Getting Married in the Bahamas

Island Nuptial wedding packages range from $1,495 to $11,995 depending on your guest count, venue choice, and included services:

Additional Required Costs:

• Marriage license: $100
• VAT (12% on services): Varies by package
• Guest accommodations: $150-$500+ per night depending on resort
• Flights: $300-$800+ per person from US East Coast

Average Total Budget: Most couples spend $8,000-$15,000 for a destination wedding including accommodation, flights, and Island Nuptial celebration for 10-20 guests. Learn more about Bahamas destination wedding costs and discover affordable beach wedding packages.

To have a legal tropical wedding in the Bahamas, you must meet several key requirements:

• Bahamas Marriage License: Required from the Registry, valid for three months (90 days)
• Minimum Age: Both parties must be 18 years or older
• Physical Presence: Both parties must be in The Bahamas at the time of application
• Residency Requirement: Must be resident in The Bahamas for 24 hours prior to the date of application (shortest in the Caribbean)
• Documentation: Valid passport or driver's license with certified birth certificate
• Proof of Single Status: Declaration from US Consul ($55 fee) or notarized document for other countries

Special Requirements:

• If divorced: Original final decree or certified copy required
• If widowed: Death certificate of deceased spouse required
• If under 18: Affidavit of parental consent required

No blood test is necessary for marriage in the Bahamas, unlike many other Caribbean destinations. For complete details, visit our guide on requirements to get married in the Bahamas and explore the legal requirements in detail.

Yes, this is absolutely true. For your marriage in the Bahamas to be legally valid, the ceremony must take place before sunset.

This is a strict legal requirement that cannot be waived. We recommend checking the exact sunset time for your wedding date and planning your ceremony well in advance to ensure compliance.

Plan your ceremony timing carefully to avoid any legal complications with your marriage certificate.

The marriage license process involves several steps:

1. 24-Hour Wait: Be on the island for 24 hours before applying
2. Visit Registry: Go to Marriages Department, Registrar General's Office, 2nd Floor Shirley House, 50 Shirley Street
3. Submit Application: Provide supporting documentation including affidavits and photocopies of passport & immigration cards
4. Pay Fees: $100.00 for marriage license, optional $20.00 for certified marriage certificate copy
5. Return Next Day: Standard processing time is two days, requiring two office visits

Office Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (Closed weekends and holidays)

Contact: Tel: 242-397-9113 | Fax: 242-323-7908

Affidavits are mandatory for anyone who has never been married. Priority processing services are available to expedite your application.

Yes, absolutely! The Bahamas marriage license is a legal document issued by the Bahamas government and is legally recognized in any country worldwide.

Your Bahamian marriage will be just as valid as if you were married in your home country. You can obtain certified copies of your marriage certificate for use in legal proceedings, name changes, and other official purposes.

Certificate Cost: $20.00 for a certified copy of your marriage certificate.

Yes, you can get married at resort venues! Many couples choose all-inclusive resorts for the convenience of having accommodation, dining, and wedding services in one location.

Resort Wedding Benefits:

• Convenient accommodation for guests
• On-site catering and reception venues
• Professional wedding coordination services
• All-inclusive packages available

Glenn works directly with resort wedding coordinators and can help you secure the best packages and ensure all legal requirements are met. Explore specific resort options: Atlantis wedding packages, Grand Hyatt Baha Mar weddings, and Four Seasons Ocean Club ceremonies.

Cruise ship passengers receive special consideration for the 24-hour residency requirement:

• Letter from Ship's Purser: Obtain a letter stating when the ship entered Bahamian waters
• Ship ID: Bring your cruise ship ID along with other required documents
• Advance Notice: Write to the Registrar General's Office stating your intention to marry, including arrival time and cruise details

This exception allows cruise passengers to apply for their marriage license even if they haven't been physically on land for 24 hours, provided they've been in Bahamian waters for that duration. Learn more about cruise wedding options and Royal Caribbean wedding packages.

No, you do not need a blood test to get married in the Bahamas. This is one of the advantages of getting married in the Bahamas compared to many other destinations.

The Bahamas has simplified the marriage process by eliminating the blood test requirement, making it easier and more convenient for destination wedding couples.

No, your home country religious officiant cannot legally perform the ceremony.

However, they can participate in meaningful ways:

• Ceremonial Role: They may assist in the ceremony with readings, blessings, or other religious elements
• Legal Requirements: A local Bahamian wedding minister must handle the signing of legal documents
• Official Declaration: Only the local minister can legally declare you husband and wife

This arrangement allows you to honor your religious traditions while meeting Bahamian legal requirements.

Standard processing time is two business days, excluding Bahamian holidays. This means you'll need to visit the office twice:

1. Day 1: Submit your application with all required documents
2. Day 2: Return to collect your marriage license

Priority Processing Available: Glenn offers priority marriage license services that can expedite the process. With his assistance, the entire process can be completed in about 20 minutes on your wedding day.

Important: You must be in the Bahamas for at least 24 hours before applying, so plan accordingly. For expedited processing, consider our priority marriage license application service or learn about same-day service options.

The Bahamas enjoys year-round tropical weather, but some periods are more popular for weddings:

Weather Considerations:

• Average temperature: 75-85°F year-round
• Trade winds provide natural cooling
• Brief afternoon showers possible in summer
• Remember: ceremonies must end before sunset

Peak Season Advantages: Best weather, but higher costs and more crowds. Off-Season Advantages: Lower rates, fewer tourists, but potential weather concerns.

No, you do not need to be a Bahamas citizen to get married there. The Bahamas welcomes destination wedding couples from around the world.

Requirements for Non-Citizens:

• Valid passport and photo ID
• Proof of single status (affidavit)
• 24-hour residency in the Bahamas before applying
• All required documentation properly translated if not in English

Many couples choose the Bahamas specifically because it's accessible to international visitors while maintaining legal recognition worldwide. For specific guidance, see our guides for US citizens getting married and British citizens marrying abroad.