Weddings
in The Islands of the Bahamas

Requirements for obtaining a Marriage Licence in the Commonwealth of The Bahamas:

APPLICATION FOR LICENCE
The couple must be in The Bahamas at the time of application for the marriage license.

APOSTILLE
Many countries now require that official documents, such as International Marriage Certificates, be certified by the issuing Country. In 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 thirty days of the request. Your Wedding Planner or Marriage Officer will assist you in this regard.

BLOOD TEST
No blood test is necessary.

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

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

WIDOWED
If either party is widowed, the original death certificate, or certified copy, must be produced. A translated, certified and notarised copy of the death certificate must be produced where applicable.

SINGLE PERSONS
If either party is single and never been married before, a declaration certifying this fact must be sworn before a notary public or other person authorised 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.

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

MARRYING IN THE OUT ISLANDS
Persons desirous of being married in the Out Islands (any island outside of New Providence and Grand Bahama) can obtain a Marriage Licence at the Administrator's Office on that island.

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.

FEES
The fee for the license is $120:00; including one certified copy of a marriage certificate, extra marriage certificates: $20:00 each.

Note: Marriage Licenses are issued at the office of the Registrar General in Nassau. This office is open to the public Mondays to Fridays 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