Bahamas Destination Wedding, Honeymoon & Vow Renewal Packages
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- Introduction
- Legal Wedding Requirements
Approximately 700 islands, spread over nearly 100,000 square miles of ocean, constitute The Bahamas. The term Out Islands (or Family Islands) refer to all of the islands except New Providence, home to Nassau and Paradise Island, and Grand Bahama, home to Freeport/Lucaya. There are flights to all of the island centers from Nassau. It’s also possible to charter a plane, take a high-speed catamaran ferry, or hop aboard a chartered sailboat or motorboat.
Home to the Bahamas capital of Nassau and the resort development of Paradise Island, New Providence Island is the most visited Bahamian island, thanks to its international airport and busy cruise ship dock. Freeport/Lucaya on Grand Bahama Island is a popular destination offering excellent golf courses including ones designed by Dick Wilson, Joe Lee and Robert Trent Jones Jr.
Application for License
The couple must be in The Commonwealth of The Bahamas at the time of application for the marriage license.
If you arrive via cruise ship, you'll be required to obtain a letter from the Ship's Purser/Guest Services confirming that you have met the residency period by being in Bahamian waters for 24 hours.
You need not apply for a license if you wish to renew your vows.
Please note: Marriage licenses and certificates are issued at the office of the Registrar General in Nassau. This office is open to the public Monday through Friday between the hours of 9:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Address: P.O. Box N-532 Nassau, The Bahamas
Phone: (242) 323-0594, (242) 323-0595, (242) 323-0597
Fax: (242) 322-5553, (242) 393-7908
Residency Period
Couples may apply a day after their arrival and can be married once they receive their approved license the day after application.
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
No blood test is necessary.
Witnesses
Two witnesses, who are at least 18 years old, must sign your marriage license. If it's just the two of you, witnesses can be provided.
Fees
The fee for a marriage license is $120, inclusive of one certified copy of a marriage certificate. Extra marriage certificates are available at $20 each.
Apostille
Many countries now require that official documents, such as international marriage certificates, be certified by the issuing country. In The Commonwealth of The Bahamas, this means that an Apostille (a special seal) is applied by the relevant authority to certify that a document is a true copy of an original. The Apostille can be made available to you within 30 days of the request; the cost for each one is $120. Your wedding planner or marriage officer will assist you in this regard.
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.
Minors
Minors (under 18 years) may be married with both parents' consent. Consent forms for minors are available at the Registrar General's office.
Single Persons
If either party is single and has 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 Commonwealth of The Bahamas from an attorney-at-law or notary public.
Widowed
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.
Marrying Outside of New Providence and Grand Bahama Island
Couples wishing to be married on islands outside of New Providence and Grand Bahama Island can obtain a marriage license at the Administrator's Office on that island.
Although we provide this information it is subject to change and you must contact the tourist board or consulate to verify these requirements.
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