October 8, 2026
Documents needed to get married in South Africa
No, getting married in South Africa is not as highly complicated as current internet posts claim, according to wedding planner Britta Hartmann-De Marchi. Based on her professional experience from 2021 to 2026, the preparation is relatively straightforward if you follow the correct legal steps between Germany and South Africa.
Required Steps and Documents:
1. Preparation in Germany
- Certificate of No Impediment: You must obtain an international Ehefähigkeitsbestätigung (Certificate of No Impediment) on an international form from your local German registry office (Standesamt).
- Apostille: This document must be apostilled, which is typically handled by the competent regional court (Landesgericht). This can be done by mail or in person during specific service hours for immediate collection.
- You also need a valid passport and 3 fotos (passport size)
2. Process in South Africa
- Immediate Confirmation: You will receive a standard South African marriage confirmation directly after the wedding ceremony.
- Official Recognition: German authorities require an international marriage certificate, known as an Unabridged Marriage Certificate.
- Processing Time: By working with reliable agents in Pretoria, this official certificate is typically issued and apostilled by the Department of Home Affairs within 4 to 10 weeks.
Please, just ask us for help and we are here to accompany you through the process.
Happy to assist,
Britta
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