Plan Your Abaco Wedding

1. Complete an Application for a Marriage License form and submit this form to the Marriage Registration Section of the Registrar General’s Department.

 
2. Present a valid picture ID. A picture ID may take the form of a driver’s license or a passport.

 
3. Participate in an interview if required:

• A Bahamian marrying another Bahamian is not required to be interviewed and the person performing the ceremony can sign the declaration.
• A Bahamian marrying a non-Bahamian must be interviewed by the Registrar General. The Registrar has to sign the declaration in this instance.
• Non-Bahamian applicants are interviewed by either the Registrars or any of the five designated Marriage Officers.

4. Once approved, a license is issued with the applicable payment.

It’s located in the Government Complex, in Marsh Harbour.

No, you cannot get married the same day you arrive in the Bahamas. You are required to be physically on the island for a minimum of 24 hours prior to your wedding.

Both parties must have resided in The Commonwealth of The Bahamas for at least one day (24 hours) before applying for a marriage license.

When processing your documents through the regular inter-island mail system, the Certified Marriage Certificate can take up to 12-16 weeks to be issued.

No

Yes

No, only a Bahamian marriage license is legal in The Commonwealth of The Bahamas.

Marriages must be performed by a Marriage Officer* licensed to perform marriages in The Commonwealth of The Bahamas. Only a Bahamian Marriage Officer* can legally perform a wedding ceremony.

A visiting minister can assist; however, the Bahamian Marriage Officer must pronounce the marriage. If it is essential that your minister pronounce the marriage, an application to obtain a Work Permit will be required for the visiting minister. Additional information will be provided upon request.

Yes, by any Marriage Officer -i.e, The Registrar General, the Deputy Registrar, Assistant Registrar, Family Island Administrators or Commissioners, and Supreme Court Magistrates are Marriage Officers by virtue of their appointment. Justices of the Peace are not Marriage Officers although there are certain Marriage Officers who are Justices of the Peace.

Legal Marriages in The Bahamas can be performed during the daylight hours only. During the winter, this is most often between 6:00 AM and 6:00 PM. During the summer, it is a little later due more twilight time before sunset.

Yes, you can get married on Saturday or Sunday in The Bahamas, provided you make an application during the working days of Thursday or Friday.

No, you do not need a certificate for the renewal of vows.

Yes

To get married in The Bahamas, Bahamians need to know the following:

• Both parties must be in The Commonwealth of The Bahamas at the time of the marriage license application.
• Both parties must produce valid passports, birth certificates, and photo IDs, along with evidence of their arrival date in The Bahamas.
• No blood test is required.
• Two witnesses, at least 18 years old, must sign the marriage license.
• The fee for a marriage license is $120, which includes one certified copy of the marriage certificate.
• Additional copies are available for $20 each.
• If either of the wedding couple is divorced, they must present they divorce decree with a raised seal.

The Bridal Party are allowed to bring whatever personal décor they wish for their wedding and or reception. Local import duties and other government taxes will apply. Shipping of items should be made a minimum of 20 – 30 days prior to event.

Personally selected vendors are allowed to be brought into the Bahamas, under the following terms and conditions:

• A temporary work permit will be required and the cost is accessed by the Bahamas Immigration Department
• All equipment must be itemized with serial numbers and an estimated value of each item. They must be provided to the Wedding Planner prior to arrival to the island for approval to granted.

The maximum capacity for a wedding in the Bahamas can vary by venue..

Yes, it is Resort’s policy that you book a minimum of 10 rooms to secure the venue space.

Yes, you need a passport.

Yes, you can clear customs at the marina.

At the moment there are no entry requirements & restrictions for travel to The Bahamas. It is recommended that your passport is valid for at least six more months on the day of travel.