Caribbean Wedding License Requirements

Complete guide to legal marriage requirements in popular destinations

Important: Requirements can change. Always verify current requirements with the local registrar's office 3-6 months before your wedding date. Many destinations require apostille stamps on documents from your home country.

Quick Comparison

Destination	Waiting Period	Cost	Ease Level
🏝️ Bahamas	24 hours	$120	Easy
🇻🇮 USVI	None (in person)	$225	Easiest
🇵🇷 Puerto Rico	None	$225	Easiest
🇯🇲 Jamaica	24 hours	$50-150	Easy
🇰🇾 Cayman Islands	None	$305	Moderate
🇲🇽 Mexico (Cozumel)	3 days	$500-1,500	Moderate
🇦🇼 Aruba	14 days + 2 days	$112-224	Complex

Waiting Period

24 hours after arrival

License Cost

$120 USD

Processing

Same day (usually 1-2 hours)

Validity

90 days

Required Documents (Both Parties)

Valid passport (original, not photocopy)

Birth certificate (original or certified copy)

Proof of citizenship (if not obvious from passport)

If previously married: Divorce decree (original or certified copy) OR Death certificate of former spouse

If widowed: Death certificate of former spouse (original or certified copy)

If under 18: Parental consent in writing with notarized signatures

Application for marriage license (obtained in Bahamas)

All documents must be original or certified copies
Documents in languages other than English must be translated by certified translator
Divorced less than 1 year? Additional documentation may be required

Process & Fees

Marriage license fee: $120 USD

Minister/Officiant fee: $50-100 USD (separate)

Certificate of marriage: Included in license fee

Apostille for international recognition: $50-100 USD (optional)

Must apply in person at Registrar General's Office

Important Rules

Must be in Bahamas for 24 hours before applying

License valid for 90 days from issue date

Minimum age is 18 (16-17 with parental consent)

Two witnesses required (18+ years old)

Blood tests NOT required

Ceremony must be performed by licensed Bahamian officiant

Where to Apply

Nassau: Registrar General's Department, Parliament Street

Freeport: Administrator's Office, Grand Bahama

Other islands: Local Commissioner's Office

Office hours: Monday-Friday, 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Popular Wedding Islands

Nassau/Paradise Island

Apply at: Registrar General's Dept

Grand Bahama/Freeport

Apply at: Administrator's Office

Exuma

Apply at: Commissioner's Office

Harbour Island

Apply at: Commissioner's Office

Need Help Planning Your Destination Wedding?

Our destination wedding specialists can guide you through all the legal requirements!