Legal Requirements

What makes a marriage legal in South Africa?

In South Africa, a marriage is legally valid when it is conducted by a licensed marriage officer, both parties are present and give their consent, two adult witnesses are present, and the official DHA-24 register is signed and submitted to the Department of Home Affairs.

That is it. There is no requirement to marry in a specific building, on a specific day of the week, or in any particular way. The legal requirements are about who is present and what paperwork is completed — not how the ceremony looks or sounds.

We are licensed marriage officers. We come to your venue, conduct the ceremony, complete the register, and submit it to Home Affairs on your behalf. Your marriage is legal from the moment the register is signed.

Guides by situation

• SA Citizens — what South African citizens need to prepare.
• Foreign Nationals — additional requirements for non-South-African nationals.
• Previously Divorced — what to bring if either party has been divorced.
• Previously Widowed — what to bring if either party has lost a spouse.
• ANC Contracts — antenuptial contracts and community of property explained.
• Required Documents — the complete documents checklist.
• Legal Wedding Ceremony — what happens on the day, step by step.

The process from start to finish

1. Initial consultation. We meet — in person or over video — to discuss your situation, your documents, and the kind of ceremony you want.
2. Document check. We confirm what you need to bring to the ceremony. See the full documents checklist.
3. Ceremony planning. We write a ceremony that reflects who you are and what you want. Legal does not have to mean generic.
4. The ceremony. We conduct the ceremony at your chosen venue. Both of you and your two witnesses sign the DHA-24 register.
5. Registration. We submit the register to the Department of Home Affairs. This is what creates your legal marriage.