How to Get Married in Kenya – Destination Wedding Advice from a Wedding Planner Expert
Hello! I’m Julie Chege, and I’m an event planner at Ashley’s Events. We’ve planned countless destination weddings in Kenya, and I’m here to offer you trusted, independent advice for your wedding here.
Destination weddings in Kenya are becoming increasingly popular, especially among couples in the diaspora. Many Kenyans living abroad and people from other nationalities choose Kenya as their wedding destination. With stunning landscapes and picturesque scenery, Kenya offers a variety of beautiful wedding venues. You could marry in the wild, surrounded by nature and wildlife, or by the Indian Ocean, with gentle breezes and palm trees. You might also choose the breathtaking Rift Valley. But before making your wedding dreams a reality, it’s important to follow some legal steps.
Types of Weddings in Kenya
Before diving into the legalities, think about the kind of wedding you want. There are several options:
Religious Ceremonies
Kenya recognizes a wide range of wedding ceremonies, including Christian, Islamic, Hindu, and traditional Kenyan weddings. The Kenyan registrar keeps records for Christian, Hindu, and Islamic ceremonies, and you will receive a marriage certificate. For traditional African ceremonies, an affidavit is issued. Be sure to consult with your chosen church or registrar for the necessary paperwork and terms.
Civil Ceremonies
If a religious ceremony isn’t for you, consider a civil ceremony. Civil ceremonies can be held at a registrar’s office or at a venue of your choice, as long as the venue has a special wedding license. Check this with the venue beforehand.
Blessings / Renewal of Vows
Couples can also choose to have a blessing ceremony or renew their vows in a beautiful location. These ceremonies involve minimal paperwork and do not provide an official certificate.
Legal Requirements for Getting Married in Kenya
To ensure your wedding goes smoothly, here are the legal steps to follow:
Minimum Age for Marriage
The legal age for marriage is 21 for all individuals. If either partner is between 16 and 20 years old, parental consent is required.
Marital Relations
The couple must not be related by blood, marriage, or adoption.
Witnesses
Two witnesses are required for the ceremony.
Same-Sex Marriages
Same-sex marriages are not legally recognized in Kenya.
Residency Requirements for Marriage
You must arrive in Kenya at least four days before your wedding to finalize all paperwork. To apply for a special license, you need to visit the Registrar General’s office in Nairobi. Approval can take up to four days. For an ordinary marriage license, you must give 21 days’ notice. Most non-residents opt for the special license option for a quicker process. Proof of departure, such as an airline ticket, may help expedite the approval.
How to Obtain a Marriage License
To get a marriage license, visit the Registrar’s Office at Sheria House in Nairobi with the required documents. Here’s the contact information:
Kenya Marriage Registrar’s Office
Registrar General
Sheria House, 2nd Floor, Room 208
P.O. Box 30031, Nairobi
Tel: +254 020 227 461
Required Legal Documents
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Passports (and photocopies)
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Full birth certificates (and photocopies)
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Tourist card (if applicable)
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Certificate of Single Status (from your home country)
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If divorced, provide divorce papers.
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If widowed, provide the death certificate of your former spouse, a copy, and your previous marriage certificate.
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If you have changed your name, provide deed poll proof stamped by a solicitor.
Conclusion
While Kenya offers many stunning wedding locations, completing the necessary paperwork is essential. Let Ashley’s Events help you plan a seamless destination wedding. Contact us for more details, and we’ll take care of everything.
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