Nothing quite compares to a destination Bahamas wedding. Instead of choosing from venues that are down the street, a change of scenery can supply unforgettable core memories in a breathtaking and indescribable location. In addition to having an incredible backdrop, couples tend to actually save money by choosing a destination wedding instead of a local one. The Bahamas is one of my favorite locations for destination weddings. From crystal clear blue waters to white sandy shores, the Bahamas is home to some of the most incredible beaches in the world. Not only that, but the country also boasts some pretty cool unique attractions in its national parks, numerous islands, and historic monuments making the Bahamas an excellent choice for a destination wedding.
bring home
memories.
Bahamas Wedding Requirements
To get married in the Bahamas, there are a few wedding requirements to keep in mind while you are planning your celebration. To obtain a Bahama’s marriage license, couples need to plan to be in the country for at least 24 hours before applying for the marriage license. After you secure your marriage license, you will pick out a licensed Bahamas marriage officer. These officers are the only recognized officiants who can officiate a Bahamas wedding. Another important requirement to be sure that your marriage is legal is that your ceremony must take place before sunset.
Bahamas Marriage License
After arriving in the country, couples must visit the Registrar General’s office in downtown Nassau and provide proof that they have been in the country for at least that amount of time (the easiest way to prove this is with the entry stamp in your passport). In addition, you will need to provide a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license or passport.
Depending on your situation, you will also need to provide additional documentation. For those who have never been married before, you will need a sworn oath declaring that you are a single person who has never been married. You can either do this before your trip or in the Bahamas with a notary republic. For those who have been previously married, you will need to bring along an original or certified copy of a divorce decree. Lastly, if you are widowed, you will need to provide a death certificate at the time of applying for your Bahamas marriage certificate.
One of the nice things about choosing the Bahamas as your wedding destination is that, unlike many other foreign countries, there are no special blood tests or medical procedures required. The cost of a Bahamas marriage certificate is $120 and includes one certified copy of your marriage certificate. Certificates are issued the day after applying, and are valid for up to 90 days from issuance.
Is a Bahamas marriage legal in the US?
Your Bahamas wedding can be recognized by the United States, but there is a little paperwork to fill out.
After your ceremony, your marriage officer will have a few documents to fill out. In addition, you will need two witnesses to sign these documents. After this has been submitted, your marriage officer will submit the required paperwork, and your Bahamas marriage license should be issued within two business days.
After this document has been issued, you will need to secure an apostille. This is a document that allows the government of the Bahamas to prove to other governments that your marriage is legal and recognized. This document can be acquired from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for $120 per copy and typically takes about 4 business days to be obtained.
For same-sex couples, marriage and civil unions are currently not recognized in the Bahamas. However, couples can still hold a ceremony or reception in the Bahamas. There are, however, numerous affirming and accepting places for same-sex couples to still enjoy a celebration in the Bahamas. Couples who wish to have their same-sex marriage legally recognized will need to secure a legal marriage in the United States.
How Much is a Destination Wedding in the Bahamas?
Destination weddings tend to be cheaper than traditional weddings.
The cost of your wedding will depend on many factors including your travel, accommodations, chosen vendors, and venue. The average cost of a destination wedding in the Bahamas is between $20,000 and $25,000.
How Much Does it Cost to Elope in the Bahamas?
An intimate elopement is a great way for you to get married in the Bahamas. Many resorts and hotels will offer small elopement packages that take care of all the details of your wedding day.
These packages can range from as little to $1,000 for more simple packages to up to $12,000 for more luxury experiences.
How Much is a Bahamas Wedding Photographer?
Ensure your Bahamas wedding is immortalized for a lifetime by documenting the full story. The cost of a Bahamas wedding photographer can fluctuate based on factors like location, experience, style, and expertise. Less experienced photographers, typically priced below $1,500, may still be developing their posing techniques, problem-solving abilities, and lighting skills. On the other hand, seasoned photographers boast a well-defined style, consistent work, and extensive expertise. Their prices often range between $4,000 and $7,000+, offering unparalleled quality.
You can expect to pay anywhere from $1500 to more than $15000 depending on the photographer you choose, and how important photos are to you.
How do Destination Wedding Photographers Work?
There are two main options when looking for a Bahamas wedding photographer. Some opt to find a wedding photographer local to the country, while others opt for a photographer who is willing to travel to the destination and document your once-in-a-lifetime occasion. Whichever route you decide to take, it is important to choose a photographer who clicks with you and allows you to be in the moment so that you can focus on marrying the love of your life. Speaking of wedding Bahamas wedding photographers, my name’s Roy and I’d love to capture your special day.
Travel Recommendations for a Bahamas Wedding
Traveling outside of the country for a Bahamas wedding can feel like a daunting task. These are some need-to-know info on traveling to the Bahamas and making sure you have everything you need to make your trip a seamless one.
Bahamas Passport requirements
To enter the Bahamas, you must present a valid passport for entry into the country as well as entry back into the United States. Your passport must have at least two blank pages to be stamped when entering the country. To apply for a US passport, you can visit here.
Bahamas Travel Visa
When visiting the Bahamas from the United States, there is usually no need to secure a travel visa before your visit. For non-citizens residing in the US, there is no need to secure a visa, unless your trip is longer than 30 days, but you will need to bring along a green card in addition to your passport.
Bahamas Covid Requirements
As of September 2022, there are no longer testing requirements or vaccination requirements to enter the Bahamas. Depending on how you get to the Bahamas, different cruise lines and airlines may have other testing requirements in places so be sure to double-check with your cruise line or airline before travel. For the latest on covid-19 requirements, and other travel recommendations you can visit the official Bahamas website.
Weather in the Bahamas
The best time to visit the Bahamas is from December through April, which is the peak season. The peak season is also when tourist locations will be most crowded. Another consideration when deciding which month to visit is hurricane season. Hurricane season in the Bahamas if from June 1st through November 30th.
January: Average High of 78 and a low of 62 with precipitation of 1.86 inches.
February: Average High of 78 and a low of 63 with precipitation of 1.93 inches.
March: Average High of 80 and a low of 64 with precipitation of 2.14 inches.
April: Average High of 82 and a low of 66 with precipitation of 2.73 inches.
May: Average High of 85 and a low of 70 with precipitation of 4.13 inches.
June: Average High of 88 and a low of 73 with precipitation of 8.62 inches.
July: Average High of 89 and a low of 74 with precipitation of 6.32 inches.
August: Average High of 89 and a low of 74 with precipitation of 9.27 inches.
September: Average High of 88 and a low of 74 with precipitation of 6.42 inches.
October: Average High of 86 and a low of 72 with precipitation of 6.42 inches.
November: Average High of 82 and a low of 68 with precipitation of 3.17 inches.
December: Average High of 79 and a low of 65 with precipitation of 1.97 inches.
Airports in the Bahamas
In the Bahamas, there are 41 different local airports for travel to and throughout the area. Depending on which island you wish to travel to will depend on which airport is best to utilize. There are four main international airports:
Grand Bahama International Airport – This airport brings visitors into Freeport with easy access to the Grand Bahamas.
Leonard M. Thompson International Airport – This is also commonly referred to as Marsh Harbour International Airport. It is the second busiest airport in the Bahamas and gives visitors access to the island of Marsh Harbour as well as connecting flights to Nassau.
Lynden Pindling International Airport – This airport is more commonly known as Nassau International Airport. It is the fourth busiest airport in the Caribbean and gives visitors access to the island of Nassau.
Rock Sound International Airport – This airport gives travelers access to the island of Eleuthera. It is one of three airports on the island and is located in the southern portion of the island.
