April Wedding - Need some advice

[book106]

Hi Everyone - I have to say first that I have thoroughly enjoyed all the information and reading all these posts. I am so excited about our April trip. I wish it were sooner! This will also be our first trip to the Caribbean.

We are planning on getting married on the beach in Treasure Cay and then taking a ferry over to the Green Turtle Club for dinner. I wanted to get some advice from some experienced Abaco travelers or Abaconians.

1) Do we have to get the marriage license in Marsh Harbour or is there a place in Treasure Cay. Do we need an appointment?

2) Airline travel advice. Anyone have ideas for cheaper airfares? I've heard flying into Nassau and taking Bahama Air.

3) We'll probably have about 20 people or so. Can we charter a ferry/boat to Green Turtle instead of paying $20 per person? I thought I had read somewhere about a charter for about $40/trip.

4) Does anyone know of someone to perform a brief ceremony in Treasure Cay?

5) We were planning on just going out on the beach in Treasure Cay and having a brief ceremony. Anything that would prevent this? Anything I need to know?

6) Local reasonable photographer to take a few pictures. I'm sure our family will be taking plenty but I thought it would be nice to have someone else so they can enjoy themselves too and don't have to worry about doing it.

7) Ideas for family/guests, activities - fishing, snorkeling, etc.


Thanks in advance for all your advice!!

[PatW]

Here is how:

You both must spend one day in Bahamas prior to submitting your application for a marriage license.

Fill out application for license at registers office.

Pay nominal fee of $100.00, license valid 3 months (no blood test required)

Both parties must be in Bahamas when making application for license.



Further requirements:


If either party is a minor under 18 years of age, parental consent is required. Obtain forms from Register General's office

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. Price is $40.00 each.

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's better to get a copy or two leaving the island. Cost for this is $20 per copy.


You can get your marriage license in Marsh Harbour at the Administrators office.
One thing to remember, the ceremony has to be performed BEFORE sun set by Bahamian law, unless the law has changed in the 5 years since we got married in Marsh Harbour.

[Cathy Arizona]

Randy Curry of Green Turtle is a really good photographer and very reasonably priced. He photographed our daughter's wedding in Hope Town a few years ago and we were very happy with his work and him.

[haziewaller]

Congratulations on an upcoming wedding in Abaco! Do you have a local wedding planner to aid you with all the details? It might help make your special day easy & hassle-free! I can highly recommend Molly McIntosh at the Green Turtle Club, she's done weddings for quite a few years now.