FAQ

Duration of the ceremony?

From the moment that the bride enters, to the signing of the register – 40 minutes.

Is there a prescribed set of vows, or can we use our own?

I prefer couples to write their own vows, but the traditional vows are available. The couple can either repeat after me, say it from their heads or hearts, I can read it out loud or they can just say : “I do”.

Can we have special ceremonies conducted?

Yes. By all means.

Do we have to have congregational singing during the ceremony?

We can, but I prefer not to have it, unless we are sure that all the people know the songs.

When do we get the marriage certificate?

If both the parties originate from South Africa, I issue the certificate on the day.
If both the parties are from a foreign country, the local Home Affairs will issue the certificate. It usually takes two to three days.
If one of the parties are from another country and the other is South African, the marriage certificate can be issued on the day in the following circumstances:
- If they only want the marriage to be registered in South Africa and they’re planning to reside in South Africa.
If they want to live abroad, want the marriage to be registered or recognized in another country, or need a visa for one of the parties, an unabridged marriage certificate will be needed. This can take up to 8 months to be issued, if the couple apply for it. If I apply for it on your behalf, I usually have it in two to four weeks. (Extra costs will be involved – please refer to the price structure).

Do we need a pre nuptial contract?

There are two ways in which it can be done:

In community of property (Without a contract).
Out of community of property (With a contract, drawn up by an attorney).

Can the bride be late?

Tradition allows the bride to arrive late at the ceremony, but it should not exceed 15 minutes after the appointed time. In the event of an emergency, please let me know, so I can keep the guests at peace.

Do we have to book in advance?

Yes. It is of utmost importance that a booking should be made, and the booking will only be secured if the deposit is paid and proof of payment is sent through to me. It is a non- refundable deposit. All changes to bookings should be in writing, either faxed or e-mailed.

Do you have a venue of your own?

No. I do not have a venue. I do conduct civil weddings in my lounge, but guests are restricted to a maximum of 6, due to a lack of space.

10.

How do we know you are licensed with Home Affairs?

I can provide you with a letter of appointment.

11.

What other languages can the ceremony be conducted in?

Afrikaans.

12.

Do you have to attend the reception?

I only attend the reception on personal invitation, and if time allows it. It is not obligatory.

13.

Does your wife attend the wedding?

She only attends weddings on invitation.

14.

Do we have to go for marriage counselling before the wedding?

Marriage counselling is available at R200-00 per one hour session, but it is not a prerequisite. It is always good to be prepared, but I do commit myself to be available to couples for counselling afterwards as well. I have found it better to give counselling after the wedding, when people are faced with the reality.

15.

What if you are not available on the date of our wedding?

I am part of a network of ministers with the same frame of mind, and we can suggest one of them if I am not available. We usually work around the couple’s needs.

16.

We do have a minister, but he/she is not licensed to do the legal part.

I can attend the ceremony and perform the legal section as part of the ceremony while the other person does the spiritual side of it.
We can perform the legal section apart from the ceremony.

17.

What is the cost more or less?

For a full ceremony it is R1200-00 excluding travel costs (from Kempton Park). All other prices are available on request.

Forms (Please fill in the relevant form below and e-mail or fax it back to us)
•	Declaration for the purpose of a marriage
•	Consent to the marriage of a minor