Planning Your Wedding: Getting Married in the Bahamas

Application for Wedding License
The couple must be in the Bahamas at the time of application for the marriage license.

Residency period
Couples may apply a day after their arrival and can be married once they receive their approved license the day after application.

Single persons
If either party is single and have never been married before, a declaration certifying this fact must be sworn before a notary public or other person authorized to administer oaths in the country of residence. This document must accompany the application for the marriage license. This declaration can also be obtained in the Bahamas from an attorney-at-law or notary public.

Divorced
If either party has been divorced, the original final decree or a certified copy must be produced. Where applicable, a translated, certified and notarized copy of the final decree must be produced.

Widows
If either party is widowed, the original death certificate, or certified copy, must be produced. Where applicable, a translated, certified and notarized copy of the death certificate must be produced.

Minors
Minors (under 18 years) may be married with both parents' consent. Consent forms for minors are available at the registrar general's office.

Proof of Identification and Residency
Both parties must produce a valid passport, birth certificate and photo id. The parties must also produce evidence of the date of their arrival in the Bahamas. The Bahamas immigration card or entry stamp in your passport will suffice.

Blood test
A blood test is not required.

Fees
The fee for the license is $100; certified copies of a marriage certificate are $20. Marriage licenses are issued at the office of the registrar general. This office is open to the public Mondays to Fridays between the hours of 9:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

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