How to Get Married In Court in Namibia

What is marriage?

Marriage, also called matrimony or wedlock is a culturally recognized union between people called spouses. It establishes rights and obligations between them, as well as between them and their children, and between them and their in-laws. 

Where and How to Get Married In Court in Namibia

• Legal age for marriage without parental consent is 21 years for both men and women.
• Bride and Groom may not be related by blood, marriage or adoption.
• Two witnesses are required.
• There are no residency requirements to get married in Namibia.
• Couple must get a marriage license.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a civil marriage in Namibia?

Civil marriage is when a man and a woman are married by a marriage officer. All magistrates are marriage officers. Most pastors, priests and other church leaders are also marriage officers. Any person with a marriage certificate has a civil marriage. The law on civil marriages is the same in every part of Namibia.

Can you marry your cousin in Namibia?

Namibia: Forced marriages, including whether families choose, for a spouse, someone who is a cousin, or uncle; whether polygamy is practiced; state protection available for those who defy traditional customs. Young women are given away to uncles and cousins, usually men who are much older [than] themselves.

Where can I get married in Namibia?

• 1 The Desert Wedding.
• #2 The Moonlandscape Wedding.
• 3 The Safari Wedding.
• 4 The River Boat Wedding.
• 5 The Tailor-Made Wedding.
• 6 The [Most] Remote Wedding.
• 7 The Savannah Wedding.

What do I need to get married in Namibia?

Legal age for marriage without parental consent is 21 years for both men and women. Bride and Groom may not be related by blood, marriage or adoption. Two witnesses are required. How long do I have to be resident in Namibia before I can get married?

Can foreigners get married in Namibia?

A non-Namibian spouse is eligible for Namibian citizenship by marriage if he or she has been living in Namibia with the Namibian spouse for at least ten years. The marriage must be in good faith, and not a false marriage entered into only for citizenship purposes.

Can I get married in Namibia?

Legal age for marriage without parental consent is 21 years for both men and women. Bride and Groom may not be related by blood, marriage or adoption. Two witnesses are required. There are no residency requirements to get married in Namibia.

How do I get married in court in Namibia?

There are no fees involved when getting married in court. They do require that an appointment be made at least a month before you wish to get married. The Walvis Bay magistrate’s court is fully booked until November. Court weddings only take place on Fridays, and while making the appointment you need to fill in a form.

What does Civil mean in marriage in Namibia?

What is a civil marriage? It is a marriage that can only be entered into between a man and a woman. A civil marriage will automatically be in community of property, unless an ante nuptial contract is entered into indicating that the marriage will be out of community of property, with or without the accrual system.

What are the disadvantages of civil marriage in Namibia?

The disadvantage of a civil marriage is the fact that it is not as easy to terminate. There is much more to it than ending a relationship of a couple who are not legally bound to one another.

Which is better civil wedding or church wedding in Namibia?

There is a big difference between both wedding options. A church wedding is very religious and more traditional and formal. A civil ceremony is far more relaxed and not religious in any way.

Is it financially better to be married or single in Namibia?

While being married is generally better for your wallet than being single, getting a divorce cancels that benefit – and then some. The OSU study shows that on average, divorced people have 77% less wealth than single people in the same age group.

What is the difference between civil and religious marriage in Namibia?

While civil ceremonies allow the marrying couple to decide on the type of ceremony of their dreams, a religious wedding follows a certain protocol. Many couples choose religious weddings based on tradition.

Is a religious wedding legally binding in Namibia?

Additionally, religious ceremonies aren’t binding by law, and you’ll need to get a marriage license to legally and officially become a married.

Is it necessary to get married in the church in Namibia?

Christians believe that marriage is a gift from God, one that should not be taken for granted. Getting married in a church, in front of God, is very important. A marriage is a public declaration of love and commitment. This declaration is made in front of friends and family in a church ceremony.

Is civil wedding legal in Namibia?

Yes, as legal as it gets. As long as you comply with the requisites set forth by law, a civil wedding is binding, recognized by the State, and allows you to avail of the legal benefits of marriage (tax benefits, medical care, etc.).