How to Register Your Marriage in Kenya: A Complete Guide for Kenyan Couples
Step-by-step guide to marriage registration in Kenya for Kenyan nationals. Learn about the 21-day notice period, required documents, fees, and the entire process from application to certificate.
How to Register Your Marriage in Kenya: A Complete Guide for Kenyan Couples
Planning a wedding is exciting, but the legal side of getting married in Kenya can feel overwhelming. If you and your partner are both Kenyan nationals, this guide walks you through everything you need to know about registering your marriage—from gathering documents to receiving your marriage certificate.
Important: Marriage registration requirements can change. Always verify the latest information on the official Attorney General website before starting your application.
Understanding Your Options
In Kenya, you can register your marriage through two main pathways:
Registration by Notice (Standard Process) is the most common route. You give 21 days’ notice of your intention to marry, and the marriage must be solemnized within 90 days from the notice date. This applies to Civil, Christian, and Hindu marriages.
Registration by Special License allows you to skip the 21-day waiting period when there’s a valid reason. This is also required if your wedding venue is outside a licensed place of worship (like a garden wedding or hotel).
The Standard Process: Marriage by Notice
Most Kenyan couples follow this route. Here’s how it works.
Step 1: Gather Your Documents
Before you start the online application at eCitizen, make sure both of you have these documents ready to upload:
For Both Partners:
- Copy of your National ID or valid Passport
- Copy of your birth certificate (the names on your birth certificate and ID must match exactly—same names in the same order)
- One colored passport-size photo each
If Previously Married:
- Death certificate (if widowed)
- Divorce Decree Absolute (if divorced)
- Sworn affidavit confirming marital status (required if the death certificate or divorce decree is more than 2 years old)
For Church Weddings:
- Two witness IDs (your best couple)
For Civil Marriages:
- Copy of your Minister of Faith’s license (if applicable)
- Serial number of the marriage book (get this from your church or the Registrar)
- Wedding invitation card
Step 2: Submit Your Application Online
Head to eCitizen and find the Registration of Marriages service under the Attorney General’s office. Fill in all details carefully—any errors can delay your application.
Once approved, you’ll pay a notice fee of Ksh 600 on the platform.
Step 3: Wait Out the 21-Day Notice Period
This waiting period allows anyone with a legitimate objection to your marriage to come forward. Use this time to finalize other wedding preparations.
Step 4: Book Your Interview
After 21 days, log back into eCitizen and book an appointment to appear before the Registrar of Marriages at Sheria House in Nairobi. Both of you must attend.
Bring all your original documents for verification. The interview confirms your identities, that you’re both free to marry, and that all your paperwork is in order.
Step 5: Pay for Your Certificate
After a successful interview, you’ll pay the final fee based on your wedding type:
| Wedding Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Civil Marriage (at Registrar’s office or licensed venue) | Ksh 800 |
| Christian/Hindu Marriage (at licensed place of worship) | Ksh 3,300 |
Step 6: Collect Your Documents
Return to Sheria House on your scheduled date to collect either your Registrar’s Certificate (for church weddings at licensed venues) or confirmation of your booking (for civil marriages). The Clearance Certificate is typically ready 3 days after your interview and payment.
The Special License Route
Choose this path if you’re having a garden wedding, hotel wedding, or any venue outside a licensed place of worship—or if you have a genuine reason to skip the 21-day waiting period.
When You Need a Special License
- Your wedding is at a non-licensed venue (garden, hotel, beach, private residence)
- There are urgent circumstances preventing you from waiting 21 days
Special License Fees
| Marriage Type | Venue | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Christian/Hindu | Licensed place of worship | Ksh 7,200 |
| Christian/Hindu | Outside licensed venue | Ksh 14,200 |
| Civil | Registrar’s Office | Ksh 9,700 |
| Civil | Outside Registrar’s Office | Ksh 16,700 |
Timeline
- Special License for Christian/Hindu marriages: Issued within 3 days of approval
- Special License for Civil marriages: Wedding conducted within 14 days of approval
What Your Church Will Need
Beyond the government requirements, your church will have its own process. Using ICC Nairobi as an example, churches typically require:
Pre-Marriage Requirements:
- Completion of a pre-marital counseling course
- Meeting with the church’s Family Pastor
- Payment of church wedding fees (varies by church)
Documents for the Church:
- Passport photos of bride and groom (typically 3 copies each)
- Parents’ consent forms signed by both sets of parents
- Copies of both IDs
- Best couple’s IDs
- Copy of your Notice of Marriage document
- Parents’ full names, residence, and occupation
- Your government certificate (Registrar’s Certificate or Special License)
Important Church Considerations:
- Churches often announce wedding banns (public announcements of your intention to marry) for several weeks before your wedding
- Start this process at least 1-2 months before your wedding date
- The venue on your government certificate must match where you’re actually getting married—changing venues means starting the government process over
Timeline: When to Start
We recommend starting the marriage registration process at least 3 months before your wedding date. Here’s why:
| Timeframe | Action |
|---|---|
| 3+ months before | Gather all documents, check name alignment on IDs/birth certificates |
| 2-3 months before | Submit eCitizen application, pay notice fee |
| 2 months before | Complete 21-day waiting period |
| 6-8 weeks before | Interview at Sheria House |
| 1 month before | Collect certificate, submit documents to your church |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Name Mismatches: This is the most common issue. If your birth certificate says “John Kamau Mwangi” but your ID says “John Mwangi Kamau,” you’ll need to sort this out first. Consider getting an affidavit to explain the discrepancy or updating one of the documents.
Starting Too Late: The 21-day notice period is mandatory—you cannot skip it. Add time for processing delays, interview scheduling, and church requirements.
Wrong Venue on Certificate: The venue listed on your Registrar’s Certificate or Special License is where you must legally marry. If you change venues, you’ll need to restart the entire process.
Forgetting Witness Documents: For civil marriages especially, have your witnesses’ ID copies ready.
Costs Summary
Here’s a quick overview of government fees (church fees are additional):
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Notice Fee | Ksh 600 |
| Civil Marriage Certificate (licensed venue) | Ksh 800 |
| Christian/Hindu Marriage (licensed venue) | Ksh 3,300 |
| Special License (licensed venue) | Ksh 7,200 |
| Special License (unlicensed venue) | Ksh 14,200 - 16,700 |
Need Help Planning Your Wedding?
Marriage registration is just one part of your wedding journey. At Harusi Hub, we help Kenyan couples plan every detail—from creating your wedding website to managing your guest list and RSVPs.
Create Your Free Wedding Website →
This guide was last updated in December 2024. For the most current requirements and fees, please visit the official Attorney General website or contact the Registrar of Marriages directly.
