Imagine standing barefoot on a pristine beach, the turquoise waves rolling gently onto the shore as the salty breeze tangles in your hair. You take a deep breath, look into your partner’s eyes, and say, “I do.” Sounds like a dream? Well, getting married in The Bahamas as a foreigner is surprisingly simple—and oh-so-magical.
If you’re wondering “Can foreigners get married in The Bahamas?”, the answer is a resounding YES! But before you hop on a plane, let’s break down everything you need to know: from legal requirements to jaw-dropping venues and budgeting tips.
How to Legally Get Married in The Bahamas as a Foreigner
1. Do You Need to Be a Resident?
Nope! Unlike some destinations that require a lengthy residency, The Bahamas only asks that you spend at least 24 hours in the country before applying for a marriage license.
Pro tip: Arrive two days before your wedding to allow enough time for paperwork while still enjoying the island vibes.
2. What Documents Do You Need?
To tie the knot in paradise, make sure you have:
✔️ Valid passports
✔️ Birth certificates
✔️ Proof of arrival date (passport stamp or immigration card)
✔️ Divorce decree (if applicable)
✔️ Death certificate (if a previous spouse has passed away)
✔️ Notarized affidavit stating single status (for never-married individuals)
💡 No blood tests are required! Unlike some destinations, The Bahamas keeps it simple.
3. How Much Does a Marriage License Cost?
The fee for a marriage license is $120 (subject to change). Once approved, your license is valid for 90 days—plenty of time to plan your perfect ceremony.
4. Do You Need Witnesses?
Yes! You’ll need two witnesses aged 18 or older. If you’re eloping without guests, don’t worry—your hotel or wedding planner can arrange witnesses for you.
🔗 Official Bahamas Marriage License Information
Best Wedding Venues in The Bahamas
Now that the legal stuff is out of the way, let’s talk about the fun part: where to say “I do”! Whether you’re dreaming of a grand resort wedding or an intimate beachfront elopement, The Bahamas has a venue for every couple.
🏝️ The Ocean Club, A Four Seasons Resort
🌿 Why you’ll love it: Imagine exchanging vows in a Versailles-style garden, surrounded by bougainvillea and ocean views. Pure romance!
📍 Location: Paradise Island
🔗 Ocean Club Weddings
🌊 Rosewood Baha Mar
💎 Why you’ll love it: Luxury meets Caribbean charm. Choose between a beachside ceremony or an elegant ballroom reception.
📍 Location: Nassau
🔗 Rosewood Baha Mar Weddings
🌅 The Cove, Eleuthera
🌺 Why you’ll love it: A secluded paradise with pink sand beaches and breathtaking sunsets.
📍 Location: Eleuthera
🔗 The Cove Eleuthera
🐚 Atlantis Paradise Island
🏰 Why you’ll love it: A mix of adventure and luxury—perfect if you want an unforgettable resort experience.
📍 Location: Paradise Island
🔗 Atlantis Weddings
🌴 Grand Hyatt Baha Mar
🎉 Why you’ll love it: A versatile venue with oceanfront terraces and tropical gardens for every wedding style.
📍 Location: Nassau
🔗 Grand Hyatt Baha Mar
How Much Does a Wedding in The Bahamas Cost?
The price of a destination wedding in The Bahamas varies depending on your style. Here’s a rough breakdown:
💍 Marriage license: $120
💒 Venue rental: $500 – $15,000+ (depending on location)
📸 Photography & videography: $1,500 – $7,000+
🌺 Florals & décor: $1,000 – $5,000+
🎶 Entertainment (DJ, live music, Junkanoo band): $1,000 – $5,000
🍽️ Catering (per guest): $100 – $300+
💡 Total estimated budget: $5,000 – $50,000+ (from intimate elopements to luxury weddings)
👉 Want to save money? Consider a sunrise or weekday wedding—venues often offer discounts for off-peak dates.
Best Time to Get Married in The Bahamas
☀️ High season (December – April): Best weather, but higher prices.
🌧️ Hurricane season (June – November): Cheaper rates, but higher rain risk.
🌅 Sweet spot (May & early December): Good weather + lower costs = win-win!
Adding a Touch of Bahamian Culture to Your Wedding
Make your wedding uniquely Bahamian with these fun traditions:
🎭 Junkanoo Parade – Surprise your guests with a lively Bahamian street parade!
🥥 Island Cocktails – Serve Bahama Mama or Goombay Smash at your reception.
🎶 Local Music – Hire a rake-and-scrape band for authentic island vibes.
FAQ: Getting Married in The Bahamas
1. How long does it take to get a marriage license?
The application is usually processed within 1-2 days.
2. Can same-sex couples get legally married in The Bahamas?
Unfortunately, The Bahamas does not legally recognize same-sex marriages, but couples often have symbolic ceremonies.
3. Do I need a wedding planner?
It’s not required, but highly recommended—especially for destination weddings.
4. Can we get married on a private island?
Yes! Many resorts offer private island weddings for the ultimate secluded celebration.
Capture Every Moment of Your Bahamas Wedding
Your wedding in The Bahamas deserves to be beautifully captured, and that’s where I come in! As a destination wedding photographer, I specialize in creating breathtaking, emotion-filled images that let you relive your magical day for a lifetime.
✨ Check out my portfolio here
📷 Explore my photography packages here
📩 Let’s chat about your dream wedding! Contact me
Final Thoughts
Getting married in The Bahamas is more than just a ceremony—it’s an experience, a sun-kissed adventure, and a story you’ll tell for years to come. With its easy legal process, stunning venues, and endless romance, this Caribbean paradise is the perfect place to say “I do.”
So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags, grab your fiancé, and let’s make your dream Bahamian wedding come true! 🌴💍✨
