Getting married is one of the most important events of your life. There are plenty of options for tying the knot, including court marriage, traditional marriage, and religious marriage. But all we will talk about in this article is Court Marriage.
Court marriage in Nigeria has become a popular option for couples who desire a simple and straightforward wedding process. However, before you run off to the registry office and sign on the dotted line, it’s important to make sure you understand exactly what’s required of you and your partner. Read on to learn more about the requirements for court marriage in Nigeria so that you can start planning your special day with confidence.
Overview of Court/Legal Marriage in Nigeria
Court marriage is the legal union of a couple; it is performed in the presence of a marriage registrar at the Marriage Registry Office. The marriage is legally binding and is legally recognized Worldwide.
Court marriage in Nigeria is a simple and straightforward process as long as all the requirements are fulfilled. If you’re preparing to tie the knot, it’s important to make sure that you understand all the legal requirements that must be met before your marriage can be legally recognized.
In Nigeria, court marriage is regulated by The Marriage Act of 1990. Under this Act, couples have the option of a court/legal marriage which isn’t conducted in a religious setting to legally bind them as husband and wife if they fulfill all the conditions for contracting this type of union.
Eligibility For Court Marriage in Nigeria
- Any Nigerian who intends to enter into a legal marriage with a Nigerian or Non-Nigerian and resides in Nigeria or abroad can Apply.
- Two non-Nigerians who reside in Nigeria and wish to tie the knot in accordance with the Nigerian government’s marriage law can also Apply.
- The couple’s relationship should not fall under the Nigerian government’s Prohibited Degrees of Relationship.
Types of Court Marriage in Nigeria
Marriage is the union of two people who have chosen to become one for whatever (mostly personal) reasons. The beginning of this lovely journey is the legalization of marriage. However, due to its accessibility and popularity, court marriage is frequently preferred by many engaged couples.
When it comes to court marriages in Nigeria, there are two types you need to know about: ordinary marriage and special marriage. They only differ in processing time, partner Nationality, and amount. Each has a particular set of prerequisites.
Ordinary Marriage
Ordinary Marriage is the most common type of court marriage in Nigeria. This type of court marriage is for couples who are both Nigerians; a 21-day timeline and a cost of #15,000 is required.
Special Marriage
Special Marriage is another type of court marriage in Nigeria, and it is between a Nigerian and a non-Nigerian or a non-Nigerian and another non-Nigerian in Nigeria. The cost is #25,000, carried out in 7 days.
Please keep in mind that there are discrepancies in the prerequisites for court marriage in Nigeria as well as possible fee variations based on your local government.
The Requirements for Court Marriage in Nigeria
Getting married in a court is one of the quickest, simplest, and most affordable ways of tying the knot in Nigeria. But first, there are a few requirements to meet before you can get married at a court.
Declaration of Marriage
Before any court marriage can take place, both parties must make a declaration before an authorized court officer. This ensures that both parties understand what marriage entails and have given their consent to marry.
Filling out Notice Form, also known as Form A, is required for this. Along with your signatures, Form A should have two colored passport photos and contain the personal information of the soon-to-be-married couples, such as their names, ages, addresses, occupations, and marital status (such as widowed or single). It should be noted that prospective partners must be at least 18 years old.
If either or both of the intended couples are under the age of 18, Form A must also be accompanied by a letter of permission from their parents. The Registry then pastes the Notice Form for 21 days on the Registry’s notice board in order to consider any objections. After the 21-day period, if no objection is voiced, the registrar then issues Form C, provided that both parties complete the requirements listed below:
- One of the parties to the marriage has lived in the area where the marriage is scheduled to take place.
- According to customary law, neither party to the marriage is already wed to another person.
- There are no legitimate obstacles preventing the wedding.
Affidavit of Oath
The prospective couples will approach the Registry for the official ceremony after the 21 days for any objections and notice have passed after satisfying the three requirements. To help the Registry gather information about the parties, the intending couples will be handed three different forms, the affidavit form, the prohibited degree form, and the information slip.
The form must be completed by the parties, submitted to the Registry, and sworn to by an affidavit stating that all the information provided is truthful and accurate. The parties are expected to choose a date for the wedding ceremony soon after the oath is declared.
Oath Taking:
- Return to the Registry on your selected Date of Oath.
- You are required to provide one witness each on the wedding day from both parties (please note it’s not gender specific).
- You are expected to present 2 Rings (male and female) or a Bible/Quran, as the case may be.
What to Wear:
Wedding Dresses and Suits, Native Attire, Corporate Ensemble.
Please be aware that shorts, t-shirts, and jeans are not permitted. Additionally, avoid being late to avoid missing your time slot.
Witnesses
Another important prerequisite for court marriage in Nigeria is the presence of witnesses. The intending partners are required to go to the Marriage Registry with any witnesses or other people they need to be there on the day of the official marriage ceremony.
The marriage licence must be signed by both parties to the engagement and their witnesses. An original copy of the marriage certificate will be handed to the newlyweds. Additionally, a court marriage may be conducted at an accredited church.
According to Nigerian laws, at least two witnesses are required at court marriages. These witnesses should be adults who know both parties involved in the marriage and can help corroborate information if need be.
So there you have the requirements for getting married in court in Nigeria.
What are the Documents Required for Courthouse Weddings in Nigeria?
If you’re thinking of getting married in a courthouse in Nigeria, you’ll need to have several documents ready before you even start the process. These documents are necessary for court marriage in Nigeria and cannot be overlooked.
Here is a list of all the documents that you need for court marriage in Nigeria:
Documents Required for Ordinary Marriage
- Certificate of Birth or Age Declaration
- Passport photographs (as required)
- Applicable Proof of Single status (Bachelorhood/Spinsterhood Certificate or Sworn Affidavit from Law court)
- Affidavit/valid proof of marriage (if already married)
- Proof/Decree absolute of Divorce (if one or both partners are divorcees)
- Former Spouse’s Certificate of Death (if one or both partners is a widow/widower)
- Proof of Annulment from a court (where applicable)
- Sworn Affidavit for possession of Child/Children (if single with child/children)
Document Required for Special Marriage
- Certificate Birth/Age Declaration
- Passport photographs (as required)
- Applicable Proof of Single status (Bachelorhood/Spinsterhood Certificate or Sworn Affidavit from Law court)
- Affidavit/valid proof of marriage (if a partner is already married)
- Proof/Decree absolute of Divorce (if one or both partners are divorcees)
- Former Spouse’s Certificate of Death (if one or both partners is a widow/widower)
- Proof of Annulment from a court (where applicable)
- Sworn Affidavit for possession of Child/Children (if single with child/children)
- Identification/Indigene Letter from State of Origin (Nigerians only)
- International Passport Data Page (people living abroad)
- Arrival Passport Stamp Page (people living abroad)
- Residence Permit (people living abroad)
Services and Marriage Fees
- Special Marriage : #25,000
- Ordinary Marriage : #15,000.00
- Change of Marriage Venue: #30,000
- Verification of Documents: : #15,000
- Certified Truecopy : #15,000
- Certificate Reissue Standard: N/A
- Certificate Reissue Swift: N/A
- Certificate Reissue Express: N/A
- Marriage Objection: N/A
Advantages of a Court Marriage
Court marriage is becoming increasingly popular in Nigeria, and there are many advantages to choosing this route. Here are some benefits you should know:
Ease of paperwork
The process of filing a court marriage application is quite easy and straightforward. All parties need to fill out an application form with basic information such as their name, address, occupation, and contact details. Once this has been done, the marriage officer will review it, approve it if everything is in order, and announce the union legally.
No long waiting periods required
In contrast to traditional weddings, which require a lot of advance preparation and planning, court marriages can be performed in a matter of hours or days after the paperwork has been filed. This makes it a great option for couples who want to tie the knot but don’t have a lot of time to wait for the big day.
Lower costs
Unlike traditional weddings, which require sizable amounts of money when hosting guests and paying for various expenses associated with it, court marriages offer a much more affordable option due to their relative simplicity and fewer requirements for its completion, such as hiring an officiant or reserving a venue.
Frequently Asked Questions
You may have a lot of questions about what’s involved in getting a court marriage in Nigeria. Here’s a list of the most frequently asked questions, along with some helpful answers:
Do I need a lawyer for court marriage?
Generally speaking, no. You can represent yourself in court marriage proceedings.
Can I marry a foreign national?
Yes, but they may be required to have a valid visa and complete certain procedures under Nigerian law before they can legally marry in the country. It’s always best to check with the relevant authorities before tying the knot.
What documents are needed?
Both parties must present valid identification documents such as international passports or national IDs when applying for court marriage. Further documents may include birth certificates and affidavits from previous marriages (if applicable).
Are there any age restrictions?
Yes. According to current laws, males and females over the age of 18 can apply for court marriage without parental consent. However, individuals below these ages require written consent from their parents or guardians before they apply for court marriage in Nigeria.
How long does it take?
The processing period can vary depending on individual circumstances, but generally speaking, it takes around 4-6 weeks from start to finish (including obtaining all necessary documents).
Conclusion
While court marriage can seem like a daunting prospect, with the right guidance, it is an achievable route to a legal marriage. With the right prerequisites fulfilled, couples can rest assured that their marriage is recognized and legal. As with any legal process, it’s always beneficial to seek professional advice to make sure you meet all of the requirements.
The couple have a legal document as marriage evidence, known as the marriage certificate, which means it is difficult for the marriage to be challenged should any disputes arise in the future. That’s why court marriage is a viable option for those who are looking for a legal marriage in Nigeria.