Everything You Need to Know About Residency Rules, Legal Requirements & Best Wedding Locations
Picture this: You wake up in a beachside villa, sunlight filters through billowing curtains, and the scent of saltwater lingers in the air. By sunset, you’re barefoot in the sand, exchanging vows as the waves whisper their approval. Sounds like a dream, right?
Good news—it’s not just a dream. It’s your reality if you choose to get married in the Bahamas. But before you book those flights and pack your wedding dress, you might be wondering:
How long do we actually need to stay in the Bahamas before we can get married?
Let’s dive in—because while the Bahamas makes saying “I do” refreshingly simple, there are still a few details you need to know.
The Short Answer: How Long Do You Need to Stay in the Bahamas?
Unlike some destinations that require weeks (or even months) of residency before a wedding, the Bahamas is refreshingly easy.
✔️ Minimum stay: Just 24 hours before applying for a marriage license.
✔️ Processing time: Typically 2 business days for the license to be issued.
Fastest possible timeline? If you arrive on a Monday, apply on Tuesday, and get your license by Thursday, you could be married before the weekend.
But should you rush it? Let’s talk about why staying a little longer might be the best decision ever.
Why You Should Stay Longer Than the Bare Minimum
Sure, if you’re eloping and running on efficiency mode, you could technically pull off a Bahamas wedding in just three days. But let’s be real—this is your wedding, not a dentist appointment.
3 Reasons to Extend Your Stay
🌴 Island Time Is Real – Things move at a relaxed pace here. If you hit an island holiday (or your paperwork takes longer than expected), a little buffer will save you stress.
🥂 Pre-Wedding Fun – Snorkeling in Exuma, feeding the famous swimming pigs, sipping rum cocktails—why rush through paradise?
💍 Built-in Honeymoon – You’re already in one of the world’s most stunning honeymoon destinations. Staying longer means you can roll straight into newlywed bliss.
Ideal Stay: 5-7 Days
Arrive, get your license, have a stress-free wedding, then spend a few days celebrating. Perfect, right?
Best Places to Get Married in the Bahamas
With 700 islands and 2,400 cays, the hardest part is choosing where to say “I do.”
Nassau & Paradise Island (For Luxury & Convenience)
The capital offers stunning resorts and easy access to wedding planners.
📍 The Ocean Club, A Four Seasons Resort – For a wedding straight out of a Bond movie.
📍 Atlantis Bahamas – Say “I do” with a backdrop of crystal-clear waters and jaw-dropping architecture.
Exuma (For Secluded Beach Vibes)
📍 Grand Isle Resort & Spa – Want a sandbar ceremony in the middle of the ocean? This is your spot.
🐷 Bonus: You can take wedding photos with the famous swimming pigs!
Eleuthera & Harbour Island (For Boho Romance)
📍 The Other Side – Rustic-chic, private, and dreamy as heck.
Bahamas Wedding Checklist: What Do You Need?
Before you start picking out wedding arches, let’s talk logistics.
✅ Valid passports
✅ Proof of arrival (flight ticket or immigration stamp)
✅ Marriage license application ($120 fee)
✅ Divorce decree (if applicable)
✅ Death certificate (if widowed)
✅ Parental consent (if under 18)
📍 Apply for your license at the Registrar General’s Office in Nassau. Processing time: 48 hours.
Common Mistakes Couples Make (And How to Avoid Them!)
🚫 Arriving on a Sunday or holiday.
💡 Government offices are closed, so plan to arrive at least one weekday in advance.
🚫 Forgetting about hurricane season.
💡 June–November can bring unpredictable weather. Plan for December–May for the best skies.
🚫 Not booking your venue in advance.
💡 The best spots fill up fast—lock in your location early!
FAQs: Your Burning Questions, Answered
💡 Do we need to be residents to get married in the Bahamas?
Nope! You just need to be in the country for 24 hours before applying for a marriage license.
💡 Can non-citizens legally marry in the Bahamas?
Yes! The process is designed to be simple for tourists.
💡 How much does it cost to get married in the Bahamas?
Marriage license: $120
Wedding packages: From $500 (simple elopements) to $20,000+ (luxury resorts).
💡 What’s the best time of year for a Bahamas wedding?
December–April offers perfect weather. Avoid June–November for hurricane season.
Final Thoughts: Is the Bahamas Your Dream Wedding Destination?
Let’s be honest—if you’ve read this far, you’re already picturing yourself on that beach, barefoot, with the love of your life. The Bahamas offers the easiest, breeziest way to tie the knot in paradise.
And when it comes to capturing those unforgettable moments? That’s where I come in.
📸 Hi, I’m Serg, the destination wedding photographer behind Your Happy Moments. Whether it’s a quiet elopement or a lavish beachside affair, I specialize in capturing every sun-kissed, love-filled second of your big day.
💍 Explore my wedding portfolio: yourhappymoments.net/blog
💌 Check out my photography packages: yourhappymoments.net/investment
📩 Let’s talk about your Bahamas wedding! yourhappymoments.net/contact
See you in paradise! 🌊💙
