Trivia: Who cannot legally be married?
Just about all barriers to being married have been removed. In South Africa mixed race marriages were prohibited until the 1990s, same-sex marriages were prohibited until 2006. Today almost any 2 adults may get married. There are, however, several degrees of relation that may not be married, under South African law. These are:
- Parent
- Child
- Sibling
- Father or mother-in-law
- Grandchild
- Stepchild
- Daughter or son-in-law
- Grandmother or grandmother-in-law
- Spouse’s grand parent
- Step grandchild
- Grandchild’s spouse
- Uncle or aunt
- Niece or nephew
- Grand niece or nephew
A careful reading of this list will reveal that it is legal for cousins to be married which is a question we get from time to time.
Do we have to get married under a roof?
No. Of course that's not the full answer. There are some marriage officers who will not perform a wedding in the open, some will do a ceremony outside but insist the register be signed indoors. While most will perform your wedding wherever you want. The law...
Changing your surname when you get married
It has been traditional for centuries for a woman to assume her husband's name when they get married. A majority of woman still do this today but you may not be aware of what the options are. Even fewer are aware that men may now assume their spouse's name if they...
The fastest way to get married in South Africa
The quickest way to get married in South Africa is to find a Marriage Officer, make an appointment and let them take care of the rest. A Marriage Officer can come to your home or venue or you may go to the Marriage Officer. The cheapest way to get married is at...
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