FAQ

Because the law requires one, and a good Marriage Officer helps you handle the legal requirements while shaping a ceremony that feels like you.

Please do. A good ceremony starts long before the wedding day, and a first conversation helps you check the fit.

As soon as you have a date. The earlier you book, the more options you'll have, especially for popular dates.

Most adults can legally get married if they meet the legal requirements and there is no legal impediment.

A legal impediment is anything that prevents a marriage from taking place legally.

Yes. Two witnesses are required.

It depends on the exact relationship. Tell us the family connection and we'll help determine whether there is a legal issue.

We'll provide a personalised checklist, but most couples need certified IDs, witness IDs, divorce or death certificates where applicable, ANC details, and passport photographs.

We can. We're authorised Commissioners of Oaths, and you'll need to bring the originals.

To help us match names, faces, documents, and records, and to avoid confidently greeting the wrong person later.

Absolutely.

Foreign nationals need a valid passport, a declaration of no impediment from their home country's embassy or consulate in South Africa, and a visa or permit confirming they are lawfully present in South Africa on the wedding date. If either party has been previously married, documentation proving the marriage has ended is also required. Requirements can differ by nationality, so we go through the full checklist with you at the consultation. See our full guide on foreigners marrying in South Africa for more detail.

You'll need your final divorce decree.

You'll generally need to provide a death certificate.

Bring your ID, your divorce decree, and your patience. Possibly snacks.

We do not really do typical. Each ceremony is shaped around the couple, their people, and the tone they want the day to have.

Of course. The ceremony should reflect your beliefs, not ours.

Yes. A symbolic ceremony is a full celebration without the legal registration.

Yes. Your vows should sound like you, not like Shakespeare unless Shakespeare is genuinely your thing.

Absolutely. Most people do not write vows every day, and we can help you find the right words.

Yes. If you choose readings, they can sit naturally in the ceremony and can come from a family member, a friend, or a piece of writing that matters to you.

Not necessarily, but you should understand your options before you get married.

An Antenuptial Contract is a legal agreement signed before marriage.

Absolutely.

Talk to us. We cannot promise availability, but we'll always do our best to help.

That's perfectly fine. Many couples contact us before they've booked a venue or chosen a date.

That's completely okay. We'll introduce you to one of our trusted colleagues so you can find the person who fits your journey best.

Yes. A deposit is required to secure your date. We do not hold dates without a deposit in place. The deposit amount and payment schedule are confirmed in writing at the time of booking — the deposit forms part of the total fee, not an addition to it. The balance is due before the ceremony.

Our standard arrangement is a deposit on booking and the balance before the ceremony. If you have specific payment requirements, ask us — we will always try to find a workable arrangement rather than making it difficult.

Contact us as soon as you know. Rescheduling is subject to our availability on the new date. Where we can accommodate the change, your deposit is typically transferred to the new booking. If the new date attracts a different rate, we will confirm the difference before you commit. We try to be as flexible as the circumstances allow.

Paperwork. We make sure Home Affairs receives everything it needs.

We keep secure records for the period required by law and best practice.

It is. Though "ceremony" may be overselling it slightly.

We're a small team of Marriage Officers with different personalities, strengths, and approaches, and we are not trying to be identical.

Meet us. The right Marriage Officer is the one who makes you think, "Yep. This feels right."

Not at all. The legal requirements are the same, but the personalities and delivery are not.

Absolutely. We encourage it because this is one of the most personal decisions in the planning process.

All the time. We're a team, not competitors.