F.A.Q. (Frequently Asked Questions)

To check your S.A. Marital Status, click here

John, are you a qualified Marriage Officer?

Yes. I have been a qualified Marriage Officer in the Republic of South Africa since 1997.  

Will you travel outside of Cape Town to perform a wedding? 

Yes. I am willing to if the travel fees are covered.

Do you provide pre-marital preparation (marriage counselling)? 

Yes and strongly recommend it. However it is an optional extra. You can alternatively go through some FREE Marriage Builders and select specific topics that you and your future spouse can work through. Go to FREE Marriage Builders

What areas are you prepared to travel to?

Mainly in the Western Cape Province. However I have travelled to other Provinces and Cities to do weddings, before.

John, do you marry gays / lesbians / homosexuals? 

No. This is against my moral and Christian convictions. There are other marriage officers that might help.

What are the procedures for foreigners getting married in South Africa?  

There are specific forms that need to filled in after certain requirements have been met.

Do I have to get married indoors or under a roof?

If you wish to be married outdoors, you are required by South African law to repeat the legal part (the signing of the register) in a venue specified by South African Law, namely ” . . .in a church or other building used for religious services or in a public office (i.e. a Government office) or in a private dwelling house.” I will be able to advise you on the best way to combine the legal requirements and your specific venue and wedding.

Can I keep my maiden/current surname after the ceremony?

South Africa law states that a bride can: 1) keep her maiden name, 2) change here surname to that of her new husband, 3) join her name to that of her new husband or 4) keep a surname she has legally obtained previously. All you have to do is inform your Marriage Officer of your preference and he/she will make the necessary arrangements.

Do my witnesses have to be South African and in the country for a set period of time before the wedding?

Your witnesses can be of any nationality and has no legal requirement to be in the country for any length of time prior to the wedding. The only legal requirements are that they witness the wedding (obviously), are 16 years or older and have a copy of proof of identification i.e: copy of identity document or passport.

How can I check my Marrital Status? (South African Citizens)

Click on this link to check your marrital status (Dept. of Home Affairs website)

What are the proceedures if we want you to do our Wedding Ceremony?  

We meet for coffee and then discuss the process and documentation. To organise a meeting