Formalities

Wedding in Zanzibar step by step – it’s easier than you think!

1. Wedding package

Think about what type of wedding you want: an official ceremony or perhaps a symbolic one. You can also opt for a church wedding (Catholic or Anglican).

At this stage, we don’t have to decide on the details, but it’s worth choosing which of the available packages you prefer.

2. Date

Choosing the date is the most important step — this is where we start planning your wedding. We need to confirm the date with a Civil Status official or priest, as they are essential for the ceremony.

3. Signing contract and paying deposit

After settling the most important details, we are ready to sign the contract. The next step is paying the deposit of $300, which guarantees the wedding date. The remaining amount is paid in cash upon arrival in Zanzibar.

4. Completing the documents

Now it is time to complete the necessary documents. All documents need to be translated into English by a sworn translator (or they may be multilingual if one of the languages is English). You must email us a copy of the documents no later than 2 weeks before the planned date of the wedding and take the original documents with you to Zanzibar.

5. Legalization of documents

The legalization process takes between 2 and 4 weeks. The document confirming the marriage will be sent to you by post. You need to submit this document to the Register Office in your country for the marriage to be legally recognized (procedures may vary depending on the country).

List of required documents (civil wedding):

1. Abridged copy of birth certificate.
2. Attestation stating that according to the law in your country, you are eligible to get married abroad.
3. Passport photo.
4. Photocopy of your passport (page with the photo).

List of required documents (Catholic wedding):

1. Birth certificate.
2. Letter of consent from the parents (or other family elder if the parents are deceased).
3. A letter from their parish indicating that the spouses have fulfilled all requirements for marriage within the Catholic Church and that the parish has no objections to the marriage. This should also indicate that they have received their first communion as well as confirmation.
4. Photocopy of both passports.
5. Two passport photographs each.

List of required documents (Anglican wedding):

1. Birth certificate.
2. Certificate of Baptism (essential for all church weddings).
3. A statement that both the bride and groom are single.
4. A letter from their parish indicating that the parish has no objection to the marriage (must be in English).
5. Photocopy of both passports.
6. Two passport photographs each.