Getting married in The Bahamas: the basics for visiting couples

The marriage licence

Marriages in The Bahamas are governed by the Registrar General's Department, which issues licences from its offices in Nassau and Freeport and through administrators on the Family Islands. Both parties must apply in person. Visitors must have been in the country for at least 24 hours before applying, so plan to arrive at least a day before your appointment, and the licence is then valid for a set period in which the ceremony must take place.

The documents required include a valid passport, proof of your date of arrival in The Bahamas, and evidence of single status: a sworn declaration for those never married, a decree absolute for the divorced, or a death certificate for the widowed. Citizens of some countries, including the United States, make the single-status declaration at their embassy or before a notary. Applicants under 18 need parental consent. Requirements and fees are set by the government and change, so confirm the current list with the Registrar General's Department or your planner well before travel.

Who can marry you and where

Ceremonies are performed by licensed marriage officers, which include ministers of religion and magistrates, and may take place on a beach, in a garden, at a resort or in a church. Civil ceremonies at the Registrar General's office are also possible. A religious ceremony follows the requirements of the church concerned in addition to the civil licence. After the ceremony, the marriage is registered and a certificate issued; most couples ask their planner to collect it and arrange certified copies for use at home.

Choosing an island

Nassau and Paradise Island have the largest pool of planners, photographers, florists, officiants, hair and makeup artists and rental companies, the most hotel rooms for guests, and the easiest flights. Large and complex weddings are usually easiest here.

Harbour Island suits smaller, polished weddings with guests in boutique hotels and villas, pink sand for the ceremony and a short list of excellent restaurants. Exuma offers villa and resort weddings with the cays as a backdrop and boat days for guests. The Abacos lend themselves to harbour-town weddings and sailing. Eleuthera is for couples who want a private villa, a quiet beach and a relaxed long weekend. On the smaller islands, book suppliers early: there may be one of each.

Timing and weather

The dry season from December to April is the most reliable and the busiest; venues and the best suppliers book out a year ahead for peak weekends. May and early June are pleasant and quieter. Summer is hot with afternoon showers, and the hurricane season runs from June to November, with the highest risk from August to October. Many couples who marry then plan an indoor alternative and buy insurance that covers weather disruption. Sunset is early in winter, around 5.30 pm, which shapes ceremony timing.

Working with local suppliers

A Bahamian planner is worth having even for a small wedding: they know the licence process, the officiants, the beach permits where required, and which suppliers deliver on the island you have chosen. Beyond planners, the suppliers couples most often need are photographers and videographers, florists, hair and makeup artists, caterers or private chefs for villa weddings, musicians, and Junkanoo groups for the rush-out that ends many Bahamian receptions.

Agree scope, price, deposits and cancellation terms in writing with each supplier, and confirm the licence appointment before you confirm anything else. We can connect you with planners and suppliers on any of the main islands through a request on this site; the legal requirements themselves should always be confirmed with the Registrar General's Department.

• Both parties apply in person after at least 24 hours in the country.
• Passport, proof of arrival and proof of single status are required.
• Confirm current requirements and fees with the Registrar General's Department.
• Book venues and key suppliers early for December to April weekends.