S. Francis Xavier Cathedral

The Sacrament of Marriage 

Requirements for a couple to be married in the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Nassau  

1. The couple wishing to be married in the Archdiocese of Nassau must first contact their own pastor of the parish they presently attend. In the case of a mixed marriage, where one of the parties is not a Catholic, then the pastor of the person who is a Catholic must be approached. This should be done at least six months prior to the date of the marriage.
   
   
2.  The pastor will begin the process of investigation, the prenuptial questionnaire will be filled out and all the necessary documents, such as, baptismal and confirmation certificates will be given at this time. The couple will be enrolled in a Pre-Cana or a marriage preparation course, which most dioceses provide. This must be done in the diocese where you live.
    
3. The couple must contact a priest or a deacon in the Archdiocese of Nassau to reserve a parish church, date and time to have the wedding done as they desire and plan. This should be done at least six (6) months in advance. See Parish Directory for a list of priests, deacons and administrators in this Archdiocese. The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Nassau is constituted of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas, which is made up of many islands.
    
4. Please note that all weddings in this Archdiocese must be held in a church. Please do not be fooled by advertising that suggests that weddings take place in caves, hotels, gardens, malls or on beaches. In the Catholic Church, weddings must be celebrated in church.
    
5. It is the responsibility of the pastor of the parish where the Catholic party is a member to make all the necessary preparations and investigations according to Canon Law.
   
   "It means, then, that the parish priest must undertake the investigation, obtain a dispensation, if required, and solicit all the necessary documents required for a valid marriage in the Catholic Church."
    
6. All of the above information and documentation should be sent to the Chancery where the Catholic party resides and where the investigation and preparation takes place. Your Chancery Office will issue the Nihil Obstat and send to our Chancery all the documents along with the Testimonial Letters. When these documents arrive here at our Chancery Office a visum est will be granted if all the documents are in order. 

Completed documents should be sent to the following address:

The Office of the Chancellor
Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Nassau
Archdiocesan Pastoral Centre
West Street
P.O. Box N 8187
Nassau, Bahamas

Phone: (242) 322-4533
            (242) 322-7744
            (242) 322-8919

Fax:    (242) 322-2599