Marrying as a Foreigner in South Africa

Marrying as a Foreigner in South Africa: "Marrying as a Foreigner in SA
Many South Africans leave the country to venture overseas, whether it’s a gap year, for work experience, or because we’re in search of a better life elsewhere. But we also inevitably return, either permanently or simply to marry before returning to our country of choice.

The reason is that South Africa offers so much by way of wedding locations – secluded beaches, wine estates, mountains, little chapels, African veld, incomparable sunsets and blue skies - it’s a sought-after international wedding destination, particularly when you consider the current exchange rate.

Many couples from foreign climes, like the UK and Europe, are choosing to get married here too. A recent UK survey found that almost a quarter of British couples married overseas, away from home, and that more than two million people were recently invited to an overseas wedding.

Whether you are both foreigners getting married in South Africa, or only one of you is foreign, the legalities are actually pretty simple.

The South African Marriage Act

The South African Marriage Act outlines all of the rules that regulate marriage, how a marriage is solemnised, who may marry one another, who may carry out the ceremony, and where and how the wedding may be performed. Visit the Department of Home Affairs’ website at http://home-affairs.pwv.gov.za and type in the word ‘marriage’ in the search function."