First look over this website with the latest from DHA
All SA / Foreign couples wishing to legally marry in South Africa need to attend an interview at the Immigration department of Home Affairs. You can go to Home Affairs but they have their own schedule which could be quite packed… it is free though. A private officer costs something, but you can do it anywhere then! So its worth considering what is the route you would prefer
The purpose of this procedure is to ensure that both parties are willingly entering into marriage of their own accord and not under duress. If you miss an interview, officials won’t register the marriage certificate. As a result, they will nullify the marriage.
You will need to go in person to make an appointment, so you both need to be in Cape Town at least 10 – 14 days prior to your wedding date.
The duration of your relationship is not important at all - its more to see that you are in a legitimate relationship, and the interviews are notorious for going longer depending on your nation of origin and the officers news
The legal marriage may only be carried out once this interview has been successfully conducted and written confirmation is received from the inspector.
If one party is a South African Citizen and the other is a foreigner from any country other than the UK or USA, these are the documents that will be required from you and the process you will need to follow in order to be legally married in South Africa.
If one party of the couple was born in South Africa, or holds dual citizenship with SA, please check with a Marriage Officer to get clarity on this as you may still be considered a South African Citizen and this changes the process radically. This also applies to foreigners holding Temporary or Permanent South African Residency. All Refugees are to contact the Department of Home Affairs directly.
YOUR DHA INTERVIEW
Arrive 30 min ahead of your appointment. The process requires the signature of two witnesses, but no more than 6 guests are allowed in the proceedings. Make sure both parties, as well as the two witnesses, have their ID documents with them.
It usually takes a week to get an interview and after you can call a private marriage lawyer, who will get you married anytime and any place you want.
Your interview
You can get married without being together for a specific time. The interview is to check that it's not a fake marriage.
post-Interview
After the interview you get a certificate that you give to the Marriage Officer, HA don't care about the date of he wedding
