Are you and your partner considering taking the plunge but want a simple, legally sound, and budget-friendly start to your marriage? While grand church or elaborate traditional weddings are beautiful, many Ghanaian couples are discovering the efficiency and elegance of a Court Wedding, also known as Marriage under the Ordinance.
At Knotting.org, we believe marriage should be accessible to everyone. This article answers your most pressing questions about the civil wedding process in Ghana, ensuring you have all the correct information to begin your married life.
What Exactly is a Court Wedding in Ghana?
A Court Wedding, or Civil Wedding, is a formal, non-religious marriage ceremony that legalises your union under Ghana’s Marriage Act (Cap 127). It is the only strictly monogamous form of legal marriage in Ghana.
Where Does it Take Place?
This type of marriage is officiated by a Marriage Registrar and typically takes place at:
- The Registrar General’s Department
- A District or Municipal Assembly Office
- The Marriage Registry at the Law Court
It is a short, precise legal process that can often be completed in as little as 10-15 minutes, culminating in the issuance of a legally recognised Marriage Certificate.
Key Requirements for a Civil Marriage
Before starting the process, you must ensure you and your partner meet the legal criteria set by the Registrar General’s Department:
- Age: Both partners must be 18 years or above.
- Mental State: Both must be of sound mind.
- Marital Status: Neither partner can be in an existing marriage that would violate the monogamous nature of the Ordinance marriage.
- Note: An existing customary marriage between the two parties is the only exception and can be converted to an Ordinance marriage.
- Witnesses: You will need the presence of two witnesses from each side to sign the official documents during the ceremony.
- Documentation: You must acquire and correctly complete the prescribed declaration form from the Registrar’s office.
The Step-by-Step Court Wedding Process
The procedure for a court wedding in Ghana is straightforward and governed by clear legal steps:
1. File Notice of Marriage
- Contact the Marriage Registry in the district where your ceremony will be held.
- The couple provides essential biographical information (full name, age, occupation, etc.) and fills out the official declaration form.
- Fee: A fee (e.g., around GH¢150.00 as of recent reports, though fees are subject to change) is paid for filing the notice.
2. Publication of Official Notice
- The Registrar publicly displays the Notice of your Intended Marriage on a notice board for a period of 21 days.
- This period allows for any lawful objections to the marriage to be raised.
3. Obtain the Registrar’s Certificate
- Once the 21 days have passed and if no objections have been received, the couple can return to the office to obtain the Registrar’s Certificate.
- This certificate officially authorises the marriage to proceed and must be obtained within three months of the date the notice was filed.
4. The Marriage Ceremony
- The ceremony is conducted by the Registrar in the presence of your witnesses. The law requires that the doors to the office remain open to the public during the ceremony.
- The Registrar questions the couple; both partners give affirmative answers, and the documents are signed by the couple and their four witnesses.
- The couple is then issued a Marriage Certificate, and you are officially married!
The Cost of a Court Wedding in Ghana
One of the most compelling reasons couples choose a civil wedding is the affordability. Compared to the significant expenses associated with a large traditional or church wedding (venues, catering, attire, etc.), a court wedding drastically reduces the financial burden.
While the total cost varies slightly by registry and time, the official fees for the paperwork and ceremony are significantly lower:
| Item | Estimated Fee (GHS) |
| Notice of Marriage Filing | GHC 150.00 – GHC 200.00} |
| Registrar’s Certificate | GHC 100.00 – GHC 250.00} |
| Marriage Ceremony/Certificate | GHC 250.00 – GHC 300.00} |
Note: These figures are estimates based on recent data and are subject to change by the respective Municipal or District Assembly. They represent the core legal fees, not incidental costs like attire or transport.
Court Wedding: Pros and Cons
Like any wedding type, a civil ceremony has its own set of advantages and disadvantages:
Benefits of a Court Wedding
- Cost-Effective: Significantly saves money, allowing the couple to allocate funds towards their future.
- Time-Efficient: The planning is minimal, and the ceremony is very brief—a perfect choice for busy couples.
- Legally Binding: Provides immediate, unambiguous legal recognition and protection for both spouses.
- Low Stress: Avoids the pressure and stress of coordinating a large, extravagant event.
- Flexibility: It can be followed by a private dinner, a low-key celebration, or a larger reception at a later date, giving the couple full control.
Considerations for a Court Wedding
- Less Ceremony/Tradition: The process is purely legal and lacks the cultural rituals or religious solemnity found in traditional or church weddings.
- Administrative Rigour: It requires strict attention to detail for filling out forms and adhering to deadlines (like the 21-day notice period).
- Intimate Scale: If you dream of a huge celebration with hundreds of guests, the registry office setting may feel too small or simple.
- Witness Requirement: The legal requirement for four witnesses is non-negotiable, which might pose a minor logistical challenge for some couples.
A Court Wedding in Ghana offers a powerful blend of simplicity, speed, and legal security, making it an excellent choice for the modern couple focused on the core commitment of marriage. For more expert advice on planning your perfect wedding in Ghana, visit us at knotting.org! Would you like to search for the exact location and contact details for the Marriage Registry nearest to you in Ghana? Advice on planning your perfect wedding in Ghana, visit us at knotting.org!
Would you like to search for the exact location and contact details for the Marriage Registry nearest to you in Ghana?
