least 24 hours before applying. 2. Both parties appear in person at the Registrar General’s Department in Nassau with valid passports and required documents. 3. Pay the $100 marriage license fee. 4. Have the ceremony performed by a Licensed Bahamas Marriage Officer with two witnesses aged 18+. 5. A certified certificate copy costs $20. The license visit takes approximately 20 minutes when documents are correct.
Send your arrival date, ceremony date, and whether either of you was previously married. Glenn confirms the cleanest timeline for your specific dates.
Why This Guide Exists and Who Wrote It
Most Bahamas wedding guides online are written by travel bloggers who have never applied for a Bahamas marriage license. This guide is written by Glenn Ferguson — a government-licensed Bahamas Marriage Officer who has personally handled the marriage license process and performed legal ceremonies for over 200 couples across Nassau, Paradise Island, Exuma, Eleuthera, and Harbour Island since 2001.
Every fact on this page reflects current Bahamas government requirements. When requirements change, this page is updated. The last update was January 4, 2026.
"The single most common problem I see is couples planning their ceremony first and their paperwork second. The license controls your timeline — not the ceremony location or the decoration. Once you send me your arrival date, your ceremony date, and whether either of you was previously married, I can confirm whether your schedule works or whether we need to adjust it. That one conversation prevents the most stressful situations I deal with."
How to Get Married in The Bahamas: 6 Steps
This is the exact sequence for a legally recognized Bahamas marriage. Follow it in order — the license controls the timeline, not the ceremony.
Confirm Your Arrival and Ceremony Dates First
Your arrival date controls the license timeline. The 24-hour presence requirement and government office hours mean a Friday arrival with a Saturday ceremony is often impossible without prior planning. Send Glenn your dates before you book flights and hotels around the ceremony.
Prepare All Documents Before You Fly
Valid passports for both parties. Proof of entry. If previously divorced: final divorce decree absolute (fully certified). If previously widowed: death certificate of former spouse. If any document is not in English: certified translation and notarization. These documents must come from home — they cannot be obtained in The Bahamas.
Full requirements list →Meet the 24-Hour Presence Requirement
Both parties must be present in The Bahamas for at least 24 hours before applying for the marriage license. Plan your arrival date with the license application in mind. Do not arrive the day before your ceremony and expect to apply the same day.
Apply in Person at the Registrar General's Department
Both parties appear in person at the Registrar General’s Department in Nassau. The visit typically takes approximately 20 minutes when documents are correct and complete. The marriage license fee is $100. The Registrar General follows government office hours — not open on weekends or public holidays.
Full marriage license guide →Hold the Legal Ceremony with a Licensed Marriage Officer
Your ceremony must be performed by a Licensed Bahamas Marriage Officer (or a registered religious minister). Two witnesses aged 18 or over must be present. Glenn performs all ceremonies personally and can arrange witnesses if needed. A friend or online-ordained minister cannot legally officiate in The Bahamas.
Who can legally officiate? →Registration, Certificate, and Apostille
Your marriage is registered after the ceremony. A certified copy of the Bahamas marriage certificate costs $20. If your home country requires an apostille for name changes, spousal visas, immigration, or government records, Glenn advises on the exact service to request so you do not have to reorder later.
Marriage certificate guide →Who Handles Each Step
| Step | Handled By |
|---|---|
| Document prep | Couple (before travel). Glenn confirms list. |
| Registrar General | Couple in person. Glenn escorts and advises. |
| License fee ($100) | Couple pays government. |
| Ceremony | Glenn Ferguson (Licensed Marriage Officer). |
| Witnesses | Couple’s guests or Glenn arranges. |
| Certificate ($20) | Couple requests from Registrar General. |
| Apostille (if needed) | Registrar General / Glenn advises on need. |
"I escort couples to the Registrar General’s Department on the morning of their license application. When documents are correct, the visit takes about 20 minutes. I have done this enough times to know exactly what the office needs and how to prevent the common delays. My job is to make the legal process feel invisible so the couple can focus on the ceremony."
Bahamas Marriage License Requirements — 2026 Document Checklist
Missing documentation is the most common cause of a failed or delayed license application. Confirm your specific list with Glenn before you travel.
| Document | Who Needs It | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Valid Passport | Both Parties | Must be valid and government-issued. The primary identity document for the application. |
| Birth Certificate | If Requested | May be required in some circumstances. Confirm with Glenn based on your nationalities and situation. |
| Proof of Entry / Immigration Details | Both Parties | Documenting your arrival into The Bahamas before the license application. |
| Final Divorce Decree Absolute | If Previously Divorced | Must be the final, fully certified decree. Interim or conditional decrees are not accepted. Must be in English or have a certified translation. |
| Death Certificate of Former Spouse | If Previously Widowed | Official death certificate required. Must be in English or have a certified translation and notarization. |
| Certified Translation + Notarization | Non-English Documents | Any document not in English must be accompanied by a certified translation and notarization. Arrange before you travel. |
| Proof of Single Status / Affidavit | If Required | Some applicants may be required to swear an affidavit of eligibility. Confirm with Glenn for your specific situation. |
| Cruise Letter (Cruise Passengers Only) | Cruise Arrivals | Official letter from your cruise line confirming time in Bahamian waters. Glenn provides exact wording to request. Cruise wedding guide → |
Bahamas Wedding Timeline That Actually Works
The most stressful couples are those who planned the ceremony before the license timeline. Here is the recommended sequence.
Standard Timeline (Recommended)
Common Traps and How to Avoid Them
Trap 1: Planning the Ceremony Before the License
Booking a venue and setting a ceremony date before confirming the license timeline. If the dates do not work with government office hours and the 24-hour rule, the ceremony has to move. Confirm the legal timeline first.
Trap 2: Arriving on a Friday for a Weekend Ceremony
Friday arrivals are common. Weekend ceremonies are popular. But the Registrar General is closed on weekends. If you arrive Friday and want to marry Saturday, you must apply Friday morning. Glenn identifies this problem early.
Trap 3: Missing Prior-Marriage Documents
The most common failed application. A previously divorced applicant without the final certified divorce decree cannot obtain a license on that visit. This document cannot be sourced in The Bahamas — it must come from home.
Trap 4: Assuming a Non-Licensed Officiant Is Acceptable
A friend who is ordained online, a resort coordinator, or a visiting pastor without specific Bahamian authorization cannot legally solemnize the marriage. The ceremony will not be recognized. Only a Licensed Bahamas Marriage Officer or registered religious minister can officiate legally.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Married in The Bahamas?
Government fees are straightforward. Ceremony packages and any additional services are separate from these fixed costs.
Marriage Certificate and Apostille
After your ceremony is registered, you can request a certified copy of your Bahamas marriage certificate for $20 from the Registrar General. This document is accepted for name changes, passport updates, bank records, and most government filings in the US, UK, Canada, and most countries.
An apostille is an international authentication that some countries and agencies require when accepting a foreign marriage certificate. Whether you need one depends on your home country and how you will use the certificate. Glenn advises on this specifically — rather than ordering an apostille you may not need, or failing to order one you do.
What Affects Total Cost
- $100 — Government marriage license (fixed)
- $20 — Certified certificate copy (fixed)
- From $1,495 — Glenn’s ceremony package (varies by package)
- Apostille — Only if your country requires it (Glenn advises)
- Certified translation — Only if non-English documents (arranged before travel)
- Venue / photography — Separate from officiant package depending on inclusions
Glenn gives a transparent cost breakdown when you book. No hidden fees added on the day.
Who Can Legally Perform a Wedding Ceremony in The Bahamas?
This is the most consequential decision you make for your Bahamas wedding. The wrong officiant means the ceremony is not legally recognized — regardless of how beautiful it was.
| Officiant Type | Legal Authority | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Licensed Bahamas Marriage Officer | Yes | Government-licensed authority to solemnize marriages. Glenn Ferguson is a Licensed Marriage Officer based in Nassau. |
| Registered Religious Minister | Yes | Must be a properly registered minister under Bahamian law. Not all visiting pastors qualify automatically. |
| Friend / Online-Ordained Celebrant | No | An online ordination from a non-Bahamian body does not confer authority to solemnize marriages in The Bahamas. The ceremony is not legally valid. |
| Resort Coordinator | No | A resort coordinator organizes the event logistics but cannot perform a legal ceremony. Resorts use a separate licensed officiant for legal ceremonies. |
| Cruise Ship Captain (Onshore) | No | A cruise ship captain has no authority to solemnize a marriage onshore in The Bahamas. |
| Visiting Pastor (From Abroad) | Conditional | A visiting pastor from the US, UK, or Canada does not automatically have authority in The Bahamas. Authorization must be confirmed before the ceremony. |
Bahamas Wedding Ceremony Options
Once the legal steps are confirmed, Glenn works with you to choose and plan the ceremony that fits your style, guest count, and location preferences.
Nassau Beach Ceremony
Turquoise water, open sky, natural light. Nassau has several beach ceremony locations close to the city that work for elopements and small groups. Most popular for first-time visitors and couples wanting classic Bahamas photos.
Beach Wedding GuideElopement (2 People)
Glenn’s most common booking. No guests, no stress. Everything is coordinated between Glenn and the couple. Packages start from $1,495. Witnesses arranged. Beach location confirmed. Most couples are done by mid-morning.
Elopement PackagesAtlantis or Baha Mar
Glenn works with couples using Atlantis Paradise Island and Baha Mar Grand Hyatt as their ceremony venue. The resort handles the setting; Glenn handles the legal officiation and license. Brings together resort access with a properly authorized ceremony.
Atlantis WeddingsNassau Cruise Port Ceremony
Glenn works with cruise couples from all major lines docking at Prince George Wharf. Legal onshore ceremony during your Nassau port stop. Requires a cruise letter confirming time in Bahamian waters. Full feasibility assessment by itinerary.
Cruise Wedding GuideExuma, Eleuthera, Harbour Island
For couples who want a more remote, intimate Bahamas setting. Glenn travels to Exuma, Eleuthera, Harbour Island, and other Out Islands. The legal process is the same — marriage license in Nassau, ceremony at the island location.
Out Island WeddingsVow Renewal
Already married and want to celebrate in The Bahamas? A vow renewal is a ceremonial celebration — no license required. Glenn designs and performs vow renewal ceremonies across Nassau and the Out Islands.
Vow RenewalWhat Couples Say About Getting Married in The Bahamas with Glenn
"Glen is a rockstar! He took care of every detail — marriage license, venue, etc. He was very responsive and always available and incredibly professional."Lisa & Mark — Nassau / Atlantis Bahamas
"Glenn was absolutely amazing! He picked us up from our hotel and escorted us to get our marriage license. The whole process took about 20 minutes. He made everything feel effortless."Kim & Sam — Nassau beach ceremony
"Outstanding!! Glenn was professional, accommodating, and personal. The small touches were phenomenal — well worth every penny. We could not have done it without him."Scott Carnine — Atlantis Bahamas
Getting Married in The Bahamas — Direct Answers to Every Question
Every question couples ask before committing to a Bahamas wedding, answered directly without filler.
Full requirements guide →
Full officiant authority guide →
Bahamas apostille guide →
About Glenn Ferguson →
Book Glenn for Your Bahamas Wedding
Send three things: your arrival date, ceremony date, and whether either of you was previously married. Glenn maps the cleanest timeline and recommends the right package.
All Pages on This Site
Book Glenn Ferguson for Your Bahamas Wedding
Glenn handles the marriage license guidance, Registrar General escort, legal ceremony, and certificate advice — from first contact through registration. Packages from $1,495. Government fees: $100 license, $20 certificate.
Send your arrival date, ceremony date, island/location, and whether either of you was previously married. Glenn confirms the cleanest legal timeline and recommends the right package.
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