What are the legal requirements for getting married in the Bahamas as a foreigner?
Reviewed by Captain Ronald RolleForeign couples must be in the Bahamas at least 24 hours before applying for a marriage license. Both partners must appear in person with valid passports, proof of arrival, and an affidavit of single status. The license costs $120 and takes two business days to process. Divorced or widowed applicants need original certified documents.
The Bahamas welcomes foreign couples with relatively straightforward marriage requirements, making it a popular destination wedding location. Understanding these requirements before you travel ensures your ceremony proceeds smoothly without last-minute complications.
The primary rule is the 24-hour residency requirement. Both partners must be physically present in the Bahamas for at least one full day before applying for the marriage license. This is a strict legal requirement under the Bahamas Marriage Act, and you will need to show proof of your arrival date during the application.
Both partners must appear in person at the Registrar General's Department in Nassau or the local Administrator's office in the Out Islands to submit the application. The office hours are Monday through Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., excluding Bahamian holidays. Plan your travel dates to allow for business day processing.
Required documents include valid passports for identification, your immigration card showing arrival date, and an affidavit of single status sworn before a Bahamian notary public confirming neither party is currently married. If you bring a foreign affidavit, it must have an apostille certification.
If either partner was previously married, additional documentation is mandatory. Divorced individuals must provide the original or certified copy of the final divorce decree with a raised seal. Widowed applicants need the original or certified copy of the former spouse's death certificate. Documents not in English require certified translations.
The marriage license fee is $120, payable to the Registrar General's Department, which includes one certified copy of your marriage certificate. Additional certified copies cost $20 each. Apostille certification for international recognition of documents costs $120.
Once approved, your marriage license is valid for three months. The ceremony must occur between sunrise and sunset and requires two witnesses aged 18 or older. Requirements may change, so verify directly with the Registrar General's Department closer to your travel date.
Key points
- 24-hour minimum residency in the Bahamas before license application
- Both partners must apply in person with valid passports
- Affidavit of single status required from a Bahamian notary
- Divorced applicants need original or certified final divorce decree
- License fee is $120 with two business days processing
Related questions
- Do I need to authenticate my documents for a Bahamas wedding?
- Yes, legal documents other than passports typically need apostille certification for use in the Bahamas. You obtain the apostille from the issuing state or country. For example, a Texas birth certificate requires an apostille from the Texas Secretary of State.
- Is a Bahamas marriage recognized in the United States?
- Yes, marriages legally performed in the Bahamas are recognized in the United States. You should obtain a certified copy of your Bahamas marriage certificate and may want apostille certification for easier processing with U.S. agencies.
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