Legally, can we get married at any time?
I know of a couple who had a sunrise wedding ceremony at the Kirstenbosch Gardens in Cape Town. Their relationship changed from betrothed to married as the sun rose on their first day as husband and wife. As couples increasingly buck wedding tradition to do their marital celebrations their way, so too are the hours and days on which they marry shifting.
Legally speaking, an important question to ask is “can we get married any time?”. And the answer is yes!
The law says that a marriage officer can marry two people at:
any time
on any day of the week
Though, likely thinking ahead to officiates being yanked from bed for sunrise nuptials, the law does, however, include a friendly disclaimer that says:
“(A marriage officer) shall not be obliged to solemnize a marriage at any other time than between the hours of eight in the morning and four in the afternoon.”
That said, if you can find an officiate willing to marry you and your partner at whatever hour you’d like, rest assured that it’s all by the book.
IS THIS INFORMATION ACCURATE?
This information comes from the Marriage Act of 1961 itself. It’s the act of South African Parliament that governs marriages in South Africa. And, once again, it’s the best - if not only - place to double check on details like this.
HERE IT IS…
Any of this confounding you?