All loves welcome
I’m Vanessa Bower, a non-religious celebrant and same-sex marriage officer in Gauteng, designated under South Africa’s Civil Union Act, 2006 (registration CU/399). I conduct legally recognised same-sex marriages and civil partnerships for gay, lesbian and LGBTQIA+ couples throughout Gauteng.
At Wordways Ceremonies, I’ll help you celebrate your commitment in a way that reflects your relationship, values and beliefs.
Same-sex marriage ceremony options
From a simple legal signing to a fully personalised wedding ceremony, I offer different options to suit your plans.
A simple legal signing
If you’d prefer a small, intimate wedding, I offer legal ceremonies at my home in Atlasville, Boksburg. These can take place with just the two of you, your two witnesses and me as your Marriage Officer. You’re also welcome to arrange a photographer to capture the occasion.
A personalised wedding ceremony
If you’re planning a larger celebration, I can create and conduct a personalised ceremony at your chosen venue. This gives you the opportunity to include your own vows, special readings, music and symbolic rituals, with family and friends involved if you wish.
A ceremony that reflects your relationship
Every couple has their own story, and I believe their wedding ceremony should reflect that.
For couples choosing a personalised ceremony, I’ll start by getting to know you, hearing your story and discussing what you’d like your wedding to include. I’ll then write the ceremony.
Your ceremony might include personal vows, meaningful readings, an exchange of rings or symbolic rituals such as handfasting, a unity candle or sand ceremony.
As a non-religious celebrant, I don’t follow a set religious script or include references to scripture or a higher power. Your ceremony can be formal or relaxed, heartfelt or humorous, traditional or unconventional.
I also understand that families don’t always share the same views about marriage, religion or sexuality. If that’s something you’re navigating, we can discuss how to create a ceremony that feels comfortable and meaningful to you.
Legal same-sex marriages in South Africa
Same-sex marriage has been legal in South Africa since 2006, when the Civil Union Act came into effect. South Africa was the first country in Africa to recognise same-sex marriages.
Under the Act, two people can register their civil union as either a marriage or a civil partnership. Both have the same legal consequences as a marriage under the Marriage Act.
As a designated same-sex marriage officer, I am authorised to solemnise your marriage or civil partnership, so you don’t need to arrange a separate ceremony at the Department of Home Affairs.
On your wedding day, I’ll complete the official Civil Union Register with you and your two witnesses, then submit the paperwork to Home Affairs for registration. I’ll explain the legal requirements beforehand, so you know exactly what to expect.
What do you need for a same-sex marriage?
To enter into a same-sex marriage or civil partnership in South Africa, you’ll generally need to meet the following requirements:
- Both partners must be at least 18 years old.
- Neither partner may already be married or in a civil union.
- You’ll need valid identity documents.
- If you’ve been married before, you’ll need proof that the previous marriage has ended, such as a divorce order or death certificate.
- Two witnesses must be present for the legal ceremony and signing of the register.
I’ll guide you through the paperwork and requirements before your wedding.
Where I conduct same-sex marriages
I’m based in Boksburg and conduct same-sex marriages throughout Gauteng. If you have a venue in mind, please get in touch to discuss the arrangements.
Frequently asked questions about same-sex marriages
Where can we find a gay marriage officer in Gauteng?
Vanessa Bower of Wordways Ceremonies is a designated marriage officer for gay and lesbian couples, serving same-sex couples throughout Gauteng. She conducts both legal signings and personalised, non-religious wedding ceremonies.
Can you legally marry gay and lesbian couples?
Yes. I’m a designated Marriage Officer under South Africa’s Civil Union Act, 2006 (registration CU/399), which authorises me to solemnise legally recognised same-sex marriages and civil partnerships.
What’s the difference between a marriage and a civil partnership?
Only the name. Under the Civil Union Act, couples choose whether to register their union as a marriage or a civil partnership. Both have the same legal consequences. In South Africa, a common-law marriage is not recognised, so the Civil Partnership option is a way to recognise relationships between couples who do not wish to marry, but legally want to be recognised as each other’s next of kin.
Do we need to get married at Home Affairs first?
No. As a designated same-sex marriage officer, I conduct your legal ceremony and complete the registration paperwork. You don’t need a separate ceremony at Home Affairs.
Can we have a non-religious gay or lesbian wedding?
Absolutely. Wordways Ceremonies specialises in personalised, non-religious wedding ceremonies for all couples. Your ceremony can include your own vows, readings, music and symbolic rituals, without religious references.
Can we have a small, legal-only wedding?
Yes. I offer simple legal wedding ceremonies at my home in Atlasville, Boksburg, with just the two of you and your two witnesses. We can also discuss arrangements for a ceremony at another venue.
How much does a same-sex wedding ceremony cost?
The cost depends on the type of ceremony, the location and your requirements. A simple legal signing starts from around R2 000. Please contact me for a quote for a personalised ceremony.
Do you marry opposite-sex couples too?
Yes. I conduct non-religious weddings, handfastings and vow renewals for all couples. See my wedding ceremonies page for more.
Let’s plan your same-sex wedding
If you’re planning a gay or lesbian wedding in Gauteng and looking for a same-sex marriage officer who will welcome you without reservation, I’d love to hear about your plans.
At Wordways Ceremonies, all loves are welcome.
Get in touch to discuss your same-sex marriage