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Weddings Abroad Guide

Weddings Abroad Guide - How to Get Married Abroad

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Legal Requirements for
Getting Married in South Africa

The legal requirements for getting married in South Africa are relatively simple and straightforward.

The following information is intended to be a starting point and guideline only.

Legal Requirements for getting Married in South Africa // Georgia & Mike's stunning African Inspired Destination Wedding at Cape Point Vineyards South Africa - planned by Event Affairs photography by Vivid Blue.

Georgia & Mike”s Wedding in South Africa

Although much care and effort has been taken to ensure the information provided is correct please do not take it as legal advice. I strongly advise you to consult the Embassy or High Commission of South Africa for first hand information.

Please Note:  Required documentation and the legal process may vary from nationality to nationality.

Essential Facts

  • Civil ceremonies can take place in any location and are conducted by a registered celebrant
  • Both religious and civil ceremonies are legally binding
  • There is no minimum residency period

Legality of Marriage

Marriages performed in South Africa are internationally recognised and legally binding.

Residency Requirements

There are no minimum residency requirements for getting married in South Africa.

Required Documentation

All documents must be original and taken with you to South Africa.

  • Full Birth Certificate.
  • 10 Year Passport with at least 6 months validity remaining.
  • If you are divorced – a Decree Absolute.
  • If you are a widower – a Death certificate and previous Marriage Certificate.
  • If you are under 18 – written consent.

Marriage Officers

In South Africa, only marriage officers authorised by law can perform marriage ceremonies.

Civil marriages are solemnized at offices of the Department of Home Affairs and at churches with authorized marriage officers.

Place of Marriage

A wedding ceremony in South Africa may only be conducted in a church or another building used for religious services, or in a public office or private house, with open doors.

Witnesses

You will be required to have a least 2 witnesses present at your marriage ceremony.

Marriage Register

After the solemnisation of your marriage, you and your two witnesses must sign the marriage register. You will then be issued with a marriage certificate.

Registration and certificates

After your marriage, the marriage officer will then submit the marriage register to the nearest Home Affairs office. Your marriage will then be recorded in South Africa’s National Population Register (NPR).

If you would like additional marriage certificates you must complete form BI-130 and lodge this at the nearest Home Affairs office. A fee must also be paid for additional certificates.

Same Sex Weddings

Same sex weddings are legally recognised in South Africa and the process is the same as for heterosexual marriages. For information in respect of same-sex marriages in South Africa click here.

Need Help Planning a Wedding in South Africa!

Creative Wedding is a boutique wedding planning agency based in Cape Town, South Africa. They specialise in creating unique and bespoke weddings in South Africa for bridal couples from all over the world. Read more about how Creative Wedding can help you.

For further information

For further information on the legal requirements for getting married in South Africa please contact the South African Embassy or High Commission.

A full listing of South African Diplomatic Missions and Consular Offices can be found on the following link: South African Embassy or Diplomatic Mission in your country

Destination Wedding in South Africa – Mini Guide!

Event Affairs Wedding & Event Planners South Africa, Dubai, Mauritius & Zanzibar www.eventaffairs.co.za www.weddingsabroadguide.comRead our informative “Destination Wedding in South Africa” Guide by leading Planning Agency, Event Affairs. This four part series they walk you through the diverse range of location options for a destination wedding in South Africa, including their top picks for best venues, the legal guidelines, the cost of a wedding in South Africa, service standards and weddings suppliers as well as providing excellent advice on the local sights and side trips.

Getting Married in South Africa – First Steps

Wedding & Honeymoon Guide South Africa // Holidaysplease

Browse the South Africa Wedding Guide which contains guidelines on the legal requirements and wedding ceremony options, South African wedding suppliers, real wedding reviews, related inspiration and hot tips.

South Africa Wedding Guide

step by step guide to planning a wedding abroad

My step by step guide will guide you through the all different stages of planning a wedding abroad.

Step by Step Planning Guide

Wedding Planning Checklist

My Wedding Planning Checklist has been designed specifically for getting married abroad. It will help bring some order and structure to your planning.

Wedding Planning Checklist

What’s Next?

Are you ready to take your wedding planning to the next level? Check out my FREE 

PLANNING TOOLS

Requirements are subject to change in accordance with the laws of South Africa.

Welcome to Weddings Abroad Guide a website dedicated to those planning a destination wedding providing independent information & advice for those planning a wedding abroad.

Digital Wedding Planning Tool Kit - The Essential must have Easy to Follow Checklists, Spreadsheets & Workbooks Guide for a Destination Wedding Abroad by Weddings Abroad Guide

Planning a Wedding Abroad - Easy to follow steps www.weddingsabroadguide.com Learn how you can plan a Destination Wedding www.weddingsabroadguide.com Downloadable Destination Wedding Planning Tools & Checklists www.weddingsabroadguide.com Weddings Abroad Destination Guides & Country Overviews www.weddingsabroadguide.com Top Destination Wedding Tips & Advice www.weddingsabroadguide.comDestination Wedding Etiquette Tips & Advice www.weddingsabroadguide.com Destination Wedding Inspiration, Real Wedding Stories, Films, Styled Shoots www.weddingsabroadguide.comTop 4 Destination Wedding Planning Essentials www.weddingsabroadguide.comDestination Wedding Details all you need to know www.weddingsabroadguide.comFind Destination Wedding Suppliers worldwide www.weddingabroadguide.com Find your perfect Destination Wedding Venue www.weddingsabroadguide.comWant to know more about getting married abroad? Ask a question here. www.weddingsabroadguide.com

Mix & Match Bridesmaid Dresses from Dessy Group

Honeymoon & Wedding Gift List by Holidaysplease member of the Destination Wedding Directory by Weddings Abroad Guide

We can connect you with Destination Wedding Couples - Let us help you Grow your Wedding Business.- Find out more about how to be become a member our Destination Wedding Directory.

The Ultimate Destination Wedding Planning Checklist - Download your FREE Planning Tools Today!  // weddingsabroadguide.com

Planning!

Digital Wedding Planning Tool Kit - The Essential must have Easy to Follow Checklists, Spreadsheets & Workbooks Guide for a Destination Wedding Abroad by Weddings Abroad Guide

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