When getting married, you are required to give a written notice of at least 21 days to

the Registrar of Marriage. Both parties appear before the Registrar to fill out a Notice
form and attach the following documents:

 Identification Card (Copy and original);

 One colored passport-size photo for each Applicant;
 Copy of license for the Minister of Faith; and
 The serial number of the marriage book to be used (to be obtained from the
Minister of Faith).

After the 21-day notice lapses and no objection to the marriage has been raised, you
will swear an affidavit as directed by the Registrar of Marriages who also commissions
the affidavit and completes a Marriage Certificate form. The marriage must be
solemnized with a ceremony/celebrated within 90 days from the date of notice.

As this is generally inconvenient for most people, and this being Kenya, you can apply
for a Special Licence whereby you do not need to give a 21-day notice. The Registrar
of Marriages may dispense with notice requirement under the Marriage Act, 2014
where there is sufficient reason to do so supported by requisite documents.

The license is issued at the discretion of the Registrar who must however, confirm
that:

 Neither party is within a prohibited relationship;

 Neither party is below the minimum age for marriage; and
 Neither party is married to another person.

A special license applies to Civil, Christian, and Hindu marriages where:

1. The marriage is taking place outside a gazetted location for example a garden
wedding, or hotel among others

A Civil marriage by Special License is conducted within Fourteen (14) days from the
date of approval. Special License for Christian and Hindu marriages are issued within
three (3) days from the date of approval and both applicants must be resident in
Kenya for a period of at least seven (7) days preceding the application.

Be aware of the fact that you may need to show your departure flight ticket to the
registry office.

You will also be required to pay a slightly enhanced fee if you don’t want to formally
wed in the registrar’s office.

After the 4 days have passed, you will know if your application has been accepted and
then you are free to marry!
Special license for Christian and Hindu marriages

Where both parties are Kenyan nationals

Fill online application form

Attach:

 Copy of National Identity Card or valid Passport or Valid Alien Card for refugees
 Copy of Birth Certificate
 Coloured passport-size photo –one for each applicant
 Proof of no other existing marriage through:
 Submit sworn affidavit to state marital status (swear separate affidavits if not
married or joint affidavit if married under customary law)
 Copy of Death Certificate (if widow or widower)
 Copy of Divorce Decree Absolute (If the partner had been married before and
divorced)
 A sworn affidavit to confirm marital status in the event that the Divorce Decree
or Death Certificate is more than 2 years’ old
 Copy of license of the Minister of Faith
 Provide serial number of the marriage book to be used
 After submission of the application, both parties to book an appointment on
the online platform and appear before the Registrar of marriages and submit
original documents for verification and interview.
 Upon successful completion of the interview, parties to pay a fee of Kshs
7,200/= on the online platform if the wedding is to be conducted at a licensed
place of worship or a fee of Kshs 14,200/= if the wedding is to be conducted
outside of a licensed place of worship.

A valid Reason why you cannot give notice as required must be given, with
documentary evidence in support of your reason, if your application is to be
approved.

Details of the Bride Grooms contacts, residential address, her mothers' details as well
as her fathers will be required to be filled.