Getting married in the Bahamas or Firefly Sunset Resort? You must obtain a marriage license from the Bahamas.

Here’s a great tip from one guest of our recent wedding –

“Our family booked the resort for a wedding and we were so pleased with everything!! It was beautiful, elegant and delicious! The staff was accommodating and the service was warm and friendly. One major tip to share though: when getting married in the Bahamas you must have a Bahamian marriage license or you can not get married. Give yourself enough time to go over to Marsh Harbor to get it, as you can’t get one on Elbow.”

 

There are several requirements for obtaining a marriage license in the Commonwealth of The Bahamas. Here’s everything you need to know to be legally married here:

Application for License

The couple must be in The Commonwealth of The Bahamas at the time of application for the marriage license.
Download marriage license application | Download application for certified marriage certificate

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.

MORE HERE: https://www.bahamas.com/marriage-license