Getting married under the Marriage Act at Home Affairs
For whatever reason, you might want (or need!) to avoid the rigmarole of a traditional marriage ceremony. Nipping down to Home Affairs to get your partnership made official is a simple, affordable alternative to a ‘big white wedding’.
These are the steps to follow if you’re getting married under the Marriage Act, not under Customary Law or in a Civil Union.
STEP ONE
Verify that you’re single.
Not even joking. Remember that weekend bender? No, of course you don’t - and that’s the reason you should double check. If you aren’t sure - no judgement here - then send the letter M followed by your ID number to 32551. You’ll get a sms back verifying your marital status. Say your prayers.
STEP TWO
Make a booking at Home Affairs.
Head down to Home Affairs to book a slot to get married in person. You'll need to take both of your original ID books, copies of your ID books and have a preferred date in mind. Here's a list of the Home Affairs Branches that conduct civil unions and marriages.
STEP THREE
Get married!
Once the day swings around, keep in mind that you’ll need to take the following to Home Affairs:
Your ID books
If either of you are divorced, then you’ll need to take the final decree of divorce along with you
If either of you are widowed, then you’ll need to take your deceased spouse’s death certificate
Your antenuptial contract
Two witnesses above the age of 16, with ID documents
Need to get your antenuptial contract sorted out first? Yes, of course you do. We’d love to help you out!