Legal/Documents
Is my marriage legal and recognized internationally?
Yes, your marriage in The Bahamas is legal and recognized internationally. After your wedding you will be presented with a Bahamian marriage certificate that you can use to update your paperwork and prove that you are married.
Will someone accompany me to my legal appointment?
Yes, a PBW consultant will accompany you on your legal appointment.
I am not from America or Canada, are there special concerns for my country?
There might be. Contact us by email or telephone to find out what requirements your country has or choose your country on our wedding planner.
Will I need to get a blood test?
No.
How long will it take to get a marriage license?
Before you can perform your ceremony you will need a marriage license. It is a simple process but takes about two business days. Also, please allow for two days prior to Bahamian Holidays to acquire your license.
The following days are public holidays in The Bahamas:
January 1 - New Year’s Day
Good Friday*
Easter Sunday*
Whit Monday*
June 3 - Labor Day
July 10 - Independence Day
August 1 - Emancipation Day
October 12 - National Heroes’ Day
December 25 - Christmas Day
December 26 - Boxing Day
*Date changes from year to year
How much does a marriage license and certificate cost?
The cost of your marriage license and certificate are included in your package.
Will I receive my marriage certificate before I leave?
Your marriage certificate will be ready the week following your ceremony. If you are leaving the island before then your marriage certificate will be sent to you by an international courier such as Federal Express or DHL.
What if I lose or need an extra Marriage Certificate?
An additional certificate costs $20. This fee is regulated by the Registrar General’s Office and is subject to change. If you need an additional copy, we recommend that you let us know prior to your wedding.
I am divorced. Can I get married in The Bahamas?
Yes. A certified copy of your divorce decree must be submitted with your marriage application. This copy will remain on file with your marriage documents at the Registrar General’s office in The Bahamas.
I am widowed. Can I get married in The Bahamas?
Yes. A certified copy of the death certificate of your late spouse must be submitted with your marriage application. This copy will remain on file with your marriage documents at the Registrar General’s office in The Bahamas.
Are witnesses required?
Two witnesses who are at least 18 years old must sign your marriage license. If it is just the two of you, PBW will provide two witnesses at no extra charge.
Can I write my own vows?
Yes.
Can you provide vows?
Yes, non-denominational and traditional.
Cost
How much is my wedding going to cost?
Your wedding will cost $995 to arrange. That’s for everything you need to get married. But that may not be everything you want. So before PBW can give you a quote we need to ask you a few questions: How many people are coming? What sort of flowers do you want? Would you like a live band or a disc jockey? What kind of wedding would you like?
It can get confusing, we know. That’s why we provide the wedding planner.
With it you can choose most of the options you would like, hit a button and send it to us. After that, a PBW professional who has read your choices will contact you to discuss your wedding and give you an estimate of how much it will cost.
How much money do I need to pay up front?
PBW requires a deposit of $500 to reserve your wedding date.
How do I pay Professional Bahamas Weddings?
Payment is accepted in American or Bahamian Dollars or the equivalent. You may pay by Cashier's cheque/Draft or through an International Money/Wire Transfer.
Location
Where can I get married?
There are many breathtaking locations around the island. PBW does not restrict you as to where you can get married. We work with you to identify the location you are looking for and then make appropriate suggestions. You may wish to be married on the grounds of your hotel, in a lush garden setting, in a gazebo, under an arbor, barefoot in the sand or on a luxury motor yacht or sailboat.
Am I going to get married on a beach?
Not necessarily. Our basic package includes a site but does not guarantee a beach. If you would like to get married on a beach you can specify that with a PBW consultant or choose that option on our online order form wedding planner page.
Will I see where I'm getting married before the ceremony?
Yes, a PBW consultant will tour the ceremony site with you prior to your marriage.
What if it rains?
Steady downpours are rare but they do happen. Also, summer rains can appear and disappear in an instant leaving barely a trace.
PBW plans a weather back-up location for all outdoor ceremonies. If you wish to remain at the location of your choice we suggest erecting a tent which will help with the sun as well as the rain.
Planning outside is always a risk but one that can be managed.
General
We would like to organize events surrounding our wedding day. Can PBW make these arrangements too?
Yes. We are often asked to synchronize, down to the last detail, supplemental events and functions, such as:
Transportation to and from the airport
A Welcoming Cocktail Party
Post wedding brunch
Bachelor parties
Bachelorette parties
Wedding night hotel room decoration
Golf or deep sea fishing
Gifts and a Schedule of Events to be placed in each guests’ room.
What kind of music can we have at our wedding?
Apart from a Disc Jockey or Master of Ceremonies there are many live music choices. You might opt for a small trio of classical instruments, a strolling musician or a full Calypso band. We will help you decide and get you the best rates.
We know the artists and take pride in showcasing our country’s talent.
Can my fiancé rent his formal wear in The Bahamas?
Certainly; but be sure to set aside time to find one he likes and to make any adjustments. While most rental agencies are used to rushing, if it is a busy time of year it can be trying. We recommend setting aside at least 2 separate business days to get it done. Often it is both cheaper and easier to rent it in your hometown and bring it with you since both transportation and time will be more challenging to manage once you are here.
What is The Bahamas’ Time Zone?
The Bahamas is on Eastern Standard Time, the same as the east coast of the United States. Like the U.S. The Bahamas also observes Daylight Savings Time.
When can I get married?
Weddings must be performed between sunrise and sunset and may be performed any day of the week.
Can I have a non-denominational or non-religious ceremony in The Bahamas?
Yes. Beyond the legal requirements of your marriage - a licensed official, witnesses, and legal documents - the content and style of your ceremony is in your hands. A PBW consultant can show you a variety of options for a traditional, religious or strictly legal union.
We wish to be married by a Rabbi, is that possible?
PBW can provide a Rabbi to perform your marriage ceremony, or make the necessary arrangements for your Rabbi to perform the ceremony.
I am Catholic. Can I get married in The Bahamas?
Yes, you can be married in The Bahamas; however, Catholic priests in The Bahamas will not perform outdoor ceremonies and will not marry Catholics in their church unless you have completed the necessary Pre-Cana requirements.
Can PBW help with travel and hotel arrangements?
Because we specialize in event planning, we encourage you to speak directly with your travel agent to discuss flight and accommodation requirements for both yourself and your guests. The island offers everything from luxurious beach front suites to small intimate guest houses. It really does depend on what you want and your budget.