If you’re thinking of getting married in the Bahamas, you might be wondering if your marriage will be legal in the U.S. Great news — it is! Many couples dream of having a destination wedding in the Bahamas but the legal regulations can get anyone confused. Don’t worry because here we have complete information that will not only resolve your confusion but also allow you to enjoy your wedding.
The Bahamas is a group of more than 700 islands located in the western Atlantic Ocean. Thirty islands and cays are inhabited. Our islands are where couples love to plan destination weddings. Many options are available. The main beauty of these islands is the coral reefs and the shells. The climate is tropical as well. Our islands are in close proximity to South Florida.
Whether you want to organize a simple intimate small wedding or are looking for a lavish reception to host your family and friends, a wedding planner can help you. But still, before you make and finalize any plans and details for your destination wedding in the Bahamas, it is important to familiarize yourself with all of the legal requirements for marrying here. The Islands of Bahamas can be perfect to enjoy a dream wedding and romantic honeymoon. Whatever the wedding plan you choose, the Bahamas is capable of accommodating your every need.
Rules for Getting Married in the Bahamas
The rules to get married in the Bahamas from other counties are as follows.
Legal Age
The age to get married in the Bahamas legal is 18. But you can also get married under 18 with parental consent. Only the Registrar’s General’s Office can grant permission.
How to Get a Marriage License in the Bahamas
To get a marriage license in the Bahamas, you and your partner need to be here at least 24 hours before your wedding day to apply for the license at the office of Registrar General.
There is an exception for guests who arrive on a cruise. In that case, you will need a letter from Guest Services or Pursar of Ship, to confirm that you have been in the waters of Bahamas for 24 hours.
Both individuals must be present at the Registrar General’s Department at the time of applying for your marriage license. All other documents such as a notarized affidavit and the second piece of ID are also required. You will receive that marriage license the very day when applying. This license is valid for 90 days.
Two witnesses who are age 18 or older have to sign at your marriage. Witnesses are provided if required.
Required Documents for a Marriage License in the Bahamas
There are certain document requirements which you need to follow in the Bahamas to apply and receive a Bahamas marriage license. Here we have a list of important documents that you need to consider in this regard:
Proof of Identity
At the time of applying for a marriage license, a valid passport must be presented by couples.
Proof of Residency Period
You need proof of your arrival date in the Bahamas. For this purpose, you can use your entry stamp in your passport or Bahamas immigration card to prove the date of your arrival in the Bahamas.
Singlehood Affidavit
If single and getting married for the first time, affidavits of singlehood are required. A notary public authorized to administer oaths in the Bahamas can issue these. You will need to submit this document as proof that you have never get married before while applying for a marriage license. While, if you prefer, then you can make this declaration in The Commonwealth of The Bahamas with notary public or an attorney at law.
Death certificate (if applicable)
If either partner is widowed, the original death certification or a certified copy of your deceased partner is also required to be submitted here. Where applicable, a certified, translated notarized death certificate copy must be produced.
Proof of Divorce (if applicable)
If either party has been divorced, then a certified copy or original final decree must be produced. However, where this is applicable, it is a must to provide, a valid, certified, translated a notarized copy of your final decree as proof of your divorce.
Applying for a Bahamas marriage license does not require a blood test.
Important Note: The office of The Registrar in the Bahamas issues Marriage certificates and licenses. This office stays open to the public Monday to Friday. So, make sure to plan your visit as per these working days. Your marriage license is processed as soon as possible.
Marriage License Fees in the Bahamas
Yes, there is a fee to apply for a marriage license in the Bahamas. For this, there is a $100 payable fee to the Department of Registrar General. This fee is paid before you can get married here in the Bahamas.
More Considerations for Getting Married in the Bahamas
You must follow timelines to marry in the Bahamas. You can tie the knot on weekends only if you make an application during the workdays from Monday to Friday. The times for weddings are between sunrise and sunset. Marriages must take place during these times. These times are 5 p.m. in the winter and 8 p.m. in the summer.
Valid for three months after the issue, the license is issued on the same day of application.
Rules for the rare cases
If divorced or widowed, you can get officially married in the Bahamas. All you need are original documents. In case of divorce, you must show the original final divorce certificate with a color seal. Widowed persons must have a death certificate of the deceased spouse. If you are under 18, you must have parental consent.
A single and never before married person must present an official affidavit that assures the marital status of that person. You must present this document with the marriage license application.
Proofs and documents
Couples must present a valid Passport. At the time of application for a marriage license, couples must also give proof of their being in the Bahamas for at least 24 hours. This proof could be a Bahamas Immigration card or the entry stamp in your passport.
Is the marriage certificate legal?
Yes, the marriage certificate issued by the Bahamas Government is a legal document. It is legal worldwide. The presence of both individuals at the time of application is mandatory. But only the Bahamas Government’s marriage license is legal.
If your marriage was legal in the Bahamas, then it is legal in the US. It is made legal with a special seal applied by the Bahamas authority to certify that the document is a true copy. Generally, this is available to the couple within 30 days of the request. The marriage officer or a Bahamas wedding planner can assist you with this.
How many options are there to get married?
For marriage, you may consult the marriage officer. That person can show you a variety of options available for marriage. You can opt for a traditional, religious or strictly legal union. You can choose for the non-denominational or non-religious wedding ceremony.
If you are marrying on an Out Island, you may get the marriage license at the Administrator’s Office on that island.
What if you don’t follow the rules?
If you fail to follow the rules for marriage proposed by the Bahamas Government, then you will not get any official proof for your marriage. This could be a disaster in many cases. A couple can face problems in getting their after-marriage documents. There can be surname issues for women. Failing to get any official documents can result in the loss of all the money you spent for this destination wedding. But, this can all be avoided!
A wedding planner can not only handle all of your event details but can also be invaluable in these circumstances. So, be sure to hire one who has experience in planning weddings at your dream wedding destination. Because letting her handle all of the bureaucracy and paper-pushing on your behalf will certainly allow you a beautiful experience. Consequently, you will be able to focus more on other exciting aspects of your wedding.
When looking for a fun wedding, you should definitely consider the Bahamas as a great place for a destination wedding! People think that there are issues with securing a legal marriage in a foreign country. However, if you present the required documents and follow the rules you will not face any issues.
Contact us today to plan your Bahamas destination wedding! Got more questions? Read our FAQ page.