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Frequently, couples wonder about Bahamas wedding requirements,
the process entailed in securing a Bahamas Marriage License, and the
turn-around time when one visits the Registrar's Office, where a license
is obtained. The actual visit takes approximately one hour and this
process is quite straightforward and simple on Grand Bahama Island. The
Registrar's Office is extremely accommodating. Chic Bahamas wedding planner
services assists with this process and squires couples to and from the
Registrar's Office.
There are certain requirements for obtaining a marriage license
for your wedding 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
Islands Of The Bahamas at the time of application for the marriage
license.
If
you arrive via cruise ship you will be required to obtain a letter from the
ship's purser, confirming that you have met the residency period by being in
Bahamian waters for twenty-four 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. This office is open to the public Monday
through Friday between the hours of 9:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
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.
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. Apostilles are $10 each.
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 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 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 in The Out Islands - Couples wishing to be
married on The Out Islands (any island outside of New Providence and Grand
Bahama) can obtain a Marriage License at the Administrator's Office on that
island.
Should you have any questions regarding Bahamas wedding
requirements or a Bahamas marriage license, please do not hesitate to contact
us.
The
above information is subject to change without notice.
Courtesy of
Bahamas.com |
