A marriage certificate can take three different forms in South Africa.
Marriage Certificate No 1 – handwritten
On the day that the legal part of the wedding is completed, the Marriage Officer (MO) presents the couple with a handwritten A5 sized certificate. This may be included in the main wedding ceremony. Some couples prefer to have the legal part done separately on another day, by a designated marriage officer.
The registration certificate may be issued by an MO designated to perform marriages under the Civil Union Act (form DHA-1765) or under the Marriages Act (form BI-27).
The certificate has the details of each spouse and is stamped and signed by the Marriage Officer. It serves as proof that the marriage was solemnised. This is a legal document and may be used by the couple until they apply for a printed Marriage Certificate.
Marriage Certificate No 2 – abridged printed
After the wedding, the MO will submit the paperwork, including the Marriage Register, to the branch of the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) where she or he is designated. The details in the Marriage Register will be captured onto the Population Roll. This means that the status of each of the spouses will now change to “married”.
In order to find out what their status is, the couple may call a toll free number: 0800 601 190. Once they know that their status is “married”, they can apply to DHA for a printed marriage certificate. They can download form DHA-130 for this purpose. They can make an appointment and the printed marriage certificate will be given to them on the day, free of charge.
If they wish they can apply to have their ID card and passport changed at the same time. They will need to make copies of their old documents and take them, plus the originals and the handwritten marriage certificate that they received from the MO.
This printed Marriage Certificate will be an abridged certificate.
Marriage Certificate No 3 – unabridged printed
A couple may also apply to DHA for an unabridged marriage certificate. This contains more information than the abridged version, such as the full names, dates and places of birth, and pre-marriage civil status of both spouses, as well as details of the marriage officer and the date and place of the marriage.
This is the formal certificate needed for international purposes like emigrating, obtaining a foreign passport, or registering the marriage in another country.
If the certificate is for use in a foreign country, you may also need to get an Apostille stamp attached to it for authentication. (An apostille is a certificate that authenticates a public document for international use, making it legally valid in foreign countries.)
There is a fee for this certificate. If the couple is outside of South Africa, they can apply through a South African High Commission. There are also third-party service providers, who will charge considerably more.
Vanessa Bower of Wordways Ceremonies is a designated non-religious Marriage Officer. Contact her to discuss your legal wedding ceremony. She offers a full wedding with readings, vows, exchange of rings and the legal paperwork. She also solemnises short legal weddings.
Frequently Asked Questions about Legal Weddings
What do you need to provide to the Marriage Officer for a legal wedding?
A certified copy of the identity documents for each spouse and for the two witnesses; three identical ID sized photos of each spouse; if you have an Antenuptial Contract you must provide a letter from a lawyer stating that you have one; if you have been married before, you must provide a certified copy of the divorce decree or death certificate.
What does the marriage officer do with the various completed forms, papers and the marriage register after the wedding?
The marriage officer submits it all to the branch of the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) where they are designated. The DHA official stamps and signs the completed forms. They will enter the information on the Marriage Register into the Population Register. The third copy of the Marriage Register remains in the marriage officer’s book.
Who may conduct a legal wedding ceremony?
Only marriage officers who are designated by the Department of Home Affairs may legally marry a couple. They will have a written document to prove this.
Can any minister of religion conduct a legal marriage ceremony?
Only a minister of religion or any person holding a responsible position in any religious denomination or organisation, who is designated to perform marriages by the Minister of Home Affairs may legally marry a couple. They may be designated under the Marriages Act or under the Civil Union Act.
May a qualified lawyer conduct a legal wedding ceremony?
A lawyer may only conduct a legal wedding if she/he has been designated to perform marriages by the Minister of Home Affairs.