Marriage is usually an occasion that is witnessed by the family, friends and according to civil law.
Marriage is usually registered at a registry and this can be found in all the states in Nigeria. Here is a guide on how to register a marriage in Nigeria.
1. Filing of marriage notice
- This involves filling a form called the Notice Form or Form A and it captures your personal details with two coloured passport photographs and a letter of consent attached for minors from their parents.
- The registry then displays the Notice Form on a notice board at the registry for 21 days.
- Thereafter, provided the following criteria are met, another form called the Form C is issued by the registrar:
- That one of the parties has been resident within the district in which the marriage will take place.
- Absence of any lawful hindrance to the wedding.
- That either of the two parties is not married to someone else under customary law.
- Evidence of consent in the case of minors.
- A divorcee must produce a divorce certificate, while a widow or a widower is required to present the death certificate of the late spouse.
2. Taking of Oath
- This involves the swearing an affidavit before the registrar or recognized minister of religion.
- The penalties involved in case of a bridge of the marriage are then explained to the couple.
- The registrar then signs the affidavit as a symbol of the oath taking.
- The minister then issues a certificate and grants license by way of a form called Form D which grants permission to the couple to celebrate their union.
3. Marriage celebration
A date for the marriage celebration is then chosen by the couple and it must be within three months of placing the notice at the registry.