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Legal Requirements of Saying “Yes” in Paradise — Bahamas Weddings

Bahamas Wedding Paradise Co.

A Bride And Groom Kissing On The Beach

The Bahamas has long been a dream destination for couples seeking the perfect setting for their nuptials. While the beauty here is undeniable, tying the knot in the country requires more than just saying “I do” amid the palm trees, the crystal-clear turquoise waters, and soft white sands. To make sure your destination wedding is both magical and valid, take the time to understand Bahamas wedding legal requirements.


Legal Requirements for Bahamas Wedding Ceremonies


Before exchanging vows in The Bahamas, you must gather documents that render marriages legally recognized. If you are from a non-English speaking country for your marriage to be recognized by your home country, an Apostille will be required from The Bahamian government post marriage ceremony. Here’s an overview of what you’ll need.


Bahamas Marriage License


The most important document for a Bahamas wedding is the marriage license from the Registrar General’s Department. You and your partner can obtain one by completing the application form and submitting it together to the Marriage Registration Section of the department. Every marriage license is valid for three months from the date of issuance.


Birth Certificate and Valid Picture IDs


All couples should present birth certificates and valid photo identification, which may be a driver’s license or passport, as proof of identity.


Certified Copies of Final Divorce Decrees and Death Certificates (If Applicable)


If either you or your partner has been married before, you must provide certified copies of the final divorce decrees or death certificates of the previous spouses. If, however, neither of you have been married before, an affidavit of singlehood is required and must be done by a local justice of the peace. 


Certificate of Consent to Marriage By a Minor (If Applicable)


Individuals under 18 need a Certificate of Consent to Marriage By a Minor as mandated under Section 19, Chapter 88.


Bahamas Destination Wedding Legalities


The lawfulness of marrying in the Bahamas goes beyond paperwork. When a Bahamian marries a non-Bahamian, the Registrar General will conduct separate interviews to avoid facilitating a marriage of convenience. If you’re both non-Bahamians, you must also go through interviews with the Registrars or one of the designated Marriage Officers. Additionally, you need to prove you’ve been in the country for at least 24 hours by presenting Immigration Cards as proof of entry.


Bahamas Wedding Officiant Regulations


Another crucial aspect of the Bahamas destination wedding legalities is the choice of an officiant. Generally, only a Bahamian Marriage Officer can perform a legal wedding ceremony in the country, and they could be the Registrar General, Deputy Registrar, Assistant Registrar, Family Island Administrators or Commissioners, or Supreme Court Magistrates. Justices of the Peace don’t automatically hold the same authority, but some can apply for a license to perform marriage ceremonies.


To be a Bahamian Marriage Officer, one must be a Bahamian pastor, assistant pastor, or associate pastor of a church with a theology degree. You may have a visiting minister to assist, but the Bahamian Marriage Officer should be the one to pronounce you as legally married. Following the ceremony, your Marriage Officer must send the Marriage Duplicate Register (Form No. 9) to the Registry to finalize your marriage.


Tips on How To Get Married in the Bahamas


Now that it’s clear that your dream destination wedding involves papers, deadlines, interviews, and the right people, feeling overwhelmed is normal. Take these three tips on how to get married in the Bahamas without any hitches:


  • Start Planning Early: Ask as many questions as possible to get everything in order and gather necessary documents well in advance to steer clear of last-minute stress. Give yourself as much time as you can to arrange and double-check the paperwork.

  • Check Residency Requirements: Before applying for your marriage license, consider how you will meet the 24-hour residency requirement. Check with your local planner to see if any public holidays are scheduled during your wedding dates as this will impact the granting of license as the Registrar’s office may be closed. With the many papers you need to file, it’s possible to miss this point.

  • Work With Local Experts: Hire a local wedding planner who understands Bahamian wedding laws. These professionals can guide you in ensuring everything goes smoothly and stress-free. They can take care of the paperwork, arrange meetings with officials, and help you find local vendors.


Bahamas Wedding Paradise: Your Destination Wedding Professionals


Making your Bahamas wedding official means adhering to local legal requirements. From navigating interviews to obtaining the proper licenses, every step is paramount in making your special day as flawless as the destination itself. At Bahamas Wedding Paradise, we specialize in turning dream weddings into realities! Our team of expert wedding planners is ready to handle the legalities while you focus on celebrating your love. Contact us today, and let’s get your Bahamas wedding adventure started.


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P.O. Box F-43423

Freeport, Grand Bahama

The Bahamas

Tel (1): 242-357-5169

Tel (2): 242-443-3382

Tel (3): 242-373-2169

Email: info@bahamasweddingparadise.com

© 2022 by Bahamas Wedding Paradise.

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