Planning A Court Wedding In Nigeria: A Step-By-Step Guide

Planning a big wedding can be overwhelming, so a court wedding in Nigeria is a great option for couples who want a simple, legally recognised process. Court weddings are usually done in marriage registries, with the two main registries in Nigeria being the Ikoyi registry in Lagos state and the Wuse 2 registry in Abuja. The first step is to fill out a Notice of Marriage (Form A) and give notice of your intention to get married. After the registry session, you can head out for a small reception with close family and friends.

The first step is to fill out a Notice of Marriage (Form A)

The first step to planning a court wedding in Nigeria is to fill out a Notice of Marriage (Form A). This can be done at your local Marriage Registry, which is where you should begin the process.

The Notice of Marriage is a way of giving notice of your intention to get married. This is a legal requirement and must be done before the wedding can take place. It is important to ensure that all documentation is accurate and that both parties meet the necessary legal requirements.

In addition to the Notice of Marriage, you will also need to provide the following documents:

• Birth certificate or age declaration for both parties
• Passport photographs (the number may vary depending on the registry)
• Evidence of single status, such as a sworn affidavit or certificate of bachelorhood/spinsterhood
• If previously married, a divorce certificate or certificate of death of the former spouse
• If applicable, consent from parents or guardians for parties below the age of 18
• For foreign nationals or residents, additional documents like a passport data page, arrival stamp, or residence permit may be required

Visit your local Marriage Registry

If you are considering a court marriage in Nigeria, the first step is to visit your local Marriage Registry. There are two kinds of these registries in Nigeria: the Ikoyi registry in Lagos state, which covers residents in the South-West, South-South and South-East, and the Wuse 2 registry in Abuja, which covers all residents in Northern Nigeria. These kinds of registries can be found in each local council across states in Nigeria.

At the registry, you will need to give notice of your intention to get married. This involves filling out the Notice of Marriage (Form A). You will also need to provide the following documentation: birth certificate or age declaration for both parties, passport photographs, evidence of single status (such as a sworn affidavit or certificate of bachelorhood/spinsterhood), and, if previously married, a divorce certificate or certificate of death of the former spouse. If either party is under the age of 18, consent from parents or guardians is also required. For foreign nationals or residents, additional documents like a passport data page, arrival stamp, or residence permit may be necessary.

It is essential to ensure that all documentation is accurate and that both parties meet the necessary legal requirements. By following this process, you can ensure that your court marriage goes smoothly, providing both security and peace of mind.

Ensure you have all the necessary documents, including birth certificates and passport photographs

Court weddings in Nigeria are a legally recognised process for couples seeking a secure union. To ensure your court marriage goes smoothly, it's important to have all the necessary documents in order.

The first step is to visit your local Marriage Registry to begin the process. You will need to fill out a Notice of Marriage (Form A) and give notice of your intention to get married.

Both parties will need to provide a birth certificate or age declaration and passport photographs. The number of passport photos required may vary by registry, so it's best to check with your local Marriage Registry. If either party is under the age of 18, consent from parents or guardians will also be required.

If you have been married before, you will need to provide a divorce certificate or certificate of death of your former spouse. For foreign nationals or residents, additional documents such as a passport data page, arrival stamp, or residence permit may be necessary.

It's important to ensure that all documentation is accurate and that both parties meet the legal requirements. By doing so, you can have peace of mind that your court marriage will go ahead without any issues.

If you want a religious ceremony, make sure the church is licensed to conduct marriages

The first step towards a court marriage is filling out the Notice of Marriage (Form A). You will then need to visit your local Marriage Registry to begin the process. There are two kinds of these registries in Nigeria: the Ikoyi registry in Lagos state, which covers residents in the South-West, South-South and South-East, and the Wuse 2 registry in Abuja, which covers all residents in Northern Nigeria. These kinds of registries can be found in each local council across states in Nigeria.

If you prefer a religious ceremony, you can have your court marriage followed by a church wedding, provided that the church is licensed to conduct marriages. It is important to ensure that all documentation is accurate and that both parties meet the necessary legal requirements.

If either party is a foreign national, you may need additional documents

If either party is a foreign national, you may need to provide additional documents. These could include a passport data page, arrival stamp, or residence permit. You can begin the process by visiting your local Marriage Registry. There are two kinds of these registries in Nigeria: the Ikoyi registry in Lagos state, which covers residents in the South-West, South-South and South-East, and the Wuse 2 registry in Abuja, which covers all residents in Northern Nigeria. These kinds of registries can be found in each local council across states in Nigeria. The first step is to visit the marriage registry and give notice of your intention to get married. You will also need to fill out the Notice of Marriage (Form A).

Frequently asked questions