Many couples think of the church wedding as the religious part and the paperwork as an afterthought. In Ghana, a church wedding conducted by a licensed minister in a licensed place of worship is usually also a legal marriage under the Marriages Act. That means the paperwork is part of the ceremony, and missing a step can cause problems later.
Three types of marriage
Ghanaian law recognises customary marriage, Ordinance marriage and Islamic marriage. A church wedding is normally an Ordinance marriage, which is monogamous. Many couples first perform the customary marriage, often called the engagement, and then hold the church wedding.
Start with your church
Talk to your church at least six months before the date. Churches have their own requirements: membership, attendance, baptism, premarital counselling and sometimes a letter from the home church of the partner who belongs elsewhere. Some churches will not marry couples who are not members.
Premarital counselling
Most churches require counselling sessions with a pastor or marriage counsellor. These may run for weeks or months. Book early, because counsellors are busy in peak wedding seasons.
Giving notice
An Ordinance marriage requires notice of the intended marriage. Notice is given to the registrar of marriages in the district, or published by the church according to its procedures, and must run for a set period before the wedding can take place. Ask your church administrator or the registrar’s office exactly what is required and how long the notice period is.
Documents
Expect to provide identification, such as the Ghana Card, birth certificates or other proof of age, and passport photographs. Anyone previously married must show evidence that the earlier marriage has ended, such as a divorce decree or death certificate.
The licence and the officiant
The minister must be licensed to celebrate marriages, and the church building must be licensed for marriages. Confirm both with your church. If you plan to marry outside the church building, check whether a special licence is needed.
Witnesses
Two witnesses must sign the marriage register. Choose people who will be present and reliable.
The certificate
After the ceremony, the couple and witnesses sign the register and the couple receives a marriage certificate. Keep it safe. It is needed for name changes, passports, visas, inheritance and many official purposes.
The wedding day is about the vows. The weeks before are about making sure the law recognises them. Start the paperwork early, and the church wedding becomes the celebration it should be.
