Marriage Registry in Nigeria (Court Marriage)

Conducting a marriage at a marriage registry in Nigeria is referred to as marriage under the Act and to a lay man it is called Court Marriage. In Nigeria, conducting a marriage in the Registry involves several steps. The process can be done online or manually but take note that the actual marriage is done physically and both parties must be present.

Requirements for marriage in the Registry (Court Marriage)

Eligibility: The parties should ensure that both of them meet the legal requirements for marriage in Nigeria. These requirements typically include: Both parties must be of marriageable age (18 years for most states). Neither party should be currently married under customary law or another form of marriage. Consent of both parties and their parents or guardians if either party is under 21 years old.

There are two types of marriages conducted in the Registry, they are;

Special Marriage and
Ordinary Marriage

The difference between the two marriages are in terms of the duration of notices. While special marriage notice is for 7days that of ordinary marriage is for 21days. There are also slight differences in the requirements for both as can be seen under.

SPECIAL MARRIAGE

Husband:

Birth Certificate or Declaration of Age.
Passport Photograph.
Indigene Letter/Letter of Identification from State of Origin (Nigerians only).
Sworn Affidavit of Bachelorhood from a Law Court/ Bachelorhood Certificate (if bachelor).
Affidavit of Marriage (if already married).
Evidence of Divorce – Decree Nissi and Decree Absolute (if divorced).
Death certificate of Previous Wife (if a widower).
Evidence of Annulment from Court (if previous marriage was annulled).
Sworn Affidavit of Single with Child/Children (if single with child/children).
Data Page of International Passport (if living abroad).
Arrival Passport Stamp Page (if living abroad).
Residence Permit (if living abroad).

*All these documents should be uploaded

Wife:

Birth Certificate or Declaration of Age.
Passport Photograph.
Indigene Letter/Letter of Identification from State of Origin (Nigerians only).
Sworn Affidavit of Spinsterhood from a Law Court/ Spinsterhood Certificate (if spinster).
Affidavit of Marriage (if already married).
Evidence of Divorce – Decree Nissi and Decree Absolute (if divorced).
Death certificate of Previous Husband (if a widow).
Evidence of Annulment from Court (if previous marriage was annulled).
Sworn Affidavit of Single with Child/Children (if single with child/children).
Data Page of International Passport (if living abroad).
Arrival Passport Stamp Page (if living abroad).
Residence Permit (if living abroad).

*All these documents should be uploaded

ORDINARY MARRIAGE:

Husband:

Birth Certificate or Declaration of Age.
Passport Photograph.
Indigene Letter
Sworn Affidavit of Bachelorhood from a Law Court/ Bachelorhood Certificate (if bachelor).
Affidavit of Marriage (if already married).
Evidence of Divorce – Decree Nissi and Decree Absolute (if divorced).
Death certificate of Previous Wife (if a widower).
Evidence of Annulment from Court (if previous marriage annulled).
Sworn Affidavit of Single with Child/Children (if single with child/children).

*All these documents should be uploaded

Wife:

Birth Certificate or Declaration of Age.
Passport Photograph.
Indigene Letter
Sworn Affidavit of Spinsterhood from a Law Court/ Spinsterhood Certificate (if spinster).
Affidavit of Marriage (if already married).
Evidence of Divorce – Decree Nissi and Decree Absolute (if divorced).
Death certificate of Previous Husband (if a widow).
Evidence of Annulment from Court (if previous marriage annulled).
Sworn Affidavit of Single with Child/Children (if single with child/children).

*All these documents should be uploaded

These requirements are for online application which are to be uploaded while that of manual application all these documents will be attached to the forms you were given.

Visit the Marriage Registry: Choose a marriage registry that is within your jurisdiction (state). Each state has its own marriage registry offices. You will need to visit the registry office and obtain the necessary forms and information about the marriage process.

Complete the Marriage Notice: You will be required to complete a marriage notice form. This form typically includes personal information about both parties, such as full names, addresses, occupations, and passport-sized photographs. You will also need to provide the intended date of marriage.

Pay the Marriage Fees: There are fees associated with conducting a marriage at the marriage registry. These fees may include registration fees, certificate fees, and other administrative charges. Be sure to inquire about the fees at the registry and make the necessary payments.

Marriage Counseling: Some states in Nigeria may require couples to undergo marriage counseling or attend a marriage seminar. You may need to provide proof of attendance as part of the marriage registration process. So as an intending couple, you need to find out what is applicable in the state where you are residing.

Publish the Marriage Notice: After submitting the marriage notice form and paying the fees, the registry office will typically publish your marriage notice for a specified period, usually 21 days for ordinary marriage while that of special marriage is for 7days to allow for objections. If there are no objections during this time, you can proceed with the marriage.

Obtain a Certificate: Once the waiting period has passed and there are no objections, you will be required to come for oath taking a day before the actual marriage and you will be issued the Registry certificate. This certificate is not the actual marriage Certificate rather it is an evidence of your having met all the requirements and ready for the actual marriage and is an important document.

Conduct the Marriage Ceremony: you can schedule a date for the marriage ceremony at the registry office. Return to the Registry on the selected Date. You are required to provide one witness each on the wedding day from both parties (please note it’s not gender specific). These witnesses should be of legal age and have valid identification You are also expected to present 2 Rings (male and female) or a Bible/Quran as the case may be. The ceremony is usually a simple affair, with a marriage registrar officiating the proceedings. You are expected to Wear either;

Wedding Dresses and Suits.
Native Attire.
Corporate Ensemble.

The following dress code are not allowed for the wedding; short sleeves, shorts and jeans etc. note that you are to come on time and not be late so you do not miss your time slot.

Sign the Marriage Register: Both parties along with the witnesses and the registrar, will sign the marriage register. This act formalizes the marriage. After the ceremony, you will be provided with a marriage certificate as proof of your union.

In getting married in the Nigeria, there are certain relationships that are prohibited by law and are against morality. As an intending couple, you need to make enquiry about the other party to ensure that both of you do not fall into any of the under listed categories of prohibited relationships.

PROHIBITED RELATIONSHIP

A MAN MUST NOT MARRY HIS:	A WOMAN MUST NOT MARRY HER:

Mother	Father
Daughter	Son
Father’s Mother	Father’s Father
Son’s Daughter	Daughter’s Son
Sister	Brother
Wife’s Mother	Husband’s Father
Wife’s Daughter	Mother’s Husband
Father’s Wife	Daughter’s Husband
Father’s Father Wife	Daughter’s Daughter Husband
Wife’s Mother’s Mother	Husband’s Mother’s Father
Wife’s Daughter’s Daughter	Father’s Brother
Son’s son Wife	Sister’s Son
Wife’s Father’s Mother	Brother’s Son
Father’s Sister	Mother’s Brother
Mother’s Sister	Father’s Brother
Brother’s Daughter	Sister’s Son
Sister’s Daughter	Brother’s Son

In conclusion, please note that the specific requirements and procedures may vary slightly from state to state. It’s crucial to contact the marriage registry in your chosen state to get the process and requirements for conducting a marriage. If you cannot do that or you are busy you can consult with legal professionals.

For further enquires contact

Email: info@verazadvocates.com.ng

WhatsApp : 09054440156