The solemnisation and registration of civil marriages, customary marriages and civil unions are managed by the Department of Home Affairs. Civil marriages are governed by the Marriage Act and regulations issued in terms of the Act. South Africa also recognizes customary marriages through the Recognition of Customary Marriages Act, which became effective in November 2000. Civil unions are recognised in terms of the Civil Union Act (2006).

Related Page: Wedding and Marriage

If you are planning on getting married, you must:

- ensure that you are legally allowed to marry,

- understand the legal consequences of a marriage,

- particularly that marriages in South Africa are automatically in community of property,

- unless a valid ante-nuptial contract has been entered into before the marriage, and

- make sure that your marriage will comply with all the legal requirements for a valid marriage

Should you be unsure of any of these, legal counsel should be sought before the marriage is entered into.

Conducting a marriage:

Only marriage officers authorised in terms of Act No. 25 of 1961 to perform marriages may do so. Presently civil marriages are solemnised at offices of the Department of Home Affairs and at churches (by authorised marriage officers).

A marriage must be conducted in the presence of at least two witnesses in:

- a church or another building used for religious services,

- in a public office or private house, with open doors,

- in the case of serious illness or injuries, the marriage may take place in a hospital or any concerned facility.

Visit our dedicated Marriage Registration Page

Contact: Roshan Singh - 071 630 0834
Email: punditroshan@telkomsa.net

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