The Bahamas is made up of over 700 islands and 2,400 cays extending 800 miles north to south, across a swatch of Atlantic Ocean from off the coast of Florida to the island of Hispaniola. Just thirty of those islands are inhabited by the spirited people of this country, 300,000 fun-loving and fiercely independent Bahamians whose welcoming attitudes mirror the islands’ inviting natural scenery. They’ll be the first to tell you the popular legend that the crystal blue waters surrounding the Bahamas are one of only two things astronauts can pinpoint from space, along with the Great Wall of China. Fact or fiction, all information on the Bahamas shows that the sea is what makes these islands tick – economically, culturally, and spiritually speaking. Over the past few decades the Bahamas has opened its arms to the world and revealed these many virtues; activities abound here, from exciting watersports of every variety to fascinating cultural sites, great restaurants, duty-free shopping and a jumping nightlife. Being home to countless pristine beaches also means that the Bahamas is the perfect place to just relax, enjoying the views and letting the warm sun soothe your soul.
The climate of the Bahamas is tropical savannah. As such, there has never been a frost or freeze ever reported anywhere in the Bahamas – although every few decades low temperatures can fall into the 38°F to 45°F (3°C to 5°C) range for a few hours when a severe cold outbreak comes off the North American landmass. Otherwise, the low latitude, warm tropical Gulf Stream, and low elevation give the Bahamas a warm and winterless climate. There is only a 12°F difference between the warmest month and coolest month in most of the Bahama Islands. Like most tropical climates, seasonal rainfall follows the sun, and summer is the wettest season. The Bahamas are often sunny and dry for long periods of time, and average more than 3000 hours of sunlight annually.
For more information visit www.bahamas.com
Events & Festivals
March: Bahamian Music and Heritage Festival
April: International Beer Festival
May: Bahamas Film Festival
December: Junkanoo Festival
Marriage Requirements:
- Both parties must be in the Bahamas at the time of the application.
- Both parties must have resided in the Bahamas for not less than one day prior to the date of the application.
- If either part is a minor (a person under 18 years of age), parental consent is required.
- If either party has been divorced, the original final decree or a court certified copy (with a raised seal) must be produced. For European residents, the original decree or a certified copy (with a raised seal) must be produced in the native language along with a translated certified or notarized copy in English.
- If either party is widowed, an original or certified copy of the death certificate of the deceased spouse must be produced.
- If either party is unmarried a declaration certifying this fact must be sworn before a notary public or other person authorized to administer oaths in the Bahamas and such declaration must accompany the application for the Marriage License.
- The parties must produce a valid passport for identification.
- The parties must produce evidence of the date of their arrival in the Bahamas (i.e. immigration card, which you receive when you enter the Bahamas). The fee for a marriage licence is $100.00
* We try to keep this info as current as possible so please contact the local tourism office for any changes.
