How to Get a Marriage License in The Bahamas (Step-by-Step)
If you want your Bahamas wedding to be fully legal and properly registered, the marriage license step must be done correctly. Below is the exact process I use to keep couples on schedule and avoid last-minute surprises in Nassau.
- Legal recognition: License + authorized Marriage Officer + proper registration
- Timing matters: Arrive early enough to meet Bahamas requirements without stress
- Keep it simple: Bring the correct documents, follow the sequence, and you are fine
Need me to confirm your timing quickly? Use Ask Glenn or WhatsApp message me here.
The Bahamas Marriage License Process (Nassau)
This is the cleanest sequence for most couples. If you tell me your travel dates and ceremony location, I will confirm the timing so you stay compliant.
Confirm your travel dates and ceremony date
Before you book anything complicated, align your arrival date, the license timing window, and your ceremony date. If you are planning a cruise stop or tight itinerary, confirm this first.
Helpful pages: Getting Married in the Bahamas and Cruise Weddings.
Gather the required documents
Bring clean, readable originals (and copies where possible). If you are divorced or widowed, bring the correct legal documents.
Jump to the full checklist: Documents & checklist.
Submit the application and pay the government fee
You apply for the license, pay the applicable fee, and follow the official process for issuance. I guide couples so you know what to expect and what to bring on the day.
See: Bahamas Marriage License Application and Application Guide.
Officiate the legal ceremony and register correctly
A beautiful ceremony is not the same as a legally registered marriage. Legal recognition requires an authorized Bahamas Marriage Officer, a valid license, and proper registration.
Read: Who Can Officiate and Bahamas Wedding Ceremony.
Request your Bahamas marriage certificate (and apostille if needed)
After registration, you can obtain your official Bahamas marriage certificate. If you need it for official use abroad, you may require a certified copy and/or apostille depending on the destination country and use case.
Document Checklist for a Bahamas Marriage License
The goal is simple: bring the correct documents the first time so you do not lose a day of your trip. If you want me to sanity-check your list, use the Ask Glenn form below.
- Valid passports for both parties
- Birth certificates (recommended to have available)
- Proof of divorce (final decree) if previously married
- Death certificate if widowed
- Any required supporting documents for special circumstances
- Bring clear copies of key documents (paper or digital backup)
- Keep everything together in one folder (passport, copies, supporting docs)
- If your itinerary is tight, build a buffer day before the ceremony
- For resorts or public beach plans, review location rules: Public Beach Weddings
If you want the complete “done-for-you” experience, start here: Book Bahamas Wedding Officiant.
When Should You Arrive for a Bahamas Marriage License?
Most problems happen when couples arrive too close to the ceremony date. The safe play is a buffer day.
Arrive with a buffer day
The simplest planning sequence is: arrive, handle the license step, then marry the next day. This prevents timing issues, office-hour problems, and travel delays from crushing your ceremony date.
Planning an elopement? See: Can You Elope in The Bahamas and Reasons to Elope.
If you are on a cruise or have limited time
Cruise stops and tight weekends can work, but only if the timing and documents are aligned correctly. If you are on a cruise ship itinerary, start here: Getting Married on a Cruise.
Marriage License Fees and What You’ll Pay For
Couples generally pay the official marriage license fee plus whatever service level they choose for planning/officiation. If you want a clear quote for your exact ceremony style, book or ask first.
The government marriage license fee can vary based on the current schedule and process. I will confirm the latest expectation for your dates as part of your guidance.
- Book Bahamas Wedding Officiant (availability + ceremony options)
- Bahamas Wedding Officiant (what you get)
- Bahamas Wedding (planning overview)
Common Mistakes That Delay a Bahamas Marriage License
These are the issues I see most often. Fix them before you travel and your wedding becomes easy.
Arriving too close to the ceremony date
Tight itineraries leave no room for travel delays, office-hour limits, or missing documents. Build a buffer day whenever possible.
Missing divorce or widowhood documents
If you were previously married, bring the correct legal proof. Do not assume “we can email it later.”
Confusing a symbolic ceremony with a legal marriage
Legal marriage requires the license, an authorized Bahamas Marriage Officer, and proper registration. If you need legal recognition, do it the right way.
Real Couples. Real Relief.
Couples usually tell me the same thing after: “The paperwork part was easier than we expected.” That’s the whole point of doing it with clear guidance.
“He escorted us to get our marriage license and made it quick and painless.”
“We were worried about paperwork but he handled everything.”
“Wonderful throughout the process. He helped navigate the marriage license bureaucracy.”
FAQs: Bahamas Marriage License and Legal Wedding Details
Fast answers to the questions couples ask before booking or traveling.
Is a Bahamas wedding legally recognized?
Yes, when you obtain a valid Bahamas marriage license, your ceremony is performed by an authorized Bahamas Marriage Officer, and the marriage is properly registered so you can obtain your official certificate. Start here: Who Can Officiate.
Can you help me with the marriage license process?
Yes. I guide you through documents, timing, and practical steps so the process is handled correctly. If you want to send details and get a quick answer, use: Ask Glenn.
Do we need to arrive early?
You should arrive early enough to complete the license step without putting your ceremony at risk. The safest plan is a buffer day. If you tell me your arrival date and ceremony date, I will confirm the cleanest timing sequence.
Where can you officiate in Nassau?
Beaches, resorts/hotels, private villas, and approved locations across Nassau and New Providence. Planning a resort ceremony? See: Atlantis and Baha Mar.
How do we get a copy of our Bahamas marriage certificate?
After registration, you can request your Bahamas marriage certificate. Certified copies and apostille support may be available depending on your use case. Start here: How to Get a Copy.
Ask Glenn Your Bahamas Marriage License Questions (Fast Answers)
If you want clarity before booking, send your details here. If you are ready to reserve your date, use the Book Officiant page or message on WhatsApp.
Prefer instant contact? Call 1-(242)-395-8495 or WhatsApp message Glenn.
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