Documents checklist

The basic requirements

South African civil marriages are governed by the Marriage Act of 1961. For a marriage to be legally valid, both parties must be present, must provide proof of identity and legal capacity to marry, and the ceremony must be conducted by a licensed marriage officer. The marriage officer signs the official DHA-24 register on the day.

Required for most couples

• South African identity document

  The green ID book or smart ID card. Both are accepted. A valid passport is accepted for non-residents.

  required
• Two adult witnesses

  Both witnesses must be 18 or older and must each carry a valid South African identity document on the day. They do not need to be related to you.

  required
• Licensed marriage officer

  Must be present to officiate and to sign the DHA-24 register. This is what we do — we are licensed and bring the register with us.

  required

If either party has been previously married

You must provide proof that the previous marriage has legally ended before you can be married again in South Africa. The document required depends on how the marriage ended.

Previous marriage documentation

• Final divorce decree

  The original court-issued decree absolute confirming that the divorce is final and registered. The original or a certified copy is required — a plain copy is not sufficient. If you are unsure which you have, confirm with us before the day.

  if previously divorced
• Death certificate

  Original death certificate of the deceased spouse, issued by the Department of Home Affairs or the relevant authority.

  if previously widowed
• Annulment order

  If a previous marriage was declared null and void by a court, the original annulment order is required.

  if marriage was annulled

Foreign nationals

If either party is not a South African citizen, additional steps apply. Home Affairs requires confirmation that neither party has a legal impediment to marry in their home country. This is typically provided by way of a declaration or certificate issued by the relevant embassy or consulate in South Africa.

For non-South-African nationals

• Valid passport

  A current, valid passport is required as proof of identity. It must not be expired on the date of the ceremony.

  required
• Declaration of no impediment

  A certificate or declaration from your home country's embassy or consulate in South Africa, confirming you are free to marry. Requirements differ by nationality — contact your embassy in South Africa to confirm what format is required and allow sufficient time for processing.

  required
• Valid visa or permit

  You must be lawfully present in South Africa on the date of the ceremony. Any visa or permit that lawfully authorises your presence — including a tourist visa, work permit, or permanent residency permit — is generally accepted. If you are unsure about your visa type, raise it with us at your consultation.

  required

Customary marriages

The Recognition of Customary Marriages Act provides for the legal recognition of customary marriages in South Africa. These have separate requirements and processes. If you are planning a customary marriage or need to formalise an existing one, speak to us about the options available.

On the day

On the day of your ceremony, the marriage officer completes and signs the DHA-24 register. Both parties and the two witnesses also sign the register. The marriage officer then submits the register to the Department of Home Affairs. This is what creates the legal marriage.

Bring all required documents in originals. If there is any uncertainty about your specific situation — foreign documents, a complex previous marriage, or unusual circumstances — raise it with us at the consultation stage, not on the day.

Our job is to make the legal side feel as calm as the rest of your day. You focus on the moment; we handle the paperwork.