8 min read Last updated: July 19, 2025 By Glenn Ferguson, Licensed Marriage Officer

Bahamas Marriage License Requirements 2025

Complete 6-Step Guide for Your Caribbean Destination Wedding

Validity Period

90 Days

Application Fee

$100.00

Legal Age

18 Years

Required Stay

24+ Hours

Beautiful Bahamas beach wedding ceremony with crystal clear turquoise waters

Quick Answer
Why Choose Bahamas
Video Guide
Eligibility Requirements
6-Step Application Process
Important Notes
Marriage Officers
Expert Guidance
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Resources

Quick Answer: How to Get a Bahamas Marriage License

To obtain a Bahamas marriage license: Complete the application form, present valid photo ID, attend an interview (if required), and pay the $100 fee. Non-Bahamians must prove 24+ hours in the country. The license is valid for 90 days and issued by the Registrar General's Department in Nassau.

⏱️ Processing Time: Same-day (1-2 hours) for most couples

📅 Best Time to Apply: 1-2 weeks before wedding (avoid peak December-April)

🎯 Difficulty Level: Easy - 95% approval rate with proper documentation

🏆 Why Choose Bahamas: Easiest Caribbean destination for US couples

Why The Bahamas is the #1 Choice for Caribbean Weddings

The Bahamas

✅ Same-day license processing
✅ No waiting period required
✅ English-speaking country
✅ Only 30 minutes from Florida
✅ $100 flat fee
✅ 95% approval rate

Other Caribbean Islands

❌ 1-3 day waiting periods
❌ Complex residency requirements
❌ Language barriers
❌ Higher travel costs
❌ Fees up to $300+
❌ More documentation required

A Bahamas marriage license is a mandatory legal document for anyone wishing to have a destination wedding ceremony in The Bahamas. This official marriage license is issued by the Bahamas Registrar General's Department in Nassau and serves as your legal authorization to marry in this Caribbean paradise. The license remains valid for three months (90 days) from the date of issuance, giving couples flexibility in planning their wedding ceremony.

Best Times to Apply (Insider Tips)

Peak Season (Dec-Apr)

Apply 2-3 weeks early. Registrar office busiest. Consider morning appointments.

Optimal Season (May-Nov)

Same-day processing typical. Less crowded. Hurricane season but great weather windows.

Watch Our Complete Bahamas Marriage License Guide

Watch this comprehensive video guide that walks you through everything you need to know about obtaining your Bahamas marriage license, including insider tips, required documents, and the complete application process for international couples.

Eligibility Requirements for Bahamas Marriage License

Anyone wanting to get married in The Bahamas can apply for a marriage license, regardless of nationality. The legal minimum age for marriage in The Bahamas is 18 years for both parties. International couples planning a destination wedding in the Caribbean will find the Bahamas requirements straightforward and accommodating.

Both Bahamian citizens and foreign nationals (including US citizens, Canadian citizens, UK citizens, and other international visitors) are eligible to obtain a marriage license for their Bahamas wedding ceremony.

6-Step Bahamas Marriage License Application Process

Complete Marriage License Application Form

Complete the official Application for a Marriage License form and submit this document to the Marriage Registration Section of the Registrar General's Department in Nassau. Both parties must fill out the application completely and accurately.

Present Valid Government-Issued Photo Identification

Present a valid picture ID for identity verification. Acceptable forms of identification include a current passport, driver's license, or other government-issued photo identification. International visitors typically use their passport.

Participate in Required Interview Process

Bahamian-Bahamian couples: No interview required. The wedding officiant can sign the declaration.
Bahamian-Foreign couples: Must be interviewed by the Registrar General, who will sign the declaration.
Foreign-Foreign couples: Interviewed by designated Marriage Officers or Registrars to ensure legitimate marriage intentions.

Provide Proof of Bahamas Entry (Non-Bahamians)

Non-Bahamian applicants must demonstrate they have been in The Bahamas for at least 24 hours before applying. Present your immigration entry card or passport stamp as proof of entry into the country.

Submit Additional Required Documentation

If applicable, provide certified copies of divorce decrees, death certificates, or other supporting documents. Couples under 18 require special consent documentation.

Pay Application Fee and Receive License

Once approved after the interview process, pay the $100.00 application fee to receive your official Bahamas marriage license. The license is valid for 90 days from the date of issuance.

Critical Requirements and Important Notes

Background Check for Bahamians Over 40: Bahamians over age 40 without divorce/death certificates must wait up to two weeks for a marriage record search to verify no previous undocumented marriages.
Both Parties Must Be Present: Both individuals must complete the application form and appear in person at the Registrar General's Department during the application process.
24-Hour Minimum Stay Requirement: Non-Bahamians must prove at least 24 hours of presence in The Bahamas by presenting immigration entry cards or passport stamps.
Minors Require Special Consent: Anyone under 18 needs a Certificate of Consent to Marriage By A Minor (Section 19, Chapter 88) from appropriate authorities.
Previous Marriage Documentation: Divorced individuals must provide certified copies of final divorce decrees. Widowed applicants need certified death certificates of previous spouses.
Separate Interviews for Mixed Nationality Couples: Bahamian-Foreign couples are interviewed separately to prevent marriages of convenience and ensure genuine relationships.
Authorized Marriage Officers Only: Only designated Marriage Officers can conduct interviews and authorize licenses for non-Bahamian applicants.

Authorized Marriage Officers in The Bahamas

The following officials are authorized Marriage Officers in The Bahamas by virtue of their governmental appointments:

The Registrar General (head of marriage licensing)
Deputy Registrar
Assistant Registrar
Family Island Administrators and Commissioners
Supreme Court Magistrates
Licensed Marriage Officers (certified wedding professionals)

Important Note: Justices of the Peace are NOT Marriage Officers in The Bahamas, although some Marriage Officers may also hold Justice of the Peace appointments.

Expert Guidance from a Licensed Marriage Officer

Meet Glenn Ferguson - Your Bahamas Wedding & Real Estate Expert

With over 24 years of experience as a WPIC-certified Bahamas wedding planner, licensed Marriage Officer, licensed Bahamas real estate agent, and Residency Consultant, Glenn Ferguson specializes in helping couples create unforgettable destination weddings—and make smart real estate investments in The Bahamas.

From finding the perfect oceanfront villa to planning your big day and launching your vacation rental, Glenn offers a full-service experience rooted in expertise, integrity, and island know-how.

Professional Credentials & Track Record:

✓ Licensed Marriage Officer - Authorized to perform wedding ceremonies
✓ WPIC-Certified Wedding Planner - Professional wedding planning certification
✓ Licensed Bahamas Real Estate Agent - Property investment expertise
✓ Residency Consultant - Immigration and residency guidance
✓ 24+ Years Experience - Deep knowledge of Bahamas wedding regulations
✓ 100% Success Rate - Never had a marriage license application denied
✓ 500+ Couples Served - Proven track record with international weddings

Complete Wedding & Investment Package:

Marriage License application assistance and guidance ($150 service fee)
Wedding ceremony planning and coordination (packages from $2,500)
Oceanfront villa selection and purchase (from $350K)
Vacation rental property setup and management (ROI 8-12%)
Bahamas residency and immigration consulting ($500 consultation)
Emergency same-day license assistance (available 7 days/week)

"Glenn made our destination wedding seamless! He handled our marriage license in 2 hours and helped us find the perfect beachfront villa that's now our vacation rental. Professional, knowledgeable, and truly cares about his clients."

- Sarah & Michael Thompson, Toronto (married 2024)

"We were stressed about the paperwork, but Glenn walked us through everything. Got our license in 1 hour on a Friday afternoon when we thought it was impossible. Absolute lifesaver!"

- Jennifer & David Rodriguez, Miami (married 2025)

Contact Glenn Directly

Call Now WhatsApp Email

Available 7 days/week • Emergency service available

Frequently Asked Questions About Bahamas Marriage License

Yes! Most couples can obtain their Bahamas marriage license the same day they apply, typically within 1-2 hours. However, during peak wedding season (December-April), we recommend applying 1-2 weeks early. Bahamians over 40 without marriage history documentation may need up to 2 weeks for background checks.

Denials are extremely rare (less than 5%) and usually due to incomplete documentation or previous undisclosed marriages. If denied, you can reapply once you provide the required documents. Glenn Ferguson has a 100% success rate helping couples resolve documentation issues and secure their license.

The Bahamas offers the easiest marriage license process in the Caribbean: same-day processing, no waiting period, English-speaking country, only $100 fee, and just 30 minutes from Florida. Other islands often require 1-3 day waiting periods, higher fees ($300+), and more complex requirements.

The marriage license process typically takes 1-2 hours for the application and interview. However, Bahamians over 40 without previous marriage documentation may wait up to 2 weeks for background checks. We recommend applying at least 1 week before your wedding ceremony.

Required documents include: valid photo ID (passport or driver's license), completed application form, immigration entry card (for non-Bahamians), and if applicable - certified divorce decree or death certificate from previous marriage. Both parties must be present during application.

The official government fee for a Bahamas marriage license is $100.00 USD. This fee is paid directly to the Registrar General's Department after your application is approved following the interview process.

Interview requirements depend on nationality: Bahamian-Bahamian couples don't need interviews. Bahamian-Foreign couples must be interviewed by the Registrar General. Foreign-Foreign couples are interviewed by designated Marriage Officers to verify genuine marriage intentions.

A Bahamas marriage license is valid for exactly 90 days (3 months) from the date of issuance. You must complete your wedding ceremony within this timeframe, or you'll need to apply for a new license.

Yes, US citizens can legally marry in the Bahamas. You'll need valid passports, must be in the country for at least 24 hours before applying, complete the application process, and participate in an interview with designated Marriage Officers.

Apply at the Marriage Registration Section of the Registrar General's Department, located in Nassau. Both parties must appear in person with all required documentation. The office processes all marriage license applications for The Bahamas.

Yes, marriages performed in The Bahamas with a valid marriage license are legally recognized in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, and most other countries. You may need to obtain certified copies for legal purposes in your home country. Learn more about getting certified copies of your marriage certificate.

Glenn offers complete wedding services including wedding officiant services, beach wedding planning, and vow renewal ceremonies. He also specializes in complete wedding packages for destination couples.