Wedding Day Advice | Wedding Planning

Getting hitched at the courthouse…now who would do that? Mr and Mrs Smith, that’s who! In one of the most famous scenes ever cut from a movie, the characters played by real-life husband-and-wife Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt in the 2005 film tied the knot in a New York court, and sealed the deal with a smouldering kiss. If you’re thinking of walking into the courthouse rather than down the aisle, or even if you’re a little bit intrigued about what goes into it, read on…

What is a Courthouse Wedding, Exactly?

Although often referred to as a courthouse wedding, such wedding ceremonies in South Africa actually take place at the offices of the Department of Home Affairs. These weddings are civil ceremonies, that is, they have no religious component, and are conducted by a marriage officer duly authorised by the Department.

Why Should I Consider a Courthouse Wedding?

Not into the whole princess-bride-in-a-huge-meringue thing? Or perhaps you’ve previously had a big fat white wedding, and don’t wish to go there again. You’ll love the simplicity of a civil ceremony! It’s perfect for:

• Second-time arounders
• Same-sex couples
• Couples from different religious backgrounds, or those with no religious affiliation
• Love birds who’ve decided to make the commitment, and don’t wish to (or can’t) endure the painful wait associated with organising a full-on traditional affair
• Those who wish to keep costs down in a tough economic climate.

How Do I Organise a Courthouse Wedding?

It’s not quite like in the movies, where couples cruise into a court and do it there and then. In fact, due to the tremendous popularity of civil ceremonies in South Africa, the Department of Home Affairs takes bookings for a big day four months in advance! Simply go along to your local Home Affairs offices, or those in the jurisdiction where you wish to marry, and book the soonest available date. You will be asked under which Act you wish the union to be solemenised and fill in the appropriate forms. Your choices are:

1. Marriage under the Civil Union Act No. 17 of 2006 – heterosexual and homosexual couples
2. Marriage under the Marriage Act No. 25 of 1961 – heterosexual couples only.

And that’s it! Of course, you’ll still have to organise your reception, if you wish to have one, as well as two witnesses – although the Department can pull in willing folks milling around the building if you’re stuck, no doubt you’ll wish to ask certain special people in your life to play this role. You can invite a few other special guests, but note that the venue is small, catering for no more than six to eight people.

Note:

• Marrying at the offices of the Department of Home Affairs is free
• All marriages in South Africa are by default in community of property. If you wish to marry out of community of property, do get an attorney to draft an ante-nuptial agreement in advance and bring it along to the ceremony on the day.

What Should I Wear to a Courthouse Wedding?

You may or may not be heading straight to your reception after the ceremony, so wear whatever you feel! Smart-casual would be most appropriate, though – a short dress or pant suits for gals and pants and blazer for guys. You may choose to carry a posy if you wish. See some ideas here.

What Happens on the Big Day?

Although it’s a low-key occasion compared to traditional weddings, nerves will still play a part! Lest you forget, make sure that you pack the following into an envelope in advance:

• Your receipt from the Department which confirms your booking
• Two ID photographs of you and your spouse
• Your green barcoded ID Documents – for you, your spouse and your two witnesses
• If one of you is a foreign national, a passport in lieu of a South African ID document and a letter of confirmation of marital status from the country of origin
• Divorce order (if you’re divorced) or death certificate (if you’re widowed).

Get to the venue in good time and check in – you won’t have to wait in queues but will be ushered to a separate wing or sectioned-off area where you can wait in relative comfort on the ‘marriage couch’. An official will take your documentation and photos from you to process the paperwork while you wait for the ceremony to begin. Although marriage appointments are schedule every half an hour, you may have to wait slightly longer, particularly if the officials are forced to host an ‘emergency marriage’ (which only takes place if one of the partners is ill). You will interact with other waiting couples, and the atmosphere is jovial and collegial, and will get a fair bit of attention from interested people in the passport queues wanting to know what you’re doing, but it’s all good fun! Finally, when they’re ready for you, you will be asked to enter the Marriage Room.

Tell Me About the Ceremony Itself?

Your entrance is less formal than entering a church, temple, mosque or synagogue. In fact, you and your guests will simply stroll in, whilst chatting amicably. There will be some tension, but rest assured that the marriage officials are friendly and welcoming. There are no religious references, readings or song – the official will cut straight to the chase. After a short official exchange of vows, you will be asked if either of you wish to say a few special words. Then it’s on to the exchange of rings, and the signing of the register by you and your witnesses, et voilà, you’re wed!

Is That It?

Almost! After receiving a hand-written abridged marriage certificate and leaving the Marriage Room, your thumb prints will be taken to be included in the National Population Register. If you choose to apply for an unabridged marriage certificate (a good idea), it’ll cost around R75 and take 6-8 weeks. And that’s a wrap!

What About a Wedding Reception?

The ceremony over, you can concentrate on celebrating your nuptials with family and friends in whatever manner you choose – a luncheon, garden party, cocktail party or wedding dinner, small or large, frugal or fancy, with speeches, cake, wedding presents and dancing, or without. Let your hair down and enjoy!