When imagining the perfect destination to say “I do,” Harbour Island combines legal ease with tropical charm. With its pastel-colored buildings, pink sand beaches, and laid-back atmosphere, it's no wonder many couples are considering Weddings Harbour Island as the setting for their big day. But beyond the scenery, can you actually get legally married there? The answer is yes—and the process is surprisingly straightforward.
As part of The Bahamas, Harbour Island follows national regulations that allow foreign couples to legally marry. According to official Harbour Island Info, couples must be present in The Bahamas for at least 24 hours before applying for a marriage license. Once the 24-hour residency is met, the license can be issued within a single business day, making it possible to marry as soon as the next day.
The required documents include valid passports, birth certificates, and government-issued photo IDs for both individuals. If either party was previously married, a certified copy of the divorce decree or death certificate must be provided. Additionally, those who have never been married are asked to complete a sworn declaration of single status, which can be done locally.
Applicants must be at least 18 years old, or provide notarized parental consent if younger. The ceremony must be conducted by a Bahamas-licensed marriage officer—such as a local pastor or justice of the peace—and two witnesses over the age of 18 must be present. By law, all weddings must take place between sunrise and sunset.
A marriage license typically costs between $100 and $120 USD and includes one certified copy of the certificate. Extra copies cost around $20 each. Many couples also request an apostille from the Bahamas Ministry of Foreign Affairs to ensure international legal recognition of the marriage, especially when returning to the U.S., Canada, or Europe.
Couples choosing Weddings Harbour Island often benefit from the island’s many boutique resorts and experienced local planners who can help coordinate everything from officiants to floral arrangements. Whether you’re planning a luxurious beachside celebration or an intimate ceremony for two, Harbour Island offers the flexibility and beauty for either.
For anyone browsing Harbour Island Info to learn more about getting married in the Caribbean, this destination checks all the boxes: it’s legally recognized, accessible, and unforgettable. If you're prepared with the right documents and allow a bit of time for the residency requirement, your dream island wedding can come to life—stress-free and fully legal.
So yes, you can absolutely get legally married on Harbour Island. And when you do, it won’t just be another ceremony—it will be a memory made on one of the most romantic islands in the world.
