Many Nigerian couples hold three ceremonies: the traditional marriage, the church wedding and sometimes a registry signing. The church wedding, often called the white wedding, is for many families the most important. Planning it means working with church rules, legal requirements and a crowded calendar.
Choosing a church and counselling
Most couples marry in the church of the bride, the groom or their parents. Popular churches book up months ahead, especially in December and at Easter. Meet the pastor or priest early to confirm availability and requirements. Most churches require premarital counselling, which may last several weeks or months. Sessions cover communication, money, sex, conflict, in-laws and faith. Some churches require it before they will fix a date.
Medical tests, banns and the law
Many churches ask couples to take tests, including genotype and HIV tests, and present results. Genotype testing helps couples understand the risk of sickle cell disease in children.
Some churches announce or publish the couple’s intention to marry, known as banns, over several weeks so anyone with a lawful objection can raise it. Under Nigeria’s Marriage Act, marriages in licensed places of worship can be legally recognised. Couples usually obtain documents from the marriage registry and the church issues a marriage certificate. Check your church’s status and the process.
Documents, the service and the dress code
Expect to provide birth certificates or declarations of age, passport photographs, proof of membership or baptism, letters from parents or guardians, and test results. A typical service includes processional hymns, Bible readings, a sermon, vows, exchange of rings, prayers, signing of the register and a recessional. Churches may have rules on dress, especially for the bride and bridal party. Ask about sleeves, necklines and photography.
Some churches limit where photographers can stand or what music can be played. Brief your vendors.
Costs, timing and rehearsal
Fees for using the church, decoration, choir and officiants vary. Ask for a written list. Services usually start in the morning or early afternoon, followed by the reception. Build in time for traffic and photos. Many churches hold a rehearsal a day or two before the wedding. Attend it with your bridal party. The church wedding is often the shortest part of the day. Done well, it is also the part couples remember most clearly years later.
