Legal

Legal Requirements for Weddings in South Africa

In South Africa, you will find a vast variety of venues in which to get married, from wine farms to majestic mountains, sun-soaked beaches to reverent places of worship. And, it's not difficult to get married here - all you really need is a Marriage Officer, a couple of witnesses and a person who wants to marry you! Making sure that your marriage is legal is pretty straightforward. Marriage Officers are usually persons serving in one of the major religions in South Africa (Christian, Jewish or Moslem) and they are generally very helpful indeed, particularly when it comes to the legal details. The Marriage Officer will require you to supply the following documents: A) The couple are BOTH South African

• Clear copies of your Identity Documents
• Clear copies of Divorce Decrees (if applicable)
• Clear copies of Death Certificates (if applicable)
• Clear copies of Identity Documents of your 2 witnesses.

Issuing of the Marriage Certificate The marriage officer will present you with your original Abridged Marriage Certificate immediately after the ceremony and the marriage officer will register your marriage with the South African Department of Home Affairs. If you require an Unabridged Marriage Certificate, one can be obtained from the South African Department of Home Affairs and usually takes 6-8 weeks to obtain. Speak to your Marriage Officer as many will gladly apply for one when he/she registers your marriage. B) Both parties NOT South African

• Clear copies of your valid Passports
• Clear copies of Divorce Decrees (if applicable)
• Clear copies of Death Certificates (if applicable)
• Clear copies of Passports of your 2 witnesses