Getting Married in the Bahamas

Want to say "I do" in paradise? 

Here is how: 

• You both must spend one day in Bahamas prior to submitting your application for a marriage license.

• Fill out application for license at registers office.

• Pay nominal fee of $100.00, license valid 3 months (no blood test required)

• Both parties must be in Bahamas when making application for license.

Imagine your wedding on a tropical island in the mist of beautiful hibiscus, bougainvillaea, palm trees, white sand beaches, friendly nationals and beautiful weather.

Further requirements:

• If either party is a minor under 18 years of age, parental consent is required. Obtain forms from Register General's office

• If either party ever divorced, a certified (certified documents must bear a raised seal from the court) or original final decree must be produced

• If either party is widowed, the death certificate of deceased spouse must be produced

• If any unmarried party is a resident of a country other than the US, a declaration certifying to the unmarried status must be sworn to before a Notary Public or other person authorized to administer oaths in the country of residence. The wording of these affidavits is very particular so it is wise to inquire prior to paying to have this affidavit prepared prior to your arrival in the Bahamas. This may also be prepared by an attorney or Notary Public in the Bahamas as well as many ministers will assist you in preparing same. Price is $40.00 each.

• Photo ID issued from a government office from country of residence must be produced

• Evidence of arrival in Bahamas must be produced; the Bahamas Immigration embarkation card will do

• It is recommended that the couple get a Certified copy of their marriage certificate from the Registrar Generals office before they leave the island. This can be mailed if time is a problem but it takes a while and lots of times has to be sent a few times in order for the couple to actually receive it. This is what they need for the bride to change their name and for other legal documents when they get home so it's better to get a copy or two leaving the island. Cost for this is $20 per copy.

This has been provided as an over view and those seriously interested in taking their vows in The Bahamas should make further inquiry at the Register's Offices on the various islands. In Freeport, Grand Bahama Island you may reach them at The Assistant Registrar General of The Bahamas, P.O. Box F-42602, Freeport, Grand Bahamas, Bahamas. Telephone 242-352-4934/7 or Fax 242-352-4060. Please note that there are further requirements for couples traveling from certain countries, such as Japan to wed in the Bahamas. Do be sure and ask about all details.

With over 30 beautiful inhabited islands, The Bahamas offer numerous romantic locations that would make your wedding unforgettable. 

THE TRADITIONAL OR CHURCH WEDDING 

Many religious faiths are represented in The Bahamas should you desire a traditional or church wedding. Roman Catholics who wish to be married in a Catholic Church in The Bahamas are required to receive instructions for six weeks from their local parish priest who in turn will communicate with the Chancery in Nassau, PO Box N-8187, Nassau, The Bahamas. 

THE CLASSIC WEDDING 

Amid the aging columns of the 14th century 'French Cloister' on Paradise Island over looking Nassau Harbour is where a Classic Wedding usually takes place. 

THE TROPICAL WEDDING 

Natural Tropical Weddings are held in the beautiful Botanical Gardens in Nassau, Parrot Jungle's Garden of the Groves in Freeport, or your hotel's gardens; all are ideal locations for a tropical wedding. Say 'I do' amid the bougainvillea, hibiscus, gardenias and poinciana when in season. Your matrimonial finery will be set off with arrangements of wonderful, fragrant delight. 

THE ROMANTIC WEDDING 

For that Romantic Wedding, you can choose any number of islets, uninhabited cays with rugged shorelines lapped by the clear waters of the Atlantic, or one of our sandy beaches. 

THE PARTY BOAT WEDDING 

Picture it….what could truly be more idyllic than saying your nuptial vows on the serene waters in a harbour with the sun setting in the background on a festive party boat. Afterwards dance the night away while cruising. 

THE AQUATIC WEDDING 

In your bathing suit, full scuba gear or a wedding gown, this ceremony will be one you won't easily forget; you could have a truly unusual set of photos for the family album. For example you could say 'I do' surrounded by the aquamarine waters, colorful coral reef and the tropical marine life of Crystal Cay, which offers a delightful glimpse of Nassau's varied underwater and marine life. 

ON THE BEACH 

If your choice is to be married on a white sandy beach, then from sunrise to sunset, in traditional attire or bathing suit, your nuptial vows can be taken during a memorable day in Nassau, Paradise Island, Freeport or one of The Out Islands.