Donald Trump Jr. and Bettina Anderson were officially married a few days ahead of their highly anticipated wedding celebration in the Bahamas.
A marriage certificate obtained by TMZ revealed their legal wedding date as May 21. The couple made their relationship official with a Palm Beach County deputy clerk before attending their lavish reception on a private island. Real Estate Brad McPherson, who has worked closely with the Trump family for several years, is believed to have acted as their officiant.
TMZ reported that Trump and Anderson checked off this legal formality before the exchange of vows scheduled to take place outside of the U.S.
The marriage certificate also revealed one very critical detail — Bettina opted not to legally assume the Trump name.
ANDREWS AIR FORCE BASE, MD – JULY 29: Donald Trump Jr., son of U.S. President Donald Trump and his girlfriend Bettina Anderson arrive with U.S. President Donald Trump at Andrews Air Force Base, Maryland on July 29, 2025 before boarding Marine One for a short trip to the White House. President Trump is returning from a trip to Scotland that was part vacation, part work, as he stayed at his Trump Turnberry golf course, followed by Trump International Golf Links in Aberdeenshire, from July 25 to 29. (Photo by Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)
An intimate yet elaborate wedding celebration will unfold in front of a small group of family members and close friends, but all festivities are taking place without the presence of President Donald Trump.
“While I very much wanted to be with my son, Don Jr., and the newest member of the Trump Family, his soon-to-be wife, Bettina, circumstances pertaining to Government, and my love for the United States of America, do not allow me to do so,” Donald Trump wrote May 22 to Truth Social. (RELATED: Vanessa Trump Reveals Breast Cancer Diagnosis)
PALM BEACH, FLORIDA – MARCH 15: (L-R) Donald Trump Jr. and Bettina Anderson attend amfAR Palm Beach Gala on March 15, 2025 in Palm Beach, Florida. (Photo by Mireya Acierto/Getty Images for amfAR)
His statement continued, “I feel it is important for me to remain in Washington, D.C., at the White House during this important period of time. Congratulations to Don and Bettina! President DONALD J. TRUMP”