Apply for a civil marriage certificate
From: Government of Kenya (public information)
Published 2 June 2026 · Last updated 2 June 2026
Find out how to submit a notice of marriage and legally register a civil union at the Registrar of Marriages office in Kenya. This page covers mandatory 21-day public notice rules, required identity documents, and fixed government fees on eCitizen.
Warning This is an independent guide — not a government website. Never share passwords or OTPs with agents. Only pay through official portals. Scams and fake websites
No direct application link is listed yet. Try eCitizen or contact government.
Quick facts
- Processing time
- Minimum 21 days (Mandatory legal waiting window for public notice) up to 30 days total for the entire ceremony processing.
- Base cost
- Ksh 3,950 total fee (Includes notice and office ceremony)
- How to apply
- Hybrid (Online form and physical attendance required)
Fees and times can change. Confirm on the official site before you pay.
Before you start
- Both partners must be at least 18 years of age.
- Neither partner can be currently in an active civil, customary, or religious marriage union with another person (Kenyan law strictly forbids bigamy under the civil framework).
Documents you need
- Scanned color copies of the National ID cards or valid Passports for both the bride and the groom.
- Scanned color copies of the official Birth Certificates for both parties.
- One recent passport-sized color photograph of each applicant.
- Scanned color copies of the National ID cards for your two adult witnesses (must be over 18 years old).
- Proof of Marital Status: Single individuals must upload a sworn marital status affidavit from a Commissioner for Oaths. Divorced individuals require a Decree Absolute, and widowed applicants require the late spouse's Death Certificate.
Fees and charges
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Statutory Notice of Marriage Fee | Ksh 600 |
| Registrar's Office Marriage Ceremony & Certificate Surcharge | Ksh 3,300 |
| eCitizen Portal Convenience Charge | Ksh 50 |
Office visits
- Verification Interview: Both parties must visit the registrar after the 21-day notice lapses to present original identification and marital status documents. The Marriage Ceremony: Both partners and their two adult witnesses must physically attend the booked venue to exchange vows and sign the physical marriage register. — You must book a slot at the main Registrar of Marriages Office at Sheria House in Nairobi, or select Huduma Centres countrywide that have active civil marriage registries.
You may also use a Huduma Centre where the service is offered.
Questions
Can foreign nationals get married under this eCitizen civil system?
Yes. However, a foreigner cannot use a standard single status affidavit. They must upload a certified Certificate of No Impediment to Marriage issued by their home country’s embassy or civil registry, alongside a valid passport, entry visa, and a certified copy of their birth certificate.
What happens if the 90 days lapse before we get married?
If 90 days pass after your 21-day notice period expires and you have not solemnized your marriage, your entire application becomes legally void. Your fees are forfeited, and you must file a fresh notice and pay again to restart the process.