How to Apply for a Marriage Certificate in Kenya (2025 Guide)

Getting married is a beautiful milestone — and securing a marriage certificate is essential to make your union legally recognized in Kenya. This guide will walk you through the latest, accurate steps (2025) to apply for a marriage certificate, whether your wedding is civil, religious, customary, or involves foreign nationals. You’ll also find tips for avoiding delays and fulfilling legal requirements. Let’s dive in. 😊

Which Marriages are Recognised in Kenya?

The Marriage Act of 2014 and related laws in Kenya recognise these types of marriages:

• Civil marriages
• Christian marriages
• Hindu marriages
• Customary marriages
• Islamic marriages

All these systems, once properly registered, become legally valid under Kenyan law. Countries do not recognise same-sex marriages in Kenya, as marriage must be between a man and a woman. (Kenya does not legally recognise same-sex unions.)

Key Eligibility Conditions

• You must be at least 18 years old (the legal adult age) and mentally capable of understanding marriage.
• Both parties must consent freely — no coercion or force.
• Neither party should be already married (unless legally divorced or widowed and with evidence).
• You must meet any additional requirements based on nationality or religion (for example, foreign nationals may need extra documentation).

Overall Steps to Getting a Marriage Certificate

Here’s a high-level roadmap:

1. Choose the appropriate registration route (notice or special license)
2. Submit a Notice of Intention to Marry (or special license application)
3. Wait out the notice period (if applicable)
4. Book an appointment, present original documents, undergo interview/verification
5. Have the marriage solemnised legally
6. Register the marriage and issue the certificate
7. Collect the certified marriage certificate

Route A: Registration by Notice (Standard Method)

This is the default route for many Kenyan and religious weddings.

Required Documents for Notice

• Valid national ID card, passport, or alien card (for both parties)
• Birth certificate copy
• Coloured passport-size photo of each partner
• If widowed: death certificate; if divorced: divorce decree absolute
• If the death or divorce document is older than 2 years: a sworn affidavit confirming current marital status
• For religious weddings: minister’s license and the serial number of the marriage book to be used
• Details of two witnesses (names, IDs) in some cases

Fee & Notice Period

Once you submit the notice online (via the eCitizen portal), you will pay a **notice fee of Ksh 600**. Then the **21-day notice period** begins. If within those 21 days no valid objection is raised, you may proceed to the next stage. If objection arises, the Registrar will handle a hearing. After no objection or once resolved, you book document verification. Then upon acceptance, you pay the ceremony or clearance fees.

After Notice Lapse: Verification & Clearance

You’ll be called to appear before the Registrar (or sub-county registrar) with original documents for interview and verification. If everything is valid, you’ll be issued a **clearance certificate** within about 3 days of the interview. The clearance fee may be around **Ksh 800** (for inside licensed worship place). If your wedding is outside a licensed place of worship, the fee is higher (e.g. Ksh 7,200). Once cleared, you set a date for the solemnisation of marriage. Civil weddings often cost ~Ksh 3,300 (for the statutory method). Religious weddings have their separate schedule of fees.

Route B: Registration by Special License

This is used when you can’t wait 21 days (urgent weddings) or when foreign nationals are involved.

Key Additional Requirements

• A sworn affidavit attesting no existing marriage, or proof of single status
• Death or divorce documents (if applicable)
• Foreign nationals may need proof of visa / residence permit and a Certificate of No Impediment from home country
• Minister’s license and marriage book serial number (for religious solemnisation)
• Valid IDs / passports, birth certificates, and recent photos

Fee Structure & Process

The fee for special license weddings varies depending on venue:

• If wedding is in a licensed place of worship: ~**Ksh 7,200**
• If outside a licensed place: ~**Ksh 14,200**
• For civil special license: ~ Ksh 9,700 (Registrar’s office) or ~16,700 for outside venues

After getting the license, you must book an appointment for document verification, then solemnise the marriage within a certain window of time (typically 30–90 days). The Registrar must receive the duplicate (counterfoil) of the marriage register within 7 days.

Foreign Nationals or Mixed Marriages

When one or both spouses are not Kenyan nationals, the process is similar but with added documentation:

• Valid passport of non-Kenyan spouse
• Proof of residence, visa, or work permit
• Certificate of No Impediment to Marriage (from home country) or affidavit confirming marital status
• Sworn affidavits or translated documents if original not in English / Kiswahili
• Follow either the notice or special license route as applicable

In some cases, both foreigners marrying in Kenya must have resided in Kenya for at least 7 days before filing. Once solemnised, their marriage is recognized under Kenyan law. Fees often mirror the special license route.

Online Application via eCitizen (for Parts of Kenya)

If you're in Nairobi County, parts of the marriage registration process can be done online via the eCitizen Registrar of Marriages portal. You can:

• Create or log into your eCitizen account
• Select “Registration of Marriage (Notice or Special License)” under civil registration services
• Fill in the required details, upload your supporting documents, and pay the notice or license fee
• Book an appointment for document verification and interview
• Track your application status

Note: Online marriage registration is currently limited to Nairobi County; elsewhere you must submit forms in person at the District or Sub-County Commissioner’s office.

Collecting the Marriage Certificate

After the wedding is legally registered and recorded in the marriage register:

• The Registrar issues a formal **Marriage Certificate** (also called the Certificate of Marriage)
• Typically, it takes a few days or up to 2 weeks after solemnisation
• You will be notified to collect it from the Registrar’s office or Sub-County office
• In some cases, certified digital copy or postal delivery may be available

To get a certified copy later (for official or foreign use), you can apply via eCitizen — cost ~**Ksh 1,100** and processing timeline ~4 days.

Typical Fees Summary

These are approximate values as of mid-2025. Always check at your registrar’s office or on eCitizen for current fees.

Common Challenges & Tips to Avoid Delays

• Missing or inconsistent documents: Make sure names, dates, and details match across ID, birth certificate, and all documents.
• Old divorce or death papers: If more than 2 years old, include a sworn affidavit confirming your marital status.
• Minister’s license issues: For religious weddings, ensure your officiant is licensed and you have the correct serial number of their marriage book.
• Objections during notice period: Be ready to respond formally if someone raises a valid objection within 21 days.
• Missing appointment slots: Schedule your document verification early to avoid long waits.
• Jurisdiction confusion: Always file notice or license application in the area where at least one party resides or where the wedding will take place.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can we bypass the 21-day notice period?

Yes — that’s what the special license is for. If you must get married urgently, you can apply for a special license, but it comes with additional cost and documentation.

Do both parties need to be physically present?

Yes. During document verification and solemnisation, both spouses must appear in person with witnesses and original documents.

What if I lose my marriage certificate later?

You can apply for a certified copy via eCitizen. The fee is around Ksh 1,100 and processing typically takes ~4 days.

Can foreigners get married in Kenya?

Absolutely. The process is similar but may require extra documentation such as visas, proof of residence, and a Certificate of No Impediment from your home country.

Is there an online way to register marriage in all counties?

Not currently. The online registration service is restricted largely to Nairobi County. Outside Nairobi, couples must visit the district/sub-county registrar’s office or the sub-county commissioner’s office. You can check via eCitizen Registrar of Marriages.

Conclusion

Applying for a marriage certificate in Kenya is a multi-step legal process, but with the right documents, clarity on your route, and proper timing, it can be straightforward. Use the eCitizen portal when available, gather all required documents in advance, and ensure your solemnisation and registration happen within the legal time frames. With this guide, you’re well equipped to navigate Kenya’s marriage registration process confidently. Congrats and best wishes on your journey! 🎉