The Bahamas are a chain of tropical islands that are known for their azure blue waters, palm trees, white sandy beaches and honeymoon resorts. However, you can also get married here. If you want to make your wedding memorable, then consider getting married in the Bahamas.
What You Need to Know
In order to get married in the Bahamas you will need to follow the Bahamian rules for registering for a license, pre-marriage residency and documentation. The first thing you need to know about getting married in the Bahamas is that both the bride and the groom will need to be in the Bahamas for at least one day before you apply for a marriage license and both of you will need to be present when filling out the application. This means that if you want to get married on a Saturday, you will need to fly into the Bahamas by Friday at the latest.
Documentation
In order to qualify for a Bahamian marriage license you will need to have valid identification with you. You will need a government issued photo identification such as a passport, driver’s license or other official photo ID. You will also need proof of your arrival date to the Bahamas. Your airline ticket or cruise ticket will suffice. Finally, you will need proof that you are qualified to get married. Basically this means that you are not married to anyone else and you are over 18. In order to prove you are not married to anyone else you will need a single status affidavit that has been sworn in front of the U.S. Consul located in Nassau, an official copy of your divorce decree or a death certificate if you have been widowed. Currently, there are no medical tests or blood tests required.
Fees
There are several fees that you need to be made aware of if you are interested in getting married in the Bahamas. First of all there is a $100 government license fee. This fee covers the cost of filing your marriage license. Next, the officiant for your wedding will cost you anywhere from $150 to $200 for the service plus about $50 an hour for rehearsals. Other costs you may have include videographer fees, photographer fees, site fees and a departure tax of $18.
Wedding Venues in the Bahamas
There are countless wedding venues in the Bahamas. From the Old Bahama Bay on Grand Bahama Island to Stella Maris Resort Club on Long Island to cruise ships and beach locations, the Bahamas have a lot of great places to tie the knot.
If you are Catholic then you can choose between the Diocese of Hamilton in Bermuda or the Archdiocese on Nassau. If you are Jewish, then you can get married at the Luis de Torres Synagogue, the only one in the Bahamas. Other churches that you can get married at include: Aldergate Methodist Church in the Abacos, the Creole Gospel Chapel in the Abacos and the Calvary Bible Church in New Providence.
Diocese of Hamilton
www.dioezese-linz.or.at
Archdiocese
www.jampise.com/diocese/catholic.html
The Luis de Torres Synagogue
PO Box F-41786
Freeport, Bahamas
(242) 373-9457
www.grandbahamasynagogue.org/index.htm
Old Bahama Bay
www.oldbahambay.com
Stella Maris Resort Club
www.stellamarisresort.com
Reference:
- Book flights, hotels, wedding cruises and other travel packages at 7728552.globaltravel.com/
