Legal Requirements

Having your dream wedding in the Bahamas can be the most perfect way to begin your new life together. To ensure your special day goes off without a hitch, please keep in mind the following legal requirements:

  • Bahamian law requires that a couple must reside in the Bahamas for 24 hours prior to applying for an application for a Bahamian marriage license. The license is then valid for 90 days. To find out more about applying for a marriage license in the Bahamas, check out our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).
  • Both parties must be in The Commonwealth of the Bahamas at the time of application.
  • If you are a minor under 18 years of age, you must have written parental consent. Consent forms can be obtained from the Registrar General’s office.
  • If you are divorced, you must produce an original final divorce decree or a certified copy with a raised or color seal.
  • If you are widowed, you must produce a death certificate for the deceased spouse.
  • If you are a U.S. citizen or resident that has never been married, you must complete a sworn declaration before a Bahamian Notary Public or a U.S. Consul at the American Embassy in Nassau for a fee of $55. Please note, the U.S. Embassy is closed on American and Bahamian holidays*.
  • If you are an unmarried citizen or resident of a country other than the United States, you must furnish a sworn declaration before a Notary Public or other person authorized to administer oaths in your country and this document must accompany the marriage license application. A declaration may also be obtained at a Notary Public in Nassau.
  • You must provide a government issued photo identification from your country of residence; i.e. a passport.
  • No blood test is necessary.
  • You must provide evidence of your arrival date to The Bahamas, such as an airline ticket or immigration card.
  • The fee for a marriage license is $120 (includes one certified copy of the marriage certificate)

2008 US Holidays:
January 1 New Year’s Day
January 21 Martin Luther King Day
February 18 President’s Day
March 23 Easter Sunday
May 26 Memorial Day
July 4 Independence Day
September 1 Labor Day
October 13 Columbus Day
November 11 Veteran’s Day
November 27 Thanksgiving
December 25 Christmas

2008 Bahamian Holidays:
January 1 New Year’s Day
March 21 Good Friday
May 22 Whit Monday
March 24 Easter Monday
June 6 Labour Day
July 10 Independence Day
August 4 Emancipation Day
October 12 Discovery Day (in 2008, it is observed on October 13th)
December 25 Christmas Day
December 26 Boxing Day