Destination Wedding in Kenya: Marriage Registration Guide for Foreign Nationals

Kenya’s breathtaking landscapes—from the Maasai Mara’s endless savannahs to the pristine beaches of the Indian Ocean coast—make it an increasingly popular destination wedding location. If you and your partner are both foreign nationals dreaming of a Kenyan wedding, this guide walks you through every step of making it legally official.

Important: Requirements can change. Always verify the latest information on the official Attorney General website before starting your application.

Why Get Married in Kenya?

Beyond the stunning scenery, Kenya offers practical advantages for destination weddings. The country recognizes civil, Christian, Hindu, and Islamic marriages, providing options for couples of various backgrounds. English is an official language, making documentation straightforward. And the process, while requiring preparation, is well-established and efficient once you have your paperwork in order.

The Special License: Your Only Route

As two foreign nationals, you must obtain a Special License to marry in Kenya. This is actually advantageous—there’s no mandatory 21-day waiting period like there is for Kenyan citizens. Your wedding can proceed relatively quickly once your documentation is approved.

Key Requirements

Residency: Both of you must be physically present in Kenya for at least 7 consecutive days before applying.

Documentation: You’ll need official documents from your home countries, particularly Certificates of No Impediment.

Venue: If you’re marrying at a non-religious venue (beach resort, safari lodge, hotel), you’ll need the higher-tier Special License.

Step-by-Step Process

Step 1: Start in Your Home Countries (2-4 Months Before)

Before you even book your flights, begin gathering documents at home.

Certificate of No Impediment (CNI)

This is the most critical document. It’s an official statement from your government confirming you’re legally free to marry. Different countries call it different things:

• Certificate of No Impediment (UK, many Commonwealth countries)
• Single Status Certificate
• Certificate of Freedom to Marry
• Affidavit of Eligibility to Marry (USA)

Where to get it:

• Your country’s vital records office
• Your embassy or consulate in Kenya (though obtaining it in your home country first is often faster)
• Some countries require you to post a notice for 21-28 days before issuing the CNI

USA Citizens: You typically get an affidavit of eligibility to marry from the US Embassy in Nairobi. However, the embassy may require an appointment scheduled in advance.

UK Citizens: You can start the process through the UK government’s official website. You may be able to get a CNI from the British High Commission in Nairobi.

Other Countries: Contact your embassy in Kenya or your home country’s foreign affairs office to understand the exact process.

Pro tip: If your CNI has a validity period (common), time your application so it’s still valid on your wedding date.

Step 2: Prepare All Required Documents

Both Partners Need:

• Valid passport (copy and original)
• Birth certificate (ensure names match your passport exactly—same order, same spelling)
• One colored passport-size photo each
• Certificate of No Impediment from your home country
• Air ticket and visa or work permit (proving legal entry to Kenya)

If Previously Married:

• Death Certificate (if widowed)
• Divorce Decree Absolute (if divorced)
• If your death certificate or divorce decree is more than 2 years old, you’ll need a current CNI that confirms your status

For Religious Ceremonies:

• Copy of the Minister of Faith’s license (obtained from the church in Kenya)
• Serial number of the marriage book (also from the church)

Step 3: Create Visitor eCitizen Accounts

Both of you need to create Visitors eCitizen accounts at eCitizen.

Requirements for setup:

• Valid email addresses
• Phone numbers (having at least one Kenyan SIM card for OTPs helps significantly)
• Basic personal information from your passports

Consider purchasing Kenyan SIM cards upon arrival for easier account verification and communication with the Registrar’s office.

Step 4: Arrive in Kenya and Complete Residency

You must be physically present in Kenya for at least 7 days before submitting your application. Use this time to:

• Settle into your accommodation
• Purchase local SIM cards
• Finalize your eCitizen account setup
• Confirm your wedding venue booking
• Meet with your officiant (if having a religious ceremony)

Step 5: Submit Your Online Application

Through eCitizen, navigate to the Registration of Marriages service under the Attorney General’s office. Both partners submit their applications.

Upload all documents carefully:

• Scans should be clear and legible
• File sizes must meet platform requirements
• All information must match exactly across documents

Step 6: Book and Attend Your Interview

After submission, both of you must book an appointment and appear before the Registrar of Marriages at Sheria House in Nairobi.

Bring originals of everything. The Registrar will verify:

• Your identities match your documents
• Neither of you is currently married
• All documents are authentic
• You both consent freely to the marriage

Interview Tips:

• Arrive early—Sheria House can be busy
• Dress appropriately (business casual is fine)
• Be prepared to answer questions about how you met, your relationship, and your plans

Step 7: Pay Your Fees

After a successful interview, pay based on your wedding type:

Marriage Type	Venue	Fee
Christian/Hindu	Licensed place of worship	Ksh 7,200
Christian/Hindu	Unlicensed venue (hotel, safari lodge, beach)	Ksh 14,200
Civil	Registrar’s Office in Nairobi	Ksh 9,700
Civil	Outside the Registrar’s Office	Ksh 16,700

Step 8: Receive Your Special License

• Religious marriages: License issued within 3 days
• Civil marriages: Wedding conducted within 14 days of approval

Book your wedding date after receiving your license.

Recommended Timeline for Destination Weddings

Timeframe	Action
4-6 months before	Research venues, contact wedding vendors, begin CNI process
3-4 months before	Obtain CNI and gather all documents
2-3 months before	Book flights and accommodation
3-4 weeks before	Arrive in Kenya
2-3 weeks before	Complete 7-day residency, submit eCitizen application
1-2 weeks before	Interview at Sheria House
1 week before	Receive Special License
Wedding day	Exchange vows in paradise

Note: Build buffer time into your schedule. Bureaucratic processes can experience delays, and you don’t want visa issues or document problems to derail your wedding date.

Popular Wedding Venues for Foreign Nationals

Kenya offers incredible venue options that all qualify for the “outside licensed venue” Special License:

Safari Lodges: Exchange vows with elephants and giraffes as witnesses at lodges in the Maasai Mara, Amboseli, or Laikipia.

Coastal Resorts: Diani Beach, Watamu, and Lamu offer pristine white sand beaches and turquoise waters.

Nairobi Options: Karen (where Out of Africa was set) has beautiful gardens and estates. The Giraffe Centre area offers unique photo opportunities.

Lake Naivasha & Nakuru: Stunning lakeside venues with flamingos and hippos.

Mount Kenya: For couples wanting a dramatic highland setting.

Work with a local wedding planner who understands both venue logistics and marriage registration requirements. They can liaise with the Registrar’s office on your behalf.

After the Wedding: Recognizing Your Marriage Back Home

Your Kenyan marriage certificate is legally valid in Kenya. To ensure it’s recognized in your home countries:

Apostille or Authentication: Kenya is a member of the Hague Apostille Convention. You can get your marriage certificate apostilled, which makes it valid in all other member countries.

Embassy Registration: Some countries require you to register your foreign marriage with your embassy. Check your country’s requirements.

Translation: If your home country’s official language isn’t English, you may need certified translations of your Kenyan marriage certificate.

Immigration: A marriage certificate doesn’t automatically grant immigration rights. If you’re planning to move together to one partner’s country, understand the spouse visa requirements separately.

Common Questions from Foreign Couples

Can we get married anywhere in Kenya? Yes, but your Special License will specify the venue. If you change locations, you may need to restart the process.

What if we don’t speak English? All official proceedings are in English. You may bring an interpreter, but consider that all documents should be translated into English and officially certified.

Can same-sex couples marry in Kenya? Unfortunately, Kenya does not legally recognize same-sex marriages at this time.

What if one of us is already in Kenya on a work permit? The person on a work permit should check if their permit status affects the process. Generally, a valid work permit substitutes for the tourist visa requirement.

How long is the Kenyan marriage certificate valid? Indefinitely. It’s a permanent legal document.

Can family members witness the marriage? For civil marriages, you’ll need witnesses. Family members can serve this role as long as they have valid identification.

Costs Summary

Fee Type	Amount (Ksh)
Special License (licensed religious venue)	7,200
Special License (unlicensed venue)	14,200
Civil Marriage (Registrar’s Office)	9,700
Civil Marriage (outside Registrar’s Office)	16,700

Embassy fees for CNI vary by country. Budget $50-200 USD per person depending on your nationality.

Note: At current exchange rates, Ksh 14,200 is approximately $100 USD, making Kenya’s official marriage fees quite reasonable compared to many Western countries.

Make Your Kenyan Wedding Unforgettable

A destination wedding in Kenya is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The paperwork is worth it when you’re saying “I do” with the African sun setting over the savannah or the Indian Ocean waves as your soundtrack.

At Harusi Hub, we help couples create beautiful wedding websites to share with guests back home—complete with travel information, event details, and easy RSVP collection. Perfect for keeping your international guest list organized.

Create Your Free Wedding Website →

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This guide was last updated in December 2024. For the most current requirements and fees, please visit the official Attorney General website, contact the Registrar of Marriages, and consult with your respective embassies.