Requirements for Obtaining a Marriage License in The Commonwealth of The Bahamas
1. Both parties must be in The Commonwealth of The Bahamas on the day of the application.
2. Persons wishing to be married in The Commonwealth of The Bahamas may do so after one day. For example, if a person arrives in The Bahamas on Wednesday, they may come into the Registrar General's Office (Island Administrator for Exuma) on Thursday to apply for a Marriage License and be married on the same day. Persons desiring to marry on Friday, Saturday or Sunday must arrive in The Bahamas on Thursday before 2 PM.
3. If either party has been divorced, the original final decree, decree absolute or court certified copy of the divorce (indicated by a raised seal, color seal or color stamp) must be produced in the native language along with a translated certified or notarized copy in English.
4. If either party is widowed, the original death certificate or court certified copy of the death certificate (indicated by a raised seal, color seal or color stamp) must be produced in the native language along with a translated certified or notarized copy in English.
5. If either party is unmarried, being a citizen or resident of the U.S.A., a declaration certifying this fact must be sworn to a Notary Public or other person authorized to administer oaths and must accompany the application for the marriage license. The Administrator can prepare the declaration and the cost is $20.00 for each party's affidavit.
6. The parties must produce some form of identification which contains a photograph. The identification document must have been issued by a Government Office in the country where the parties reside. Accepted forms of identification include:
a. Current Passport
b. Driver's License plus original or certified copy of birth certificate.
c. Military Identification
7. The parties must produce evidence of the date of their arrival to The Bahamas. Accepted forms of evidence are as follows:
a. Immigration Card with Entry stamp
b. Airline Ticket or Travel Itinerary
8. Persons desirous of being married on Great Exuma and The Exuma Cays or another Family Island (any island outside of New Providence Island) can obtain a Marriage License at the Administrators Office on that island and need not go to Nassau. Marriage Licenses are issued at the Administrator's Office. This office is open to the public Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. The office is closed on all Bahamian holidays.
9. Any minor desirous of being married in The Commonwealth of The Bahamas must have an affidavit completed by the parent (s) giving consent for the minor to marry.
10. No blood test is necessary
11. The fee for the Marriage License is $100.00 CASH Bahamian or U.S. dollars.
12. 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.
13. Marriages must be performed by a Marriage Officer* licensed to perform marriages in The Commonwealth of The Bahamas. Only Bahamian Marriage Officer* can legally perform a wedding. 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.
*Please note that not all ministers are Marriage Officers. |
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