Getting married in Ghana as a foreigner involves a mix of legal steps and cultural traditions. Here’s how to navigate the process with clarity and confidence—even if it’s your first time planning a wedding abroad.
1. Choose the Type of Marriage
In Ghana, there are three recognized types of marriage:
•Ordinance (Civil) Marriage — governed by the Marriages Act (CAP 127), strictly monogamous, and legally binding .
•Customary Marriage — based on traditional rites tied to one’s ethnic background and legally recognized if registered .
•Islamic (Mohammedan) Marriage — conducted under religious laws (CAP 129) .
2. Meet the Residency & Documentation Requirements
For ordinance (civil) marriage:
•You must have lived in Ghana for at least 14 working days before filing .
•Submit a valid residence permit and valid IDs (passport, driver’s license, etc.) .
•If one partner isn’t present during filing, a signed consent letter is required .
3. File Marriage Notice & Wait for Publication
•A notice of marriage must be filed at the Marriage Registry 21 days before the wedding (civil) or 28 days (customary) for public notice .
•During this period, any objections can be raised. If none are raised, you’ll proceed to sign your certificate.
4. Ceremony & Registration
•The wedding must take place within 3 months of filing the civil notice; otherwise, it expires and must be refiled .
•At the ceremony, both partners and two witnesses each sign the marriage certificate .
•For customary marriages, a statutory declaration with family representatives’ support is required before registration .
5. Honor Cultural Traditions (Optional but Meaningful)
Marriage in Ghana is often a family affair. You may be invited to perform knocking—officially requesting the bride’s hand in marriage from her family—which is a sign of respect and tradition . Dowry presentations and other traditional elements may also be customary depending on the family or ethnic group.
Real Experiences from Couples
“We would need to be living in the country for the minimum time stated and also give 21 days notice. So you guys would need to be in the country at least a month before your proposed wedding date.”
— on r/ghana
“Get someone elderly in your family or a Ghanaian male friend to represent you … (this is called knocking). Yes you need to pay a dowry and you will be given a list of items to buy for the bride’s family.”
— on r/ghana
Quick Summary Table
Step
Ordinance (Civil) Marriage
Customary Marriage
Residency Requirement
14+ days in Ghana + residence permit
Not strictly required; cultural involvement varies
Notice Period
21 days
28 days
Documentation Needed
IDs, consent letter, divorce/death certificates
IDs, statutory declaration, family reps
Witnesses Required
Two per partner
Family involvement instead
Legal Validity
Automatically legal after registration
Requires registration for legal recognition
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