Who Can Officiate a Wedding in The Bahamas?

You have set your mind on having your dream wedding in the Bahamas and looking forward to welcoming your guest to this island paradise just off the coast of Florida – and thinking about the party after your Bahamas wedding ceremony. But hold up...

Are you sure that the person you have selected to officiate your wedding, can legally marry you in the Bahamas? 

When it comes to getting married in the Bahamas, you have got to have the right person as your officiant to make it legal.

Marriage Requirements in The Bahamas

According to the marriage requirements in The Bahamas, ordained religious ministers, Justice of the Peace, Notary public, or even your own pastor can not legally marry you in the Bahamas.

In The Bahamas, weddings can only be performed by persons who have been duly licensed and recognized as Marriage Officers by the Bahamas Government (Marriage Officer Bahamas).

With the exception being the Registrar, Magistrates, and Local Family Island Administrators, who by virtue of the office they hold can act as Bahamas wedding officiants.

And some ship captains have been authorized to perform maritime weddings in Bahamian waters.

Only a Licensed Bahamas Marriage Officer can officiate a wedding in The Bahamas (Marriage Officer Bahamas).

So the first question you need to ask of the person that you are considering to officiate at your wedding is “Are you a Licensed Bahamas Marriage Officer?”

As this is the one designation of persons licensed and credentialed to legally marry you in the Bahamas.

However, once a Licensed Bahamas Marriage Officer (marriage officer Bahamas) is present, your pastor, minister, or person of your choosing can assist with the ceremony but can not sign the official documents.

Documentation for weddings in the Bahamas

The position of Marriage Officer Bahamas is that of a public servant and as such is required to professionally perform their duties with integrity, complete efficiency, and accuracy.

At the end of the marriage ceremony, your Bahamas wedding officiant is required to complete and sign four documents:-

1. Two copies of the Marriage Register or Form 11, which is given to each of you.
2. One Marriage Duplicate Register or Form 9, which he is required to submit to the Registrar General’s office as soon as possible.
3. The Marriage Officer’s Register Book for his own record keeping.

The signature of the bride and groom and two witnesses must also be on these four documents.  And the witnesses may also be required to print their names for legibility.

After the wedding ceremony, a copy of the Marriage Duplicate Register, or Form 9, is submitted to the Registrar General’s Office, for the issuance of a certified Marriage Certificate. This can take up to 2 business days at a cost of $20.00 per copy.

Once the Certified Bahamas Marriage Certificate is received then it is time for the final step in the process – getting an Apostille!

And you get this from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, located at Charlotte House, Shirley Street. The Apostille takes 5 business days and will cost $120.00 per copy.

 Apostille for Weddings in the Bahamas

I can hear you asking “What is an Apostille?”

An Apostille is a certificate that allows countries that are party to the Hague Conference – Apostille Convention (your country of residence) to authenticate the origin of a public document (e.g., a birth, marriage, or death certificate, a judgment, an extract of a register or a notarial attestation).

Simply put an Apostille is The Bahamas’ way of telling your government and the world that you were married in The Bahamas and your wedding in The Bahamas is legal.

Another Bahamas wedding requirement is that you need to get a Bahamas Marriage License before you can have your wedding in the Bahamas, and you can only apply for your marriage license, 24 hours after your arrival in the Bahamas. However, your Bahamas Marriage License is valid for 90 days.

If you have questions about getting married in The Bahamas, simply Click ASK Glenn or call or WhatsApp 1-(242)-395-8495 and we will get you the help that you need to get married in The Bahamas. 

About Glenn Ferguson

Glenn Ferguson is a well-known wedding planner and licensed Bahamas wedding officiant based in the Bahamas. With over 20 years of experience in the wedding industry, he has become one of the most sought-after wedding professionals in the region.

As a Bahamas wedding planner, Glenn is known for his exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail. He works closely with each couple to understand their vision for their big day and then uses his expertise to bring that vision to life. From venue selection and decor to catering and entertainment, Glenn handles every aspect of the wedding planning process to ensure a seamless and stress-free experience for the couple.

In addition to his wedding planning services, Glenn is also a licensed Bahamas Marriage Officer. He conducts personalized wedding ceremonies that reflect the unique love story of each couple. Whether it's a traditional religious ceremony or a more contemporary celebration, Glenn ensures that the ceremony is a meaningful and memorable experience for the couple and their guests.

What sets Glenn apart is his commitment to making each wedding a truly special and unforgettable event. He is known for his warm personality and his ability to put couples at ease, which makes the planning process and the wedding day itself a truly enjoyable experience.

With his extensive experience, attention to detail, and warm personality, it's no wonder that Glenn has become one of the most sought-after wedding planners and wedding officiants in The Bahamas. Whether you're planning a destination wedding or a local celebration, he is the perfect choice to make your big day unforgettable.