Marriage

How to Get a Marriage Certificate or License in Nigeria?

01 Jan

If you are planning a Nigerian wedding, the process to obtain a marriage certificate or perform a civil wedding in Nigeria can be confusing at times. We have put together a guide to help with the process to obtain your marriage certificate.

Eligibility Requirements

To marry under the marriage law of Nigeria:

  1. One person is a Nigerian or both people are Non-Nigerians living in Nigeria. When one person is non-Nigerian, it is considered a Special Marriage.
  2. Both people are at least 18 years old
  3. Both people are mentally competent and are consenting adults
  4. Both people are not legally married to other people
  5. Both people are not related, that is, have a prohibited degree of relationship with intended spouse. See Frequently asked questions below for more information.

Application Requirements

For Ordinary and Special Marriage

  • Government-issued birth certificate or declaration of age
  • Passport Photographs (2 each)
  • Indigene Letter/Letter of Identification from State of Origin (Nigerians only).
  • Sworn Affidavit of Bachelorhood / Spinsterhood from a Law Court or Bachelorhood / Spinsterhood Certificate (if bachelor or spinster).
  • Affidavit or valid proof of Marriage (if already married).
  • Proof of Divorce (Divorce Papers) – Decree 90 and Decree Absolute (if divorced).
  • Death certificate of Previous Husband or Wife (if a widow(er)).
  • Proof of Annulment from Court (if previous marriage was annulled).
  • Sworn Affidavit of Single status with Child/Children (if single with child/children).

Additional for Special Marriage

  • Data page of International Passport (if living abroad).
  • Arrival Passport Stamp Page (if living abroad).
  • Residence Permit (if living abroad).

Visit the Ministry of Interior eCitiBiz Portal for reference

Procedure

  1. You can apply in person or online. To complete the online application, visit the Ministry of Interior eCitiBiz Portal to setup an account, upload all required documents, pick a location and pay the fee.
  2. Visit the registry location and take the oath on the provided date. You can schedule your interview and oath dates to happen on the same day.
    1. You must bring:
      • at least one witness each on the wedding day
      • 2 wedding rings (male and female)
      • Bible or Quran depending on the situation
    2. You should wear:
      • Wedding Dresses and Suits
      • Native Attire
      • Corporate Ensemble
  3. After the oath or wedding ceremony, you will be notified when and how to collect the certificate or Form E.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between ordinary and special marriage?

Ordinary marriage is one where both people are Nigerians while a special marriage is one where at least one person non-Nigerian.

What should you wear?

  • Wedding Dresses and Suits
  • Native Attire
  • Corporate Ensemble

Please note that short sleeves, shorts and jeans are not allowed. Also do not be late so you do not miss your time slot.

What is the cost?

Price ranges from N15,000 to N25,000. The cost differs for Ordinary and Special Marriage. Please visit the ministry of Interior’s page for certificate issuance fee details, livestreaming fee details and re-issuance fee details.

How long is the ceremony?

It is usually not more than 30 minutes?

When does the certificate expire?

The certificate or registration is valid unless the marriage is annulled.

What is the timeline?

Minimum of 21 days for Ordinary Marriage and 7 days for Special Marriage after application is submitted. You should factor this waiting period when planning dates or travel. The marriage should occur within 90 days to avoid paying the fee again.

What is prohibited for degree of relationship?

A man or woman must not marry his/her:

  • Mother/Father
  • Son/Daughter
  • Paternal Grandmother/Grandfather (Father’s mother or father)
  • Grandchild (Son/Daughter’s son or daughter)
  • Sibling (Brother or Sister)
  • Mother-in-law/Father-in-law (Wife/husband’s mother or father)
  • Grandmother-in-law/Grandfather-in-law (Wife’s father’s mother or wife’s mother’s mother or husband’s mother’s father)
  • Stepson/Stepdaughter (Wife/husband’s son or daughter)
  • Stepmother/Stepfather (Father’s wife or mother’s husband)
  • Step-grandmother/Step-grandfather (Father’s father wife or mother’s husband)
  • Son-in-law (daughter’s husband)
  • Grandson’s wife or Granddaughter’s husband (Son’s son’s wife or daughter’s daughter’s husband)
  • Aunt/Uncle (Father/mother’s sister or brother)
  • Niece/Nephew (Brother/sister’s son or daughter)

What are the locations?

The Ministry of Interior authorizes each Federal Marriage Registry to carry out different services including 1) the registry of ordinary and special marriages, and 2) issuance and re-issuance of secured marriage certificates. The Federal Marriage Registry exists in multiple locations including:

  • Lagos – Federal Marriage Registry, Kingsway Rd, Ikoyi, Lagos, Nigeria
  • Abuja – 28, Borno Street Area 10, Garki Abuja, FCT
  • Benin – 11A Gapiona Avenue, Off Benoni Road, GRA, Benin City, Edo State
  • Owerri – No. 12, Bishop S.I Nwaogu Crescent Adjacent Owerri Sport Club, New Owerri, Owerri, Imo State
  • Port Harcourt – No. 40 Railway Close, D/Line, Port Harcourt, Rivers State
  • Kano – No 14 Okene Street, Normans Land, Sabongari, Kano, Kano State
  • Jos – 74 David Jonah Jang Way, Off PRTV Roundabout, Opposite St. Finbarr’s Parish, Rayfield, Jos, Plateau State