How To Get Married Legally In Nigeria

Let’s be honest—getting married is one of the most exciting things ever. The butterflies, the pre-wedding shoot, the aso-ebi slay, the dance rehearsals… But before you say "I do" in front of your village people or at the altar of your dream church, you must first handle the legal part. That’s right—love is sweet, but legal love is sweeter (and safer)!

So, if you’re thinking of settling down and becoming someone’s lawfully wedded husband or wife, then this blog post is for you. I’m about to break down, in the most human and Nigerian way possible, the steps to getting married legally in Nigeria.

Grab a drink, and let’s dive in.

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1. Understand the Two Types of Legal Marriages in Nigeria

Let’s clear the air first. In Nigeria, there are different types of marriages, but only two are legally recognized under Nigerian law:

A. Customary Marriage

This is the traditional marriage, the one your parents will most likely insist on. It follows the customs and culture of your tribe—igba nkwu (for the Igbo), igba iyawo (for the Yoruba), or fatiha (for the Hausa). It includes the bride price, family introductions, and local traditions. It is recognized by law, but only when properly conducted and registered at the local government.

B. Statutory (Court) Marriage

This one is straight from the Constitution. It is the marriage conducted and registered at the Marriage Registry. This is what people popularly call "court wedding" or "registry wedding". It's governed by the Marriage Act, and it’s what gives you that official green-white-green certificate from the Federal Government of Nigeria.

Now, many couples choose to do both: first the traditional/customary wedding, then the statutory wedding, and then top it off with a church wedding (which is optional but common).

2. Go to the Marriage Registry First

Before you start pricing wedding gowns and choosing DJ, let’s go to the registry.

Step 1: Pick a Federal Marriage Registry

There are many across Nigeria—Ikoyi, Abuja, Port Harcourt, and others. You can go to the local government registry or a Federal Marriage Registry.

If you’re in Lagos, Ikoyi Registry is the most popular because it has that celebrity wedding aura. But any authorized registry is fine.

Step 2: File a "Notice of Marriage"

This is where the process begins. You and your partner will go to the registry, fill out a form, provide two passport photographs each, and submit copies of valid ID (National ID, Passport, Voter’s Card, or Driver’s License).

The registry will paste your names on a public notice board for 21 days. This is known as the "notice period" or "marriage banns".

Why 21 days? Because the government wants to be sure that:

• You are not already married to someone else.

• Nobody objects to your union.

• You’re not marrying your cousin or sibling (eww).

• You’re both adults and mentally capable.

Step 3: Affidavit and Declaration

Once the 21 days have passed and no one has protested (hopefully), you go back to the registry to fill a sworn affidavit. You’ll both declare that you’re legally free to marry and not related by blood.

3. Gather Your Documents (Don’t Wait Last Minute)

Here’s a checklist to help you not look confused at the registry:

• Birth certificates or sworn age declarations

• Valid IDs (National ID, Passport, etc.)

• Two passport-sized photographs each

• Proof of single status (if previously married, divorce certificate or death certificate of spouse)

• Sworn affidavit of spinsterhood/bachelorhood

• Parental consent (if either of you is under 21 years old)

• Payment receipts (the registry will tell you the current charges)

4. Book a Wedding Date at the Registry

Once everything is in order, you’ll be given a date to come for the marriage ceremony at the registry. This is usually a simple event that lasts 20–30 minutes. You can invite a few guests, take lovely pictures, and sign the all-important Marriage Certificate.

Please note: only licensed officers at approved registries can issue legal marriage certificates in Nigeria. Not every wedding conducted by a pastor or chief priest is recognized under the law (sorry to your village dibia).

5. Don’t Forget the Religious or Traditional Ceremony (Optional but Loved)

Yes, your court marriage is the one that counts legally. But in Nigeria, most families still expect a proper traditional wedding or religious ceremony.

So after your court wedding, you can proceed with:

• Traditional Wedding: According to your tribe’s customs.

• Church Wedding: In a government-licensed church. Some churches (like Catholic or Anglican churches) are authorized to conduct statutory marriages on behalf of the state. If your church is licensed, you can skip the registry and do it all in church!

6. Register the Marriage Certificate (Very Important)

After your wedding, don’t just carry your certificate and forget about it. You need to register it officially at the National Population Commission or any other appropriate authority, especially if you plan to use it for visas, name changes, or official documentation later.

Make photocopies. Scan and keep digital copies. Frame it if you like—but register it!

7. Special Notes for Foreigners or Nigerians Marrying Foreigners

If you or your partner is a foreign national, the process still applies, but there are a few extras:

• You’ll need to present your passport and visa.

• A letter of consent or certificate of no impediment from your country’s embassy may be required.

• Translations may be needed if documents are not in English.

8. What if You’re Divorced or Widowed?

Marriage is sweet, but sometimes it ends. If you’re divorced or widowed and planning to remarry:

• Bring your divorce decree absolute (not just the decree nisi).

• Or a death certificate if your former spouse passed away.

• The registry will check and accept only valid documents.

9. Common Myths About Legal Marriage in Nigeria

Let’s bust some myths while we’re here:

Myth 1: Church weddings are automatically legal.
👉 Not true, unless the church is licensed by the government to conduct statutory marriages.

Myth 2: You don’t need a registry wedding if you did traditional.
👉 Not true. Traditional marriages are only customarily valid, not legally binding in the eyes of Nigerian law unless registered.

Myth 3: Court wedding means you’re not spiritual.
👉 Omo, court wedding no dey stop you from praying or inviting Jesus to your reception.

10. Final Tips Before You Say “I Do”

• Don’t forge documents—na court you go land.

• Don’t rush the process—21 days is standard.

• Don’t forget to smile—this is a happy moment!

• Don’t ignore the legal part—no matter how glamorous your wedding is, if it’s not legal, na gist.

Conclusion

Getting married legally in Nigeria may feel like a lot, but trust me, it’s worth it. From that sweet “I do” moment to signing your name as “Mrs Something” on official documents, nothing beats doing things the right way.

So whether you’re planning a small, private registry wedding or a full-blown owambe with 10 bridesmaids and fireworks, just remember: make it legal first.

Love is beautiful, but legal love? That one dey carry weight!

Now go ahead—start planning, book that registry date, buy your matching outfits, and let the countdown begin. Who knows? I might even crash your wedding.