Marriage, also called matrimony or wedlock, is a culturally recognised union between people, called spouses, that establishes rights and obligations between them, as well as between them and their children, and between them and their in-laws.
REGISTRATION OF CUSTOMARY/TRADITIONAL MARRIAGE
The traditional or customary marriage is usually performed when the man goes to the home of the woman, to make known to her family, that he has the intention of marrying their daughter.
After consent is given, the necessary rights are performed according to traditions and the marriage celebration is performed.
FACTORS THAT MAKE A CUSTOMARY MARRIAGE VALID
Consent of both parents
Payment of bride price
Presentation of gifts to the bride’s family by either the man or a representative from his family.
Acceptance of gifts by bride’s family
Organisation of marriage celebration
Even if the bride does not move to stay with the groom, in the eyes of the community, they are considered husband and wife.
After all the necessary customary rights have been performed, the couple must then go to the office of their local assembly, preferably the municipal assembly, where they would fill out a form and pay an amount of money.
The Ordinance Marriage
The ordinance marriage is a monogamous kind of marriage that can be performed in one of these three under-listed ways.
Before we divert into the various variations of the ordinance marriage, let me break down the ordinance marriage into a little more detail.
The ordinance marriage is structured to be a one man to a wife marriage, unlike the customary marriage where a man can have two or more wife if they so desire.
This is to say that, unless one party dies, neither the man nor the woman is allowed to marry anybody else.
In the case where one marriage to a different partner has already been instigated, the second marriage is considered null and void.
The three variations of an ordinance marriage is as follows,
MARRIAGE BY SPECIAL LICENSE
Marriage by Special Licence is where the Registrar General’s Office, MMDA waives certain conditions for an Ordinance such as the length of time for notices or permits a venue (other than the Registrar General’s Office, MMDA or church) to be used for the performance of the marriage.
This is to say that, in selecting your wedding ceremony venue, you must ensure that they have a license to be host marriage ceremonies.
Receptions on the other hand can be held anywhere.
MARRIAGE BY REGISTRAR OF MARRIAGES
A Marriage Registrar is an officer at the Registrar Generals Office, Metropolitan, Municipal or District Assembly (MMDA), with responsibility to perform marriages.
Under the Marriages Act, 1884-1985, the couple must give notice in writing to the Registrar of Marriage of the district in which the marriage will take place of their intention to marry within three months.
How do I register my marriage in Ghana?
One or both of the applicants must be citizens of Ghana;
Applications of marriage must be made at the registrar of marriages in the district in which applicants live; …
Application forms are obtained from the office of the registrar; they should be completed and required document’s attached before submission.
How much does it cost to get a marriage certificate in Ghana?
The fees for marriage registration are, GHS85. 00 for filing of a Notice of Marriage and Issue of a Registrar’s Certificate, and GHS160. 00 for Celebration of Marriage (Official Marriage Ceremony).