Getting Married in the Seychelles

Everything you need to know

When getting married in the Seychelles, you are able to choose between either a civil or religious (Roman Catholic or Anglican) marriage.

There are certain legal requirements for civil marriage in Seychelles. Furthermore, to ensure the process is free of any hurdles, the necessary documents must be provided.

What you need to know about getting married in the Seychelles

The following are legal requirements and must be fulfilled:

  • You must confirm your wedding with the resort or venue at least 30 days before the wedding date
  • Generally, weddings are held between Monday and Friday between 14h00 and 16h00. Arrangements for weddings taking place outside of these days and times can be made at the discretion of the registrar at an additional cost
  • Legally, couples must stay in the Seychelles for a minimum of 3 nights before the actual wedding date
  • Both parties must be a minimum age of 18 years. If either party is younger than 18 years old, he or she must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian
  • Should a cancellation be required, a full refund will not be possible as all costs would have already been allocated to the various agents
  • All documents must be in either English or French. For other nationalities, a notarised translation must be scanned an emailed to the venue in Seychelles. The translated copies must be presented with the original documents upon arrival in the Seychelles

Documentation required for getting married in the Seychelles:

  • A photocopy of both birth certificates
  • A copy of a previous marriage certificate if previously married as well as the Decree of divorce if either or both parties have been divorced
  • A copy of the relevant death certificate if either or both parties are widowed from a previous marriage
  • If either or both parties have legally changed their names, a copy of the Deed Poll
  • A photocopy of the first photographed page of both passports, clearly showing each party’s personal details
  • If either or both parties are under the age of 18, a photocopy of parental consent in the form of an affidavit

My partner is not South African and we are getting married in the Seychelles
Should you be getting married to a foreign citizen, there are certain documents that they will be required to present.

Swiss Citizens

A Wohnsitzbescheinigung (a Swiss residence certificate) is required for Swiss Citizens getting married in the Seychelles. Additionally, a copy of their certificate of Domicile and Personenstandsausweis (a certificate of civil status) along with a legal document which proves that there is no lawful impediment.

If a person is unable to obtain any of the above, an affidavit which serves as a declaration of domicile must be signed in the presence of the Honorary Swiss Consul in Seychelles as part of the marriage.

Faxed copies are not accepted for the marriage registration process and an additional cost will apply in order for the Swiss Consulate to process the wedding documents.

French Citizens

French citizens are required to make attestations at the French Embassy. This should be done before their marriage. In very specific circumstances this stipulation may be waived and the consular official may accept formalities being made after the wedding has taken place.

Each party is required to produce a copy of their Identification cards, a passport photograph for registration purposes as well as an official family record book.

Notarised copies of all relevant documents which have been translated in French are also required for any party who is not of French nationality.

Only when at least one party is a French national is the French Embassy in the Seychelles able to register the marriage. Should both parties be of foreign nationality, any application for registration should be addressed to their own Consulate or Embassy.

All documents must be sent to the French Embassy at least two months before the date of the wedding as upcoming weddings must be published in France.

Van Deventer & Van Deventer Incorporated – Attorneys in Cape Town and Johannesburg

Contact us for more information regarding the legal process of getting married in the Seychelles and how we can assist you and your partner.

 

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