Zimbabwe Marriage Certificate

Types of Marriage in Zimbabwe

Under the Marriages Act 2022 (Chapter 5:17), Zimbabwe recognises five types of marriage:

1. Civil Marriage

A monogamous marriage registered under the Marriages Act. Neither party can marry another person while the marriage subsists. This is the most common form of marriage for legal and administrative purposes.

2. Registered Customary Law Marriage

A marriage conducted in accordance with customary law and registered with the Registrar General. Registration provides full legal recognition and protection.

3. Unregistered Customary Law Marriage

A marriage conducted under customary law that has not been formally registered. While legally recognised, registration is strongly recommended for inheritance and property rights.

4. Qualified Civil Marriage

A civil marriage that permits a husband to subsequently contract a customary law marriage.

5. Civil Partnership

A legally recognised partnership registered under the Marriages Act 2022.

Minimum Age — 18, No Exceptions: The Marriages Act 2022 (Chapter 5:17) strictly prohibits ALL marriage under the age of 18. This applies to every type of marriage listed above. There are no exceptions — not even with parental or court consent. Any person who facilitates or conducts a marriage involving someone under 18 faces criminal penalties of up to 5 years imprisonment.

Requirements for a Civil Marriage

Both parties must be at least 18 years old (no exceptions under the Marriages Act 2022)
Both parties must have national IDs or valid birth certificates
Neither party must be currently married
Two witnesses who are 18 or older with valid IDs
Marriage banns must be published 21 days before the wedding (posted at the Registrar General's office)
If previously married: divorce order or death certificate of former spouse

How to Register a Customary Marriage

Visit the Registrar General's office with both parties present
Bring national IDs of both parties
Provide details of the lobola/roora payment
Bring two witnesses (typically elders from both families)
Pay the registration fee (approximately US$5 or ZiG equivalent)

Why register? An unregistered customary marriage may have limited legal protection for inheritance, pension claims (NSSA benefits), or property rights. Registration is strongly recommended.

How to Get a Certified Copy

If you've lost your marriage certificate or need an official copy:

Visit the Registrar General's Office

Go to the Registrar General's office in Harare (Makombe Building) or Bulawayo.

Provide Marriage Details

Give the approximate date of marriage, place of marriage, and full names of both parties.

Present Your ID

Show your national ID. If applying on behalf of someone else, bring a signed authority letter and both IDs.

Pay and Collect

Pay approximately US$5 (or ZiG equivalent). The certified copy is usually ready within 5 working days.

Cost

Service	Fee
Marriage registration	US$5-10 (or ZiG equivalent)
Marriage banns publication	US$5 (or ZiG equivalent)
Marriage certificate (original)	Included in registration
Certified copy of marriage certificate	US$5 (or ZiG equivalent)

ZiG Payment: Fees can be paid in USD or ZiG (Zimbabwe Gold) at the prevailing rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of marriage are recognised in Zimbabwe?

Under the Marriages Act 2022 (Chapter 5:17), Zimbabwe recognises five types of marriage: (1) Civil Marriage, (2) Registered Customary Law Marriage, (3) Unregistered Customary Law Marriage, (4) Qualified Civil Marriage, and (5) Civil Partnership. All parties must be at least 18 years old.

How do I get a certified copy of my marriage certificate?

Visit the Registrar General's office with your national ID and provide the approximate date and place of marriage. Pay the applicable fee (approximately US$5 or ZiG equivalent). Processing takes about 5 working days.

Is a customary marriage legally recognised in Zimbabwe?

Yes. Customary marriages are legally recognised under the Marriages Act 2022 (Chapter 5:17). Both registered and unregistered customary law marriages have legal standing, though registration is strongly recommended for full legal protection.

Can someone under 18 get married in Zimbabwe?

No. The Marriages Act 2022 (Chapter 5:17) strictly prohibits ALL marriage under the age of 18. This applies to every type of marriage — civil, customary and civil partnerships. Any person who facilitates or conducts a marriage involving a person under 18 faces criminal penalties of up to 5 years imprisonment.

Can I convert a customary marriage to a civil marriage?

Yes, but you must go through the full civil marriage registration process including publishing banns. The customary marriage will then be superseded by the civil marriage.