REQUIREMENTS FOR MARRIAGE IN THE BAHAMAS

The Registrar General's Office requires the following information for the acquisition of a marriage license:

APPLICATION FOR LICENCE

RESIDENCY PERIOD

The Laws of The Commonwealth of the Bahamas requires that a couple wishing to be married in The Bahamas must be resident for fifteen (15) days prior the wedding date. The residency period may be waived by an official request to the Registrar General. A waiver is usually granted provided all other legal requirements are met.If the couple does not have sufficient time to apply for the waiver before their arrival in The Bahamas, they may do so at any time after their arrival . Twenty four (24) hours after the waiver has been granted you can apply for your license at The Registrar General's Office in Nassau or Freeport , and at The Commissioner's Office in The Out Islands.

MINORS

Minors (under 18 years) may be married with both parents' consent. Consent forms for minors are available at the Registrar General's Office.

DIVORCED

If either part 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.

WIDOWED

If either party is widowed, the original final decree, or a certified copy must be produced. Where applicable, a translated, certified and notarized copy of the death certificate must be produced.

SINGLE PERSONS

If either party is single and never married before, a declaration certifying this fact must be sworn before a notary Public or other person authorized to administer oaths in the country of residence. This document must accompany the application for the marriage license. Also this declaration can be obtained in The Bahamas from an attorney-at-law or Notary Public.

PROOF OF IDENTIFICATION AND RESIDENCY

Photographic identification issued by a government office in the country of residence is required. In most cases, a passport is used. Both parties must produce evidence of the date of arrival in The Bahamas. The Bahamas Immigration card or entry stamp in your passport will suffice.

BLOOD TESTS

No blood test is necessary.

FEES AND VALIDITY

The fee for the license is $100.00. The license is valid for a period of three (3) months