Bahamas
Want to say I do in paradise? Bahamas is the place to be.
Just imagine your wedding on a tropical island in the mist of beautiful hibiscus, bougainvillaea, palm trees, white sand beaches, friendly nationals and beautiful weather.
The Bahamas, spanning over 700 islands, each with its own unique flavour, and located only 30 minutes from Florida,
offers a diversity and convenience that other beach wedding destinations cannot match.
The Islands of the Bahamas is a 100,000-square-mile tropical paradise that claims more than 700 islands and 2500 cays and lies a mere 50 miles off the Florida coast.
Once called the Isles of Perpetual June by George Washington, the Bahamas is blessed with a tropical climate that makes it a year-round eloping and wedding destination.
If you are considering to elope or having a wedding in the Bahamas do consider the seasons;
the best time to visit the Bahamas is in the summer, which falls between June and August.
While winter can be surprisingly cold, daily high temperatures in the Bahamas rarely drop below 16°C from December to February, and the sun shines an average of 320 days out of the year.
Persons wishing to be married in The Bahamas must be there at least 24 hours before the intended marriage.
An application must be made at the Registrar General Office located down town.
Marriage licenses can not be obtained on the weekends and public holidays.
All legal weddings done in The Bahamas are recognized worldwide.
Document Requirements to marry in the Bahamas:
* If either party is a minor under 18 years of age, parental consent is required
* If either party ever divorced, a certified (certified documents must bear a raised seal from the court) or original final decree must be produced
* If either party is widowed, the death certificate of deceased spouse must be produced
* If any unmarried party is a resident of a country other than the US,
*a declaration certifying to the unmarried status must be sworn to before a Notary Public or other person authorized to administer oaths in the country of residence.
*The wording of these affidavits is very particular so it is wise to inquire prior to paying to have this affidavit prepared prior to your arrival in the Bahamas.
*This may also be prepared by an attorney or Notary Public in the Bahamas as well as many ministers will assist you in preparing same.
* Photo ID issued from a government office from country of residence must be produced
* Evidence of arrival in Bahamas must be produced; the Bahamas Immigration embarkation card will do
* It is recommended that the couple get a Certified copy of their marriage certificate from the Registrar Generals office before they leave the island.
*This can be mailed if time is a problem but it takes a while and lots of times has to be sent a few times in order for the couple to actually receive it.
* This is what they need for the bride to change their name and for other legal documents when they get home so it is better to get a copy or two leaving the island.
Plan your Bahamas wedding destination cruise here: www.weddingsinthebahamas.com