Destination Weddings: The Bahamas

Would it not be cool to tie the knot at the very place that you will be taking your honeymoon? That is something a lot of couples have chosen to do when they're preparing to make a life long commitment. A destination wedding allows you and your guests to enjoy respite in an exotic locale, with the Bahamas one such place where you can get married.

Getting married abroad means preparing well in advance for your event, something that a local wedding planner can help you with to make your special day unforgettable. If you are planning your nuptials in the Bahamas, there are certain matters you must be aware of. Bahamas wedding requirements are not all that foreign, but they may be different from what you are accustomed to.

Plan Ahead-- Once your Bahamas plans are set, you will want to hire an experienced and recommended wedding planner to handle your arrangements. This individual should be intimately familiar with the Bahamian culture, likely a native planner with the connections to make your wedding dreams come true.

Arrive Early-- If your wedding is on a Saturday, you will want to arrive in the Bahamas several days early to finalize your wedding plans. You will meet with your wedding planner and tie up the remaining loose ends. Of essential importance is your application for license -- you must be in the Bahamas at least 24 hours at the time of applying for your marriage license. Once your marriage license has been approved, then you are ready to exchange vows.

Proper Identification-- You will arrive in the Bahamas with passport in hand, a document not needed to enter the country, but what you will need to have to get back into the United States. However, the bride and groom will each need to present their passports, their birth certificates and photo identification, such as a driver's license when applying for a license at the Registar's Office on Grand Bahama Island. Those hours are 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Show proof of your arrival date and time too.

Two Witnesses-- You will need to have two people to witness and sign your marriage license. Individuals must be at least 18 years old. If you arrive alone, witnesses can be provided for you.

Special Considerations-- Individuals that were divorced or widowed will need to demonstrate that they are no longer married. For divorced individuals, an original final notarized decree must accompany the marriage application. For widowed individuals, a certified death certificate must be produced. Underage individuals must sign a parental consent form at the Registrar's office, with both parents consenting to the marriage. For individuals never married, a declaration from their home country attesting to this fact must be offered. However, a Bahamian attorney or notary public can also issue a declaration.

Marriage Location-- While many couples will tie the knot on the main islands, you are not required to get married on Grand Bahamas or New Providence. Administrative offices are located on each the out islands, allowing you to obtain a marriage license there.

Seal It-- When you return home, you may need to present officials documents such as an international marriage certificate. A special seal known as an apostille can be affixed to your certificate within 30 days of your request. Your wedding planner can help you here and have the forms forwarded to your address.

Wedding Planner

The Bahamas is quite detailed in the requirements for foreigners to be married on Bahamian soil. Your wedding planner can help you with those details and assist you in finding a wedding venue, arranging a rehearsal dinner, hiring entertainment, arranging for catering, manage your transportation and handle every other matter to ensure that your special day goes as planned. From the simple to the complicated, a qualified destination wedding planner in the Bahamas can ensure that every deal is perfectly executed.

Marva Munroe is the owner of Bahamas Destination Weddings Group. She is an expert wedding planner for destination weddings in the Bahamas. Marva has brought happiness to countless couples married on Grand Bahama Island, Bahamas over the past ten years.