Legal marriage requirements by country
Complete guide for foreign nationals getting married in our destination countries
This document outlines the specific legal requirements, documentation, timelines, and procedures for foreign nationals wishing to legally marry in each of our destination countries. Requirements are current as of 2024-2025 but subject to change by local authorities.
Important Note: We coordinate all legal requirements as part of our planning services. This guide helps you understand what to expect, but you won't navigate this process alone.
EAST AFRICA
TANZANIA (including Zanzibar)
Mainland Tanzania vs. Zanzibar
Tanzania and Zanzibar operate under different marriage laws.
Minimum Requirements
Both parties must be 18 years or older
Neither party can be in an existing legal marriage
Mainland Tanzania: 21-day notice period OR special marriage license to bypass wait
Required Documents
For Both Parties:
Valid passport (notarized copies)
Original birth certificate in English (notarized)
Two passport-sized photos each
Certificate of No Impediment from home country
Proof of current residence (sworn affidavit signed by individual and notary)
If previously married:
Divorce decree or death certificate of former spouse (certified copies)
If divorce/death certificate is over 2 years old: sworn affidavit confirming current marital status
Document requirements:
All documents must be in English or Swahili
Documents not in English/Swahili require certified translation
Apostille required for documents from Hague Convention countries
Non-Hague Convention countries: authentication by Department of Foreign Affairs
Zanzibar
Marriage certificate issued at ceremony and Certificate must be certified by Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Dar es Salaam
Mainland Tanzania
Ceremony conducted at Registrar's office during working hours or at approved venue
Recognition in Your Home Country
Tanzanian marriage certificates are recognized internationally once properly certified. You must register the marriage with your home country embassy or upon return home.
Important Notes
Same-sex marriages are not recognized under Tanzanian law
Religious ceremonies must be preceded by or include civil registration
Two adult witnesses required at ceremony
Zanzibar follows Islamic cultural context - work with planners who understand local sensitivities
KENYA
Minimum requirements
Both parties must be 18 years or older
Neither party can be in a subsisting marriage
Must give 21-day notice OR obtain special license
At least one party must have resided in Kenya for 21 days before filing notice (for notice option)
Required Documents
For Kenyan citizen (if applicable):
National Identity Card or valid passport
Birth certificate (original)
One passport-sized photo
Sworn affidavit confirming single status (if not previously married)
Divorce Decree Absolute (if divorced)
Death certificate (if widowed)
For foreign national:
Valid passport (original and copy)
Birth certificate (original and certified copy)
One passport-sized photo
Certificate of No Impediment from home country
Proof of legal stay in Kenya (valid visa or work permit stamp in passport)
Air ticket (entry and exit) or work permit for those employed in Kenya
Sworn affidavit confirming single status
Divorce Decree Absolute (if divorced)
Death certificate (if widowed)
For two foreign nationals:
Same documents as above for both parties
Proof of legal stay for both parties
Return air tickets for both parties
Additional Requirements:
Two adult witnesses with valid identification
All documents in English
Process Options
Option 1: Marriage by notice (Standard 21-Day Process)
Submit online application via eCitizen portal (ecitizen.go.ke)
Complete Form MA1
Pay notice fee
Notice published at district Registrar's office for 21 days
Both parties attend interview with Registrar
Submit original documents at interview
If no objections raised, Registrar issues Certificate of No Impediment (Form MA6)
Schedule ceremony at Registrar's office or licensed venue
Ceremony conducted with Registrar present
Marriage certificate issued immediately
Option 2: Special License (Expedited Process)
Submit online application via eCitizen within 14 days of intended marriage date
Attach Certificate of No Impediment
Pay special license fee
Registrar verifies documents and approves license (typically 1-2 weeks)
Once approved, schedule ceremony
Ceremony conducted before Registrar or licensed officiant
Marriage certificate issued immediately
Timeline
Marriage by Notice: Minimum 5-6 weeks total (21 days notice + processing)
Special License: 1-2 weeks from application to ceremony
Both parties must be present for interview and ceremony
For your curated timeline with our legal experts start here
Recognition in Your Home Country
Civil marriages conducted in Kenya are recognized internationally. Register with your home country embassy in Kenya or upon return home.
Important Notes
Civil marriage in Kenya is strictly monogamous
Religious ceremonies can be conducted alongside or after civil ceremony
UK nationals: UK does not issue CNI for Commonwealth countries - "no trace letter" from General Register Office may be accepted
We submit the paperwork for you
Same-sex marriages not recognized under Kenyan law
SEYCHELLES
Minimum requirements
Both parties must be 18 years or older
11-day notice period (can be waived with special marriage license)
No residency requirement
Two adult witnesses required
Required Documents
For foreign nationals (both parties):
Valid passport (original + copy of bio page)
Original birth certificate with Apostille
Hague Convention countries: Apostille stamp required
Non-Hague Convention countries: Authentication by Department of Foreign Affairs
Two passport-sized photos each
Police character certificate (must be less than 6 months old)
From home country if stay in Seychelles is less than 6 months
From Seychelles Police if resident for 6+ months
Celibacy certificate (if applicable from home country)
Confirmed accommodation booking in Seychelles
Return air tickets
If previously married:
Divorce certificate (original, apostilled/authenticated)
Death certificate of former spouse (if widowed, original, apostilled/authenticated)
Document requirements:
All documents must be in English or French
Other languages require certified translation
All overseas documents require apostille or authentication
Must submit originals, not photocopies
Process Timeline
Standard Process (11-Day Notice):
We submit all your documents to Civil Status Office at least 11 days before intended marriage date
Civil Status Office verifies documents
Banns published for 11 days
After 11 days, marriage can proceed
Registration appointment at Civil Status Office (both parties present)
Civil ceremony conducted by authorized Marriage Registrar
Marriage certificate issued at ceremony
Apostille stamp from Supreme Court: 1 working day after wedding
Authentication letter from Ministry of Foreign Affairs: same day or next day
Expedited process (Special marriage license):
We submit your application for special marriage license
Pay special license fee
License typically issued within 2 days
Marriage can proceed immediately after license issued
All other steps remain the same
Ceremony Details
Conducted in English or French
Can be held at Civil Status Office or any location (beach, hotel, private venue)
Two witnesses required, we can provide these
Ceremony typically 15-20 minutes
Legal ceremony Monday-Friday preferred; weekend ceremonies possible with additional coordination
Post-Wedding Legalization
We handle this process for you and make sure that marriage certificates issued by Seychelles Civil Status Office are internationally recognized. They must be:
Stamped with Apostille by Seychelles Supreme Court (1 working day)
Accompanied by Authentication Letter from Ministry of Foreign Affairs (same day or next)
Presented to registry office in home country upon return
We coordinate this entire process - certificates typically ready 2-3 working days after ceremony.
Important Notes
Seychelles is part of Hague Apostille Convention
Religious ceremony not legally valid without prior civil ceremony
Religious ceremonies available (Catholic, Anglican, Hindu, Muslim) after civil marriage
Same-sex marriages not recognized under Seychelles law
French nationals: Additional requirements through French Embassy in Mauritius
UAE residents: Require additional UAE Embassy attestation (we coordinate)
Russian nationals: Translation by Russian Embassy on Mahé required (additional fee )
MAURITIUS
Minimum requirements
Both parties must be 18 years or older
No residency requirement for two foreign nationals
Minimum 1 day in Mauritius before wedding (for document verification)
Must have been in Mauritius for at least 7 days if marrying a Mauritian citizen
Required documents for two foreign nationals
Required from Both Parties:
Valid passport (original + 2 photocopies)
Original birth certificate in English or French (issued within 3 months of wedding date)
Two passport-sized photos each
Confirmed accommodation in Mauritius (booking receipt/voucher)
Return air tickets
Certificate of No Impediment or Single Status Certificate
If previously married:
Divorce Decree Absolute (original, apostilled)
Death certificate of former spouse (if widowed, original, apostilled)
If divorce/death certificate is over 2 years old: Certificate of No Impediment or sworn affidavit confirming current marital status
Document requirements:
All documents must be in English or French
Other languages require official translation
Documents from Hague Convention countries: Apostille required
Non-Hague Convention countries: Authentication by Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Birth certificates must be re-issued within 3 months of wedding date
Process timeline
For Two Foreign Nationals:
Phase 1: Pre-Arrival (At least 6-8 weeks before, recommended 3 months)
We submit copies of all required documents to Central Civil Status Office, Port Louis
Application for Certificate of Non-Citizen/Non-Resident (must reach office at least 1 month before intended wedding date)
Documents verified by Civil Status Office
Phase 2: Upon Arrival in Mauritius
Day 1: Arrive in Mauritius with all original documents
We coordinate and assist your visit to Central Civil Status Office, Port Louis for verification of originals
Swear affidavits at Supreme Court of Mauritius
Must be well-dressed (no shorts for men, covered arms for women)
Smart casual acceptable (no need for tie/jacket)
No children allowed in Supreme Court
Certificate of Non-Citizen/Non-Resident issued
Publication of marriage banns (1 day minimum)
Visit Civil Status Sub Office in district closest to wedding venue
We discuss wedding time and vows with Civil Status Officer
Phase 3: Wedding Day
Civil ceremony conducted by Civil Status Officer
Can be held at Civil Status Office or private venue
Two witnesses required (must be 18+ with valid ID)
Marriage certificate issued at ceremony
Certificate submitted to Prime Minister's Office for validation
Phase 4: Post-Wedding
Marriage certificate apostilled by Supreme court
Letter of authentication from Ministry of foreign affairs
Certificates ready 2-3 working days after ceremony
Costs
Civil Status Office fees vary by location and day:
Monday-Friday after 4:15 PM: Standard rate
Weekends and holidays: Higher rate
Verification and registration fees apply
Apostille and authentication: Additional fees
Ceremony Details
Can be held Monday-Friday (excluding public holidays) or weekends
Legal ceremony can be at Civil status office or private venue
Two witnesses mandatory ( we can arrange for this)
Ceremony conducted in English or French
Duration: Approximately 20-30 minutes
Recognition in Your Home Country
Marriage certificates apostilled in Mauritius are recognized worldwide by Hague Convention member states. Present apostilled certificate to registry office in home country upon return.
Important Notes
Mauritius is member of Hague Apostille Convention
Religious weddings (Catholic, Hindu, Muslim) available but must follow civil ceremony (except Muslim marriages)
Same-sex marriages and civil unions not recognized
French nationals: Different procedure applies - contact French Embassy in Mauritius
Indian nationals: Must register at High Commission of India in Port Louis
UK nationals: Birth certificate must be reissued within 3 months; UK does not issue CNI for Commonwealth countries
Civil ceremony legally required Monday-Friday; symbolic ceremonies can be any day
Must have one free working day before wedding for document finalization
GENERAL NOTES FOR ALL DESTINATIONS
Certificate of No impediment (CNI)
Also called "Certificate of Single Status" or "Certificate of Freedom to Marry"
Confirms you are legally free to marry
Issued by your home country's civil registry or embassy
Requirements vary by nationality
Some countries don't issue CNI for Commonwealth nations (alternative documentation accepted)
Must be recent (typically within 3-6 months)
Often requires apostille or authentication
Apostille Explained
Certification that makes documents valid internationally
Required by Hague Convention member countries
Applied by designated authority in document's country of origin
Not all countries are Hague Convention members
Non-member countries use authentication/legalization through Department of Foreign Affairs and embassy chain
Timeline Planning
Minimum recommended planning windows:
Zanzibar: 2 weeks
Kenya: 6-8 weeks (notice process) or 3-4 weeks (special license)
Seychelles: 4-6 weeks (standard) or 2-3 weeks (special license)
Mauritius: 8-12 weeks (document processing and verification)
Critical factors affecting timeline:
Obtaining documents from home country
Document translation and certification
Apostille processing times
Embassy appointment availability
Local office processing speeds
Document Preparation Checklist
Start 3-4 months before your wedding:
Request new birth certificates (within required validity period)
Obtain Certificate of No Impediment from home authorities
Gather divorce decrees or death certificates if applicable
Get documents translated if not in English/French
Apply for apostille or authentication stamps
Make certified copies of everything
Scan all documents for email submission to us
Organize originals for travel
What We Handle
As part of our planning services:
Initial document review and requirements checklist
Coordination with local registrars and civil status offices
Application submission and tracking
Appointment scheduling
Translation service recommendations
Apostille/authentication coordination
Marriage officer booking
Witness arrangement if needed
Post-wedding certificate collection and legalization
Express processing when possible
What You Handle
Obtaining documents from your home country
Paying government fees directly
Appearing in person for required appointments
Providing passport copies and photos
Swearing affidavits where required
Recognition in Your Home Country
All marriages conducted legally in our destination countries are recognized internationally, but you must:
Register the apostilled certificate with your home country civil registry
Update legal documents (passport, driver's license, tax records)
Notify relevant authorities if changing name
Follow your home country's specific procedures
IMPORTANT DISCLAIMERS
Information accuracy: Legal requirements change. This document reflects requirements as of 2024-2025 but local authorities can modify procedures, fees, and documentation requirements at any time.
Country-specific verification: Always verify current requirements with:
Your home country embassy in the destination country
Local civil status/registry offices
Your home country's civil registry before traveling
No legal advice: This document provides information, not legal counsel. We are wedding planners, not attorneys. For legal questions specific to your situation, we will refer you to our trusted legal experts.
Processing times: Government offices operate on their own schedules. Quoted timelines are estimates. Budget extra time for potential delays.
Embassy services: Embassy and consular services vary by country and location.
ASIAN DESTINATIONS REQUIREMENTS
CONTACT FOR QUESTIONS
Legal requirements questions specific to your nationality and chosen destination are addressed during your discovery call and planning phase. We'll create a customized checklist based on your specific situation.
Schedule your discovery call to discuss your destination and timeline:
