Requirements to Get Married in The Bahamas

The Official Requirements for a Bahamas Marriage License

These are the requirements as defined by the Bahamas Registrar General’s Department. Glenn confirms your exact list before you travel based on your nationalities and specific circumstances.

1. 1

   Both Parties Must Be Present in The Bahamas

   Both parties must be physically present in The Commonwealth of The Bahamas at the time of the application. This is non-negotiable — a proxy application is not permitted.

2. 2

   Residency Requirement — 24 Hours Before Applying

   Both parties must be present in The Bahamas for at least 24 hours before applying for the marriage license. Couples arriving by cruise ship can count time spent in Bahamian waters toward this requirement. The license is typically issued same day or next business day after application. The license is valid for 90 days from the date of issue.

3. 3

   Minimum Age 18 — Parental Consent If Under 18

   If either party is a minor (under 18 years of age), written parental consent is required. Consent forms are available from the Registrar General’s office.

4. 4

   Previously Divorced — Final Decree Absolute Required

   If either party has been divorced, the original final decree absolute or a certified copy with a raised or coloured seal must be produced. For European residents, the decree must be produced in the native language along with a certified or notarised English translation. Interim decrees and conditional orders are not accepted.

5. 5

   Previously Widowed — Death Certificate Required

   If either party is widowed, the death certificate of the deceased spouse must be produced. This must be an official certificate. Non-English certificates require a certified translation.

6. 6

   Single Status Declaration — US Citizens and Residents

   If either party is unmarried, an affidavit of single status must be completed through a Bahamian Notary Public in Nassau ($95 — Glenn arranges this for all his clients). Note: the US Embassy in Nassau no longer provides this service for any nationality.

7. 7

   Single Status Declaration — Non-US Citizens

   If either party is unmarried and is not a US citizen or resident, a declaration certifying single status must be sworn before a Notary Public or other authorised person in their home country, and must accompany the marriage license application. The declaration may also be obtained from a Notary Public in Nassau.

8. 8

   Valid Passport and Full Birth Certificate

   Both parties must produce a valid passport (for Commonwealth residents, a passport is required; for others, a valid passport or government-issued photo ID). Both parties must also produce a full/long-form birth certificate showing their parents’ names. A short-form birth certificate without parents’ names will be rejected by the Registrar General. Obtain the full version from your home country vital records office before you travel.

9. 9

   Proof of Arrival Date in The Bahamas

   Both parties must produce evidence of the date of their arrival in The Bahamas — for example, an airline ticket or immigration card. This supports the residency or waiver requirement.

10. 10

    Out Island Ceremonies — Local Commissioner’s Office

    Couples wishing to marry on a Family Island (any island outside of New Providence or Grand Bahama — e.g. Exuma, Eleuthera, Harbour Island) can obtain the marriage license at the Commissioner’s Office on that island and do not need to travel to Nassau.

11. 11

    Marriage License Fee: $100 — Valid 90 Days

    The government fee for a Bahamas marriage license is $100 USD, payable at the Registrar General’s Department (or Commissioner’s Office for Out Islands). The license is valid for 90 days from the date of issue. No blood test is required.

Requirements by Your Specific Situation

Find your scenario below to see exactly what applies to you.

What Makes a Bahamas Wedding Ceremony Legally Valid?

Getting the license is only part of the process. The ceremony itself must meet specific legal requirements for the marriage to be recognized in The Bahamas and internationally.

• Licensed Bahamas Marriage Officer — the ceremony must be performed by a government-licensed Marriage Officer. A friend ordained online, a resort coordinator, or a visiting pastor from abroad without Bahamian authorization cannot legally solemnize the marriage.
• Two witnesses aged 18 or over — both must be physically present at the ceremony. Glenn arranges witnesses for couples eloping without guests.
• Valid marriage license — the license must be obtained before the ceremony, not after.
• Proper registration — the marriage must be registered with the Registrar General. Glenn handles this as part of every ceremony package.