Legal Requirements for weddings abroad
BAHAMAS
Documentation;
- A valid 10-year passport (not due to expire within the next six months).
- A full, original birth certificate.
- An affidavits / statutory declaration confirming single status (also know as a Certificate of Celibacy, stamped and signed by a solicitor.)
- Decree Absolute (the final divorce paper, if applicable), and if Catholic, a copy of the marriage annulment. A valid 10-year passport (not due to expire within the next six months).
- An full birth certificate.
- An affidavits / statutory declaration confirming single status also know as a Certificate of Celibacy, stamped and signed by a solicitor.
- Decree Absolute (the final divorce paper, if applicable), and if Catholic, a copy of the marriage annulment.
- Death Certificate (if you are a widow or widower).
- Change of Name Deed (required if you have changed your name), stamped and signed by a solicitor.
- Adoption certificate (if you have been adopted).
- Written consent from your parents or guardians (if either of you are under 18 years of age), stamped and signed by a solicitor.
Fees Required: Marriage Licence $100: Certified copy of of marriage certificate $25
Blood Test: None
Residency Requirements and Marriage Licences: You must be in the bahamas at least over night before you can get a marriage licence. Licences are valid for 3 months. So they can be obtained if you visit the islands up to three months before the wedding is due to take place.
Licences cannot be obtained by mail. Both partied must be in the country at the time of application.
Licences obtained in foreign countries are not permitted.
Divorce certificates: Only original certificates or court certified copies are permitted. No photocopies. Divorce papers will not be returned as they are kept by the Registrar Generals Office.
Flowers: Fresh flowers cannot be flown in from abroad due to customs regulations. Silk or artificial flowers are permitted.
Weekend weddings: These are allowed but it is recommended that you be in the country by thursday so that you meet the residency rule.
Foreign Pastors, Priests, Vicars, JP's: Only officials registered in the bahamas can perform the ceremony.
Legality: Weddings performed in the Bahamas are legal in all other countries.
Registering marriages in the UK: There are provisions imposed by the United Kingdom for registering foreign marriages. Please select this link to view these provisions. UK Registration
Useful Websites: www.paradise-wedding.com
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