The date. If you're arriving by cruise ship and can't stay on land for the full 24 hours, the guest services should be able to give you a letter to confirm that you . The following must be noted when applying for a Marriage - The Bahamas Marriage Officers - The Registrar General, the Deputy Registrar, Assistant Registrar, Family Island Administrators or Commissioners, and Supreme Court Magistrates are Marriage Officers by virtue of their appointment. Yes, exceptions are made for individuals arriving by cruise ship, once you have met the 24-hour residency requirement and have your letter from the Purser's Office/Guest Services, signed by your ship's captain, confirming the same. Frequently Asked Questions About Weddings at Sandals Marriage Certificate. Government fees are not included: $95 USD for weddings in Jamaica, $288 USD for weddings in Antigua, $310 USD for weddings in the Bahamas, $270 USD for weddings in Saint Lucia, $180 USD in Grenada, $325 USD in Barbados, and $500 USD in Curaao (for Legal), $400 USD in Curaao (for Symbolic). Work with your planner or resort coordinator well in advance to have alternate areas prepped in case inclement weather prevents you from holding certain parts of the wedding, such as your ceremony or cocktail hour, without cover. 88 years of expert advice and inspiration, for every couple. The Registrar Generals Office in Nassau is open to the public from Monday-Friday, 9:30am 4:00pm, closed on Bahamian holidays. Are there any deadlines associated with this process? If you want a traditional gown that still shows hints of your personality and style, making alterations is always an option. After a marriage has taken place, a Marriage Duplicate Register (Form No. After this time, another license must be obtained. Once you have a general idea of what youd like for your ceremony, your wedding planner can help. Divorcees/Widows/Widowers - Certified copies of final divorce decrees and certified copies of death certificates must be attached to the application if necessary. The Bahamas is one of the few places that live up to the amazing promotions associated with it. Marriage Licence - Registrar General's Department - Government Participate in an interview if required: Two witnesses are also required. If you have the budget for it, you can even do a live band and a DJ, though that likely wont be necessary. After that, focus on the overall decor. Present a valid picture ID. The sooner you get started, the better. The Bahamas is an amazing wedding destination for more reasons than one. For example, have vegetarian options, vegan dishes, and even halal meals if someone requests them. Please allow sufficient time to make those arrangements. Getting Married ni Eleuthera - Eleuthera Forum - Tripadvisor This eight-acre oceanfront resort can accommodate a reception of up to 150 at Beach Bar, the semi-covered deck restaurant where the delectable ocean-to-table dinner options might include coconut-crusted mahi-mahi or pan-seared grouper. Use your Bahamas Immigration Card or the entry stamp in your passport as proof of your arrival date. Laws concerning divorce can be found in section 16 of the Bahamas Matrimonial Causes Act. Here's everything you need to know to be legally married here: The couple must be in The Commonwealth of The Bahamas at the time of the application of their marriage license. A Bahamian marrying another Bahamian is not required to be interviewed and the person performing the ceremony can sign the declaration. No, you do not need a licence for a Vow Renewal. Answering How to Get Married in the Bahamas? Remember that with flowers, less is sometimes more. If you are a minor under 18 years of age, you must have written parental consent to get married in The Bahamas. Agent Internet Module for Non-Registered Agents (AIM), Agent Internet Module for Registered Agents (AIM). COOKIES & Helpful Information When Travelling to the Bahamas - Nassau Paradise Island Youll need proof of your date of arrival in The Bahamas. Expert tip: Check whether taxes and gratuities are included in the vendor cost estimates as youre putting your wedding day spreadsheet together. Use a spreadsheet that will detail the specific items that you have spent money on or will be spending on. Honeymoons, Cookies 2011 The Official Website of the Government of The Bahamas. Application between Bahamian and Non-Bahamian - When there is an application for marriage between a Bahamian and a Non-Bahamian, the couple is interviewed separately to avoid facilitating a marriage of convenience. Honeymoon arrangements Opening Hours: 9:30 am to 4:00 pm, Monday to Friday, except on Public Holidays. Where applicable, a translated, certified and notarized copy of the final decree must be produced. The goal is to find that wedding gown thatll make you feel like youre walking on a cloud as you glide down the aisle. Both of you can contribute to this and plan your wedding according to your budget. mof_content/internet/All Services/M/Marriage Licence, mof_content/internet/The Government/Government/zzzzTop Left Nav, mof_content/internet/The Government/Government/Gov Home Left Nav, Bahamas National Geographic Information Systems, Table of Precedence for The Commonwealth of The Bahamas, Bahamas Agriculture and Industrial Corporation (BAIC), Office of The Data Protection Commissioner, Bills, Subsidiary Legislation, and Resolutions. Luckily, the waiting period for a marriage license to become valid in the Bahamas is only 24 hours, so you will be able to legally wed shortly after receiving it. If you are widowed, you must produce a death certificate for the deceased spouse. 4. Certificate of Consent to Marriage by a Minor. Your local wedding planner in The Bahamas can help you plan your wedding from start to end and will even assist with getting your documentation in order. Where applicable, a translated, certified, and notarized copy of the death certificate must be produced. Since the temperatures are more or less consistent in this part of the world, the dates for your wedding will largely depend on personal preference. at the island home of a friend. Getting Married In The Bahamas: Legal Requirements Process Complete an Application for a Marriage Licence form and submit this form to the Marriage Registration Section of the Registrar General's Department. At your appointment with the Registrar Generals office, youll also need to prove that youve been in the Bahamas for at least 24 hours, which you can do by presenting your Immigration Card. Before heading out to shop for a wedding dress, try to figure out whether you want a traditional or non-traditional gown. Pay attention to the details of what youre getting, and also pay attention to transportation costs for various things or costs for providers to get to your venue so that you can plan with a money-saving mindset. Your personal wedding planner will provide all the assistance you need to get your documents together. If it's just the two of you, witnesses can be provided. Information courtesy of Ministry of Tourism website Address: http://www.bahamas.com. Getting Married In The Bahamas | HuffPost Life You will be required to show proof of arrival date such as your Bahamas Immigration Card or the entry stamp in your passport. Before walking down, the aisle though, youll need to get a few things out of the way. (242) 397-9179/9113 Yes, the Bahamas marriage license is a legal document issued by the Bahamas government. If either party is widowed, the original death certificate or certified copy must be produced. Two witnesses aged 18 or older must sign your marriage license, and witnesses can be provided if necessary. mof_content/internet/RGD/Government/Records and Docs/Marriage Licence/Marriage Licence, mof_content/internet/RGD/Government/zzzzTop Left Nav, Intellectual Property: Trademarks and Patents, mof_content/internet/RGD/Government/zzzzLeft Nav of RGD Government, Incorporation of a Domestic or Regular Company, Incorporation of an Exempted Limited Partnership. Justices of the Peace are not Marriage Officers although there are certain Marriage Officers who are Justices of the Peace. In The Commonwealth of 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. Oceanfront Gazebo In The Bahamas, you can choose from amazing tropical garden venues, quaint and traditional chapels, gazebos with jaw-dropping ocean views, and so much more. An important factor that will help you select the best one is your guest list. Use our maps to explore hotel and resort locations, the best beaches, historic downtown Nassau, and other must-see attractions. You and your spouse, your witnesses, and the marriage officer will all sign the certificate, and you can later get a certified copy. If youve been married previously, youll need to present a certified copy of your divorce decree or death certificate of your former spouse. Get Hitched on a Private Beach Tiamo Resort, The Out Islands When you decided to get married in the Bahamas, you may have had getting hitched with your toes in the sand in mind. The parties must also produce evidence of the date of their arrival in The Bahamas. New Providence Work your way up to the grooms boutonniere, hair flowers, the maid of honors bouquet, bridesmaid bouquets, and groomsmen boutonnieres. We cant emphasize how important it is to save in the months, and even years leading up to your wedding. Whichever you choose, make sure its one thatll make you feel sparkly inside and out as you make your way down the aisle. Dont miss out on what could be a spectacular moment by planning something mediocre. How to complete the paperwork for your marriage license? If you do happen to forget something, you should be able to find what you need at the resort shop! Fax. Consider your costs when thinking about inviting people youre not even sure youre still friends with! After all of that, youll need to send them out. Fishing enthusiasts in particular will find plenty of opportunities to indulge in their passion on this island. They state: "Money is a driving force in our economy, but honor, respect . (Your dedicated experience manager will help you plan the perfect itinerary.) You may be able to get your marriage license processed on the same day, or the next day. You can download a marriage license application here: See answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about getting married in Nassau Paradise Island. Couples should plan their ceremony for a day or two after their arrival, to ensure ample time to receive their wedding license. 9) should be sent to the Registry by the Marriage . Additional licensing fees appl. (Dont let the humble monikers fool you, thougheach dwelling exudes utterly IG-worthy boho island vibes.) The answers to these questions will help you select the wedding location that works best for everyone. wed in an intimate ceremony. Expedited payments must be made by 11:00 am. When getting married on a cruise, you'll also want to factor in the preferred formality of your event, as ball gowns and tuxedos, decadent orchid arrangements, and elaborate decorations will cost more than a simple white sundress, crisp trousers and a Cuban shirt, and a single calla lily. For more information about the Bahamas Bridal Association, please click here. A Guide To Getting Married In The Bahamas | SANDALS 2023 Bahamas Ministry of Tourism All Rights Reserved. Let's give your story of romance the perfect beginning in The Islands Of The Bahamas. Once all your documents are approved, your marriage license will be issued. We just got married in Nassau in April. a Bahamian marriage license application here, https://www.facebook.com/nassauparadiseisland, https://www.instagram.com/nassauparadiseisland/, https://www.tiktok.com/@nassauparadiseisland. A marriage licence is valid for three months. Insider tip: Getting married at a Sandals all-inclusive resort? A good amount to put into a wedding fund is about 10 percent of your monthly earnings. We have many reputable wedding coordinators on the island and I would be happy to point you in the right direction. The most important thing is that your accessories and gown should blend effortlessly. Fax: (242) 322-5553 Find the answers you need to the most frequently asked questions, from marriage licence requirements to officiant logistics. A Bahamian marrying a non-Bahamian must be interviewed by the Registrar General. The documents you'll need in order to get this license . Contact details are as follows: If either party has been divorced, the original final decree or a certified copy must be produced. The executive chef is so talented, the service is very friendly, and the oceanfront villassome equipped with their own kitchens and lap pools!are absolutely beautiful. Event spaces at the sleekly minimal resort are rich in varietychoose to celebrate on the pool deck, on a grassy lawn, cliffside, or directly on the beachbut the biggest boon is the privacy. 4:38. For individuals seeking an early application, a Bahamian marriage license is valid for 90 days. This can sometimes be waived, but you'll need someone to help with this. The Hagles, adventurers who became the first married couple on a commercial spaceflight last year, drop their lawsuit. To be wed on our islands, couples must be here for 24 hours prior to applying for a marriage license.The marriage license must be obtained at least one day prior to the wedding. The Apostille can be made available to you within 5-7 days of the request through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA). To really wow your guests, book The Other Side, a high-design glamping site under the same ownership thats situated across the water, for your welcome dinner or after-party. Grammy winner Jewel and rodeo star Ty Murray tied the knot there in August 2008, according to. Opening Hours: 9:30 am to 4:00 pm, Monday to Friday, except on Public Holidays. Its safe to say you can now start packing! Reminisce on the good times you and your love have had leading up to your amazing big day. You'll need proof of your date of arrival in The Bahamas. Want to share your Bahamas wedding with a larger group? Rarely does it climb above 90 F (32 C) on a midsummer's day or fall below 60 F (16 C) on a winter's night. They can also provide assistance with getting your documents together and submitting them. Knowing this, its a good idea to leave room in your budget for unexpected costs. No, both parties must be in The Commonwealth of The Bahamas at the time of the application. Chapter 88). mof_content/internet/The Government/Non-Residents/Visiting The Bahamas/Getting Married in The Bahamas/Getting Married in The Bahamas, mof_content/internet/The Government/Non-Residents/zzzzTop Left Nav, mof_content/internet/The Government/Non-Residents/zzzzHome Non-Residents Left Nav, Foreign Embassies and Consulates in The Bahamas, Visitor Registration for the People to People Programme, Ambassador Registration for the People to People Programme. Certificate of Consent to Marriage by a Minor. Sarah Zlotnick is a journalist with 10 years of experience and has been a writer in the wedding space for seven years. Otherwise, a good tailor can help you get that perfect fit. Not set on a wedding venue yet? Couples dreaming of exchanging vows in The Bahamas will be pleased to know it takes around 30 minutes to get there from the southernmost region of Florida. Birth certificates and a notarized affidavit are required; if appropriate, youll also need divorce papers, a former spouses death certificate or parental consent, if under 18. Yes, it is. Tour operators, resorts and the tourist offices are available to assist you with planning everything from a simple wedding to a lavish reception. Complete an Application for a Marriage Licence form and submit this form to the Marriage Registration Section of the Registrar Generals Department. Aside from its postcard-worthy beaches, The Bahamas is known for its cultural diversity, pristine weather, and the almost 700 islands that make up its tropical archipelago, in addition to over 2,000 surrounding cays. Applicants must be Bahamian citizens,18 years old or older, and applying for themselves. Copyright 2023 Nassau Paradise Island Promotion Board. He was issued a . How Much Does a Destination Wedding Cost. Email: [emailprotected] Box N 532 P.O. If youre having a small wedding, youll definitely want to put together a swoon-worthy playlist. Chapter 88). How to Get Married in the Bahamas. In addition to creating a wedding budget, youll also want to keep track of your spending as you go along. How to Get Married in the Bahamas - http://www.weddingceremonyinthebahamas.com/glenn-s-ferguson-wedding-officiant-planner/ Call or WhatsApp 1-(242)-395-849. Couples may apply a day after their arrival and can be married once they receive their approved licence the day after application. The destination? A Bahamian marrying another Bahamian is not required to be interviewed and the person performing the ceremony can sign the declaration. For bigger weddings, you can line someone up to do this for you, hire a DJ, or commission a live band. If youre single and have never been married before, youll need a declaration certifying this fact. For more information call Kellie at 800.284.0382. Tip: You may want to consider getting boutonnieres for the minister, fathers, grandfathers, and ushers. (If required). Both individuals must complete the application form and be present at the Registrar Generals Department at the time of application for the marriage licence. Wheth, The Luminous Lagoon in Falmouth, Jamaica is more than just a popular tourist attraction - it is a natural wonder that can be seen in very few places in the world. Your bridal party will need to be informed extra early, around the time that you have set the date and booked the location. Marriage Certification Marriage Certificate Certified copies of marriage certificates may be requested online at a cost of $20.00. Not that easy. A Bahamas wedding is unique in that it provides a mix of experiences, from swimming with the pigs in the Exumas to the casinos, nightlife, and new restaurants of the capital, Nassau, says event planner Marva Monroe, who has been planning weddings in the Caribbean nation for over two decades.