Getting Married in The Bahamas on a Cruise (Legal, Simple, and Onshore-Friendly)
I’m Glenn Ferguson. If you’re arriving by Disney, Carnival, Royal Caribbean, or another major cruise line, you can still have a real Bahamas wedding — with your ceremony onshore and your paperwork handled correctly.
Want me to confirm your cruise timing, port day, and the simplest legal route? Use Ask Glenn or WhatsApp 1-(242)-395-8495.
Why Bahamas Cruise Weddings Are Surging
More couples are choosing a wedding cruise over a traditional church wedding — and the Bahamas is one of the easiest destinations to pull it off. Most major cruise lines call on Nassau, and some even have private cays, giving you multiple options for a wedding that feels remote and special.
- One trip, multiple celebrations: ceremony + honeymoon energy in one itinerary.
- Easy guest planning: cabins replace hotel blocks and transportation headaches.
- Onshore ceremony options: beaches, resorts, and photo-perfect locations close to port.
If you want an onshore Nassau ceremony while the ship is in port, I’ll help you structure timing so it’s smooth.
You may also want these pages as you plan:
- Getting Married in the Bahamas
- Wedding on a Public Beach
- How to Get a Marriage License in The Bahamas
- Nassau Marriage Requirements
Can I Get Married in The Bahamas on a Cruise?
Yes — a real Bahamas cruise wedding is possible. Some couples choose to do the legal wedding before the cruise, but you can also complete the legal process tied to your cruise itinerary when handled correctly.
Bahamas marriage laws include a required timing window before applying for a marriage license. Cruise passengers can often satisfy the timing requirement using time spent in Bahamian waters.
- You’ll need a letter from your cruise line indicating time spent in Bahamian waters.
- That documentation helps support the required waiting window before applying for the license.
- This structure can give you time to do your onshore ceremony and still return to the ship comfortably.
If you want me to verify feasibility for your exact sailing, use Ask Glenn.
- You send cruise details: cruise line, sailing dates, Nassau port day, and arrival time.
- I tell you what to request: the exact cruise letter wording you need.
- We plan your onshore ceremony: beach, resort, or private venue close to port.
- You get married onshore: legal ceremony performed by a licensed Bahamas Marriage Officer.
Prefer phone? Call 1-(242)-395-8495.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Marriage License in The Bahamas?
The application itself is typically quick when your documents are correct — often handled the same day. The key is satisfying the required waiting window before applying, which cruise passengers can often document with a cruise letter showing time in Bahamian waters.
- Confirm your port day window and realistic ceremony time.
- Tell you exactly what documentation your cruise letter should include.
- Prevent common issues that cause delays (missing documents, wrong versions, incomplete affidavits).
Start with the full guide: How to Get a Marriage License in The Bahamas.
If your cruise schedule is tight, I’ll tell you whether the cleanest option is:
- Legal wedding onshore in Nassau (with cruise letter support), or
- Legal wedding before the cruise + a ceremonial vow exchange onshore.
What Are the Requirements to Get a Marriage License in The Bahamas?
Here’s the practical checklist most couples need. If you want me to confirm your exact situation (previous marriage, name changes, special circumstances), send your details via Ask Glenn.
- Age: both parties must be at least 18. If under 18, written consent from parents/legal guardians is required.
- Marital status: both parties must be unmarried at the time of application. If previously married, provide proof of dissolution (divorce decree absolute or annulment certificate).
- Competency: both parties must be mentally competent to enter into marriage.
- Presence: both parties must be present in The Bahamas at the time of application.
- Identification: valid government-issued ID (commonly passports). Some cases may require an original birth certificate plus photo ID.
- Affidavit of Singlehood: if never married before, an affidavit sworn before a Justice of the Peace confirming eligibility is required.
- Cruise couples: a cruise letter indicating time spent in Bahamian waters may be needed to support timing requirements.
Are You Legally Married If You Get Married in The Bahamas on a Cruise?
Yes — if you follow the legal requirements and your ceremony is performed by a licensed Bahamas Marriage Officer with proper registration, your marriage is legally valid and generally recognized internationally (including the U.S. and Canada).
- Marriage license: issued through the Registrar General’s process.
- Licensed officiant: ceremony performed by an authorized Bahamas Marriage Officer.
- Proper registration: ensures you can obtain your official marriage certificate.
Helpful links: Who Can Officiate and How Do I Get Married in The Bahamas?
Your Bahamas marriage certificate is proof of legality. Some countries or use-cases may require an apostille or certified copy for name change, immigration, or government filings.
Processing time can vary, but many couples can receive their Bahamas marriage certificate within a few business days once registration is complete. If you need a certified copy or apostille for use abroad, tell me where you’ll be using it and I’ll guide you to the correct option.
Onshore Wedding Packages for Cruise Couples (Nassau)
If you want to step off the ship, get married onshore, take your photos, and return to continue your cruise — these Nassau options are built for that reality. I’ll recommend the simplest package based on your port window and guest count.
Island Nuptial Sweet Beginning | US $1,495.00
A clean, affordable starting point for couples who want a beautiful onshore ceremony without over-planning.
Island Nuptial Romance | US $2,395.00
Designed for an intimate wedding in the Bahamas with a more elevated feel.
Island Nuptial Elegance | US $2,495.00
A strong choice when you’re bringing a small group and want the day to feel polished and intentional.
Island Nuptial Nassau Wedding Package | US $5,995.00
A higher-support option often chosen for cruise couples who want a smooth, hosted-feel wedding experience onshore.
Nassau packages range from simple elopements to full wedding + reception experiences. Tell me your cruise line, port time, location preference, and guest count and I’ll match you to the best onshore option.
Planning a resort day-pass style ceremony? See Baha Mar Weddings and Atlantis Weddings.
What Couples Say
Real feedback from couples who wanted speed, clarity, and legal correctness.
“Glen is a rockstar! He took care of every detail, marriage license, venue, etc. He was very responsive and always available and incredibly professional.”
“Outstanding!! Glenn was professional, accommodating, and personal. The small touches were phenomenal… Well worth it!!”
“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.”
Cruise Wedding FAQs
Fast answers for cruise couples planning a legal onshore Bahamas ceremony.
Does cruise time count toward the Bahamas waiting requirement?
In many cases, time spent in Bahamian waters can help support timing requirements when documented properly. You’ll usually need a letter from your cruise line indicating time spent in Bahamian waters. Send your cruise line + sailing dates and I’ll tell you what to request.
Can we do a legal ceremony onshore and still return to the ship?
Yes, if your port window supports it and your plan is structured correctly. I’ll recommend the best ceremony time and the simplest onshore package for your schedule.
Is a Bahamas cruise wedding legally recognized in the U.S. and Canada?
Generally yes, when you follow Bahamas legal requirements: valid license, ceremony performed by a licensed Bahamas Marriage Officer, and proper registration. Some use-cases may require a certified copy or apostille depending on where you’ll use the document.
What documents do we need for the Bahamas marriage license?
Requirements can vary by situation (never married vs. previously married). A common set includes valid ID (often passports), proof of dissolution if previously married, and an affidavit of singlehood for those never married before. See: Requirements to Get Married in The Bahamas.
What’s the fastest way to confirm if our cruise plan works?
Use Ask Glenn and include: cruise line, sailing dates, Nassau port day, time in port, and guest count. Or WhatsApp 1-(242)-395-8495.
Ask Glenn About Your Cruise Wedding (Fast Answers)
Tell me your cruise line, sailing dates, Nassau port day/time, guest count, and where you want to get married onshore. If you’re ready to lock it in, use the booking page.
Prefer instant contact? Call 1-(242)-395-8495 or WhatsApp message Glenn.
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