The Office of the Attorney General (OAG) can now officiate garden weddings at a prescribed fee.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, December 17, 2024, AG Dorcas Oduor also announced the introduction of a VIP marriage room.
Garden weddings
For the garden weddings, the AG stated that couples can select and procure a beautiful, serene outdoor setting for their special day and invite the OAG to officiate the event.
The enhanced marriage services are designed to meet the diverse preferences of couples.
“The Office of the Attorney General and Department of Justice is pleased to inform the members of the public of enhanced marriage services designed to meet the diverse preferences of couples as they formalize their unions. Did you know we officiate garden weddings? the statement reads in part.
“Couples can now enjoy garden weddings officiated by the Office of the Attorney General at a prescribed fee. Couples can select and procure a beautiful, serene outdoor setting for their special day, ensuring a memorable experience while securing compliance with all legal requirements for marriage registration.”
VIP room
The AG further stated that the VIP marriage room will only be available in Nairobi.
This, the AG says, will help offer an upscale, expedited marriage service for couples seeking an elegant and efficient wedding experience and shall be offered at an upscaled fee to reflect the premium features.
The premium features that come with the VIP marriage room include a private, well-appointed room designed for personalized ceremonies and an option for couples to decorate the room according to their preferences.
“We are excited to announce the launch of a VIP marriage room in Nairobi, which offers an upscale, expedited marriage service for couples seeking an elegant and efficient wedding experience. This service shall be offered at an upscaled fee to reflect the premium features, including a private, well-appointed room designed for personalized ceremonies and the option for couples to decorate the room according to their preferences, allowing for a customized touch to their celebration,” Oduor stated.
“The VIP Marriage Room underscores our commitment to ensuring that all couples have the latitude to create meaningful memories on their wedding day while receiving professional and prompt service,” she added.
Civil marriages
Civil marriages in Kenya are conducted by the Registrar of Marriages, Deputy County Commissioners, or Assistant County Commissioners.
Before you plan a civil marriage, you need to specify whether it is under a notice or a special license.
For the former, where most Kenyans fall, you will place a 21-day notice before the marriage can take place, and both parties must be present when filling the notice form.
On the big day, you will need to carry your valid identification cards or passports (a copy and the original), coloured passport photos, and a death certificate if widowed or divorce decree.
For those who will be applying for the special license (unable to give a 21-day notice), if they are both Kenyans, they will need to have their valid identification cards or passports, birth certificates (in each case, a copy and original), and sufficient proof that they are not married.
Also, coloured passport photos and a documented reason to show why they can’t wait for 21 days, and both parties should appear before the registrar when applying.
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