What is Home Affairs?
The Department of Home Affairs offers a multitude of services to the citizens of South Africa, as well as foreigners who wish to visit, work or stay in South Africa. The Department’s core functions are: Civic Services. Immigration. Maintaining the National Population Register (NPR)
How To Get Married At Home Affairs In South Africa?
Marriage certificates
Completing Form BI-130 in black ink and submitting it to the nearest office of the Department of Home Affairs or to the nearest South African embassy, mission or consulate abroad.
Paying the prescribed fee.
How do I make an appointment to marry at home affairs?
Many women spend a large part of their lives dreaming about their perfect wedding day: the dress, the venue, the music, everything down to the tiniest detail. However, there are some couples who opt for the more toned-down option: getting married at Home Affairs.
“From day one my husband and I knew that we never wanted a traditional white wedding, and neither of us is particularly religious, so a ceremony in a church was out of the question.
As soon as we started planning we realized that our idea of an unconventional and non-traditional wedding would end up costing more than a traditional wedding.
It simply wasn’t “us” and the most important day of your life should not be compromised because of a budget.”
“There we were, engaged and in a long-distance relationship, and it made perfect sense to get married at Home Affairs. To my surprise, the process was incredibly straightforward.” If you want to get married at the Department of Home Affairs, this is what you have to do:
Getting Married at Home Affairs in 5 Easy Steps
Step 1: Go to your local Home Affairs office (we went to the Barack Street branch in Cape Town) and request to make an appointment. You will need your ID, your partner’s ID number, and your preferred date. You will receive a slip with your confirmed appointment.
Step 2: On the day that you are to get married, arrive 30 min ahead of your appointment. The process requires the signature of two witnesses, but no more than 6 guests are allowed in the proceedings. Make sure both parties, as well as the two witnesses, have their ID documents with them.
Step 3: Get married! The official will escort your party to a private ceremony room, talk you through all the legalities. They’ll take your signatures and fingerprints. Some officiators will allocate time for the exchange of rings and vow if you require it.
Step 4: You will receive a marriage certificate, free of charge (this is called form BI-27), and the officiator will register the marriage on the National Registry. Should you require an additional or abridged marriage certificate, you can request one from Home Affairs (by filling in form BI-130). The first abridged certificate is free of charge, with additional copies costing R75.
Step 5: Celebrate! You are legally married!
How long does it take home affairs to register a marriage?
You’ll automatically receive an abridged certificate once the Department of Home Affairs is notified by your marriage officer.
An abridged certificate will be issued on the same day that it’s applied for. An application for an unabridged certificate takes approximately 6 to 8 weeks to process.
What documents are needed to get married in South Africa?
Documentation required to apply for marriage registration
- application form, fully completed.
- proof of identity of both spouses (passport/ID)
- proof of citizenship of both spouses (passports, citizenship certificates, naturalisation certificates, etc.)
- South African unabridged marriage certificate.
Some other details to bear in mind:
Marriages in South Africa are automatically in community of property, so make sure you consult a lawyer for a prenuptial agreement if you are so inclined.
If any of the persons getting married are divorced, the final decree of divorce should be brought along.
Similar with death certificates if one of the persons getting married is widowed.
Some officials will not ask the bride whether she wants to take her husband’s surname. Make sure to mention this to the officiator if she wishes to keep her maiden name.
How can I get married fast in South Africa?
The quickest way to get married in South Africa is to find a Marriage Officer, make an appointment and let them take care of the rest.
A Marriage Officer can come to your home or venue or you may go to the Marriage Officer. The cheapest way to get married is at Home Affairs. They will do it for free.
How long does it take home affairs to register a marriage?
You’ll automatically receive an abridged certificate once the Department of Home Affairs is notified by your marriage officer.
An abridged certificate will be issued on the same day that it’s applied for. An application for an unabridged certificate takes approximately 6 to 8 weeks to process.