2026 Guide • Legal + Simple • Fast Booking

How do I get married in The Bahamas?

Last updated: January 12, 2026 • Legal guidance verified by a Licensed Bahamas Marriage Officer

Here’s what I’d recommend if you were sitting in my office today: keep it simple, get the legal steps right, and build your ceremony around your arrival timeline. I’m Glenn Ferguson, a Licensed Bahamas Marriage Officer and WPIC-certified Bahamas wedding planner—and I’ll help you do it the clean, stress-free way. If you want to check the official checklist, start with my Bahamas marriage license requirements (then message me your dates so I confirm what applies to you).

Get My Fast Legal Plan See the Step-By-Step Check Availability

Licensed Marriage Officer WPIC-certified Planner Nassau • PI • Exuma • Eleuthera • Harbour Island

Fastest start: WhatsApp me your arrival date, island, and ceremony date/time. I’ll reply with your exact document checklist + a legal timeline you can actually follow.

Nervous about doing the legal side in another country? You’re not the first. Message me your dates and I’ll confirm your cleanest legal path—so you don’t fly in and realize you can’t marry when you planned.

Prefer a quick call? Call/WhatsApp 1-(242)-395-8495.

Couple eloping in the Bahamas on a beautiful beach ceremony setup

The simple formula: Arrive → satisfy the legal timing rule → submit license details → plan witnesses → marry at your chosen location → order your certificate copy (and apostille if needed).

Step-by-step: how most couples marry in The Bahamas (the clean way)

My job is to keep you compliant and calm—so your wedding feels like a vacation, not a paperwork project.

Lock your dates & island

Choose your island: Nassau/Paradise Island, Exuma, Eleuthera, Harbour Island.
Set arrival date and ideal ceremony date/time.
I confirm what’s realistic based on legal timing and logistics.

Confirm your legal checklist

Valid passports for both of you.
Proof of arrival date (travel itinerary / entry info).
Personal details for the application and licensing.
Witness plan (2 adults) — see witness requirements.

Build the timeline around the legal timing window

Many couples can’t marry the same day they land.
I map your earliest legal ceremony time based on arrival.
You get a simple “Arrival → License → Ceremony” plan.

Choose your ceremony style

Beach elopement, resort ceremony, private villa, or yacht.
Quick legal ceremony or full experience with planning support.
I keep the legal part tight so the rest is pure celebration.

Secure witnesses (if you’re traveling alone)

If you have guests—great, use them.
If it’s just you two, I help you plan a simple solution.
No awkward surprises on ceremony day.

Marry, then order your certificate copy

After the ceremony, many couples want a certified copy.
If you need international use, you may need an apostille.
I point you to the correct path based on your country/state.

What you’ll typically need (simple checklist)

✓

Valid passportsFor both parties, not expired.

✓

Arrival proofTravel itinerary / arrival date details to plan the legal timing.

✓

Witness plan (2 adults)If you’re eloping alone, I’ll help you solve this cleanly.

✓

Your ceremony locationResort, beach, villa, or yacht—logistics matter.

Fast track tip: Send me your arrival date and island first—then I’ll tell you exactly what to prepare and when. For a deeper checklist, see Bahamas wedding requirements.

Timeline snapshot (what most couples do)

When	What happens
Before travel	Pick island + ceremony style. I confirm a realistic legal window and booking.
Arrival day	Relax. Your legal plan is already mapped to the timing rule.
Next legal window	Finalize license steps and witness plan. Confirm exact ceremony time.
Ceremony day	We marry you at your chosen location—simple, elegant, and legally correct.
After	Order certified marriage certificate copy and apostille if required.

Get My Checklist Read the Bahamas Marriage License Checklist

Full Bahamas Island coverage

I handle legal ceremony planning and officiant support across Nassau, Paradise Island, and select out islands including Exuma, Eleuthera, and Harbour Island. If you’re unsure which island fits your vibe, tell me your priorities (privacy, resort convenience, villa style, travel ease) and I’ll steer you correctly. If you’re still researching, start with booking a Bahamas wedding officiant so we lock the timeline first.

Nassau Paradise Island Exuma Eleuthera Harbour Island

Choose your path: simple legal ceremony or full support

When you're investing in the Bahamas wedding experience, it’s about more than a ceremony—it’s about peace of mind.

1) Legal Ceremony (Fast + Clean)

For couples who want the legal steps done correctly with minimal fuss.

Timeline + checklist
Witness plan support
Officiant booking + ceremony execution

Book Fast

2) Elopement Upgrade (Simple + Beautiful)

For couples who want a clean legal plan plus an elegant, photo-ready setup.

Location guidance
Vendor coordination basics
Day-of flow (so it feels effortless)

Send Options

3) Full Planning (Resort/Villa Experience)

For couples who want planning leadership and a premium guest experience.

Planning + timeline management
Vendor team & logistics
Multi-day experience support

Explore Bahamas Wedding Planning

Glenn Ferguson — Licensed Bahamas Marriage Officer and WPIC-certified wedding planner

Who you’re working with

I’m Glenn Ferguson—Licensed Bahamas Marriage Officer and WPIC-certified Bahamas wedding planner. I’ve helped couples plan beachfront ceremonies across The Bahamas for 24+ years. If you want the legal side handled properly (and quickly), this is where experience really matters—and I bring 24+ years of it.

Message Glenn Book Now

Most common mistake: couples pick a ceremony time that doesn’t match the legal timing window after arrival. Send me your arrival time + island and I’ll tell you what’s realistic—before you commit deposits.

Real couples. Real outcomes. (Reviews)

If you’re nervous about doing the legal side in another country, you’re not alone. These are reviews pulled from my Bahamas wedding experience page: Bahamas Wedding Reviews.

Lisa Gould Source: Bahamas Wedding

Glen is a rockstar! He took care of every detail, marriage license, venue etc. He was very responsive and always available and incredibly professional... Thanks Glen for making the day even more special.

Connor Miller Source: Bahamas Wedding

Getting married in the Bahamas was a breeze. Glen Ferguson took care of everything and made the process run as smooth as possible.

Kassandra Source: Bahamas Wedding

Glen made our beach wedding in the Bahamas a dream come true... from having our marriage license prepared, to writing the most beautiful vows and performing our ceremony... memories we will laugh about and cherish forever!!!

Jae Fajardo Source: Bahamas Wedding

Glenn is legit... he was able to do all required paper filing from obtaining marriage license to marriage certificate on the agreed timeline... Glenn's services are more than of what we paid for.

Stacey & Ross Source: Bahamas Wedding

Glenn organized our wedding with precision, professionalism and flexibility... he had all the paperwork completed for our arrival and organized a priority wedding license... easy and no stress for us at all!

Kim & Sam Source: Bahamas Wedding

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... I would recommend Glenn to anyone who is wanting to get married in the Bahamas!!

Want the same “no stress” result?

Message me your arrival date, island, and preferred ceremony time. I’ll reply with your cleanest legal timeline and what to prepare.

WhatsApp Glenn Read FAQs

Bahamas vs. Vegas vs. Florida: where is it easiest to get married?

If your goal is simple + unforgettable, The Bahamas wins when you build your ceremony around the legal timing window after arrival. If you want me to confirm the fastest path for your dates, message me your arrival time and island.

Factor	The Bahamas	Las Vegas	Florida
Experience	Beach/villa/resort ceremony + vacation vibe	Fast + convenient, but not “destination beach”	Varies by city/venue
Legal timing	Plan around arrival timing window	Often same-day possible	Varies by county
Stress level (with a pro)	Low when your checklist is clean	Low	Medium (depending on logistics)

Confirm My Timeline See Bahamas Legal Requirements

After you marry: certificate copies

If you need proof for name change, immigration, or records, you’ll likely want a certified copy of your Bahamas marriage certificate.

Get a Certified Bahamas Marriage Certificate Copy

Do you need an apostille?

If your certificate must be recognized internationally, you may need an apostille (depends on where it will be used).

Bahamas Marriage Apostille Help

FAQ (Answers people search on Google for Bahamas weddings and elopements)

Can tourists get married in The Bahamas?

Yes. Most destination couples are visitors. The key is following the legal timing requirements after arrival and having your documents ready.

Can we get married in the Bahamas in 2 days?

Sometimes—depending on your arrival time, the legal timing window, and how prepared your documents and witness plan are. Message me your arrival and desired ceremony date, and I’ll tell you what’s realistic.

Do we need two witnesses if we’re eloping?

In many cases, yes. If you’re traveling alone, I’ll help you plan a simple witness solution so you stay compliant and relaxed.

Can we get married at our hotel, villa, or on the beach?

Yes—many ceremonies are done at resorts, private villas, beaches, or on boats, as long as your legal steps are handled correctly and your ceremony plan matches the licensing timeline.

How do I book you as my Bahamas wedding officiant?

WhatsApp me your arrival date, island, and preferred ceremony time. I’ll confirm availability and send the next steps fast.

Is a Bahamas marriage legal in the United States?

In general, if your marriage is valid where it was performed, it’s recognized in the U.S. If you need documents for name change, immigration, or records, I’ll guide you on certified copies and (if needed) apostille.

Is a Bahamas marriage legal in the UK?

In general, marriages legally performed abroad are recognized in the UK when properly conducted and documented. If you need your certificate for formal processes, I’ll advise on certified copies and whether apostille applies.

How much does it cost to get married in The Bahamas?

It varies based on the government license fee, your ceremony setup, and any upgrades (photography, florals, planning). Message me your island and style and I’ll outline a clean budget path—essentials first.

What is the fastest way to elope in The Bahamas?

A simple legal ceremony plan built around your arrival timing, with witnesses handled and documents clean. Send your arrival date/time + island and I’ll map your earliest realistic ceremony window.

Do I need a wedding planner in The Bahamas?

Not always. If you want a simple legal ceremony, you may only need an officiant and a tight timeline. If you want a premium experience (vendors, décor, multi-day flow), planning support is the difference between “okay” and effortless.

Can you help with certificates and apostille after the wedding?

Yes. Many couples request certified marriage certificate copies after the ceremony and sometimes apostille depending on where the document will be used. I’ll point you to the cleanest option for your situation.

Want me to map your exact legal timeline?

Send me: arrival date, island, ceremony date/time, and resort/villa name (if you have it). I’ll reply with the cleanest path to “legally married” without drama.

WhatsApp Glenn Now Marriage License Application Help

Related pages (useful next clicks)

These pages help you go from research → booking → paperwork completion.

Requirements

Documents, timing rules, and what to prepare.

Read Bahamas Marriage License Requirements

Book Officiant

Availability + fast booking workflow.

Book a Bahamas Wedding Officiant

Certificate + Apostille

Copies, certified copies, and apostille guidance.

Get Bahamas Apostille Guidance