Getting Married in South Africa

Getting married in South Africa? Your wedding day is the beginning of a wonderful life together — the day you join hands to face the world as a couple. As you prepare to meet each other at the end of the aisle, remember that there are important legal preparations to be made.

Getting married in South Africa – What to consider

Marriage status

You must ensure that you are legally able to marry.

Either of you must be over the age of 18, or if younger must have written consent from your parent or guardian. If one was previously married, divorce proceedings must have been finalised and the divorce officially recorded.

High levels of fraudulent and illegal marriages in South Africa mean that your ID number may have been used by criminals to provide married status for immigrants. It’s easy to check online at the Department of Home Affairs website. Simply enter your Identity Number at http://www.dha.gov.za/status to instantly check your marriage status.

Prenuptial or Antenuptial contract

Getting married in South Africa affects your financial and legal status in important ways, depending on how you choose to marry.

It’s crucially important that you are briefed on these changes by a qualified professional who can inform you of your options under South African law, answer your questions, and help you make important decisions that will dramatically affect the rest of your life.

Your attorney will prepare documents including an antenuptial agreement and wills that reflect your decisions and prepare you for your new married status.

Prepare marriage registration

Your marriage must be recorded by the Department of Home Affairs. Immediately after your marriage ceremony you as the couple, two witnesses and the appointed marriage officer must complete and sign a registration document that is sent to the Department of Home Affairs so your marriage can be recorded in the National Population Register.

Getting married in South Africa