Many countries now require that an official document such as international marriage certificate 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. Apostilles are $10 each.
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.
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 you live in. You must provide this document when you apply for the marriage license. If you don’t have one, this declaration can be obtained in The Bahamas from an attorney-at-law or notary public. 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.
Marriage licenses and certificates are issued at the office of the Registrar General in Nassau. This office is open to the public Monday through Friday between the hours of 9:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
P.O. Box N-532, Nassau, The Bahamas
Phone: (242) 323-0594, (242) 323-0595 or (242) 323-0597
Fax: (242) 322-5553 or (242) 393-7908
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. 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.
The fee for a marriage license is $120 inclusive of one certified copy of a marriage certificate. Extramarital certificates are available at $20 each. Minors (under 18 years) may be married with both parents' consent. Consent forms for minors are available at the Registrar General's office.
Couples wishing to be married on one of The Family Islands (any island outside of New Providence and Grand Bahama) can obtain a Marriage License at the Administrator's Office on that island.