Weddings in level 4 and beyond

Weddings - Level 4 and beyond.

Many couples have had to come to terms with the fact that wedding ceremonies as we know them will not be allowed within the foreseeable future. There are also talks that indicate that even after the lockdowns are lifted larger group gatherings might not be permitted for some time. As we continually watch the news for updates the movements between lockdown levels also raise some questions so here are some of the things we know (for now) with regards to weddings during the lockdowns.

Department of home affairs:

The department of home affairs is open, yet they have only performed essential services up until now. These essential service exclude the issuing of marriage certificates (and registration of new marriages by implication). They also do not perform marriage ceremonies at any Home Affairs branches.

It does however look like lockdown level 3 would allow for the issuing of marriage certificates and also as if weddings that took place just before the lockdowns started on 26 March (that have not yet been registered) would be registered.

It is not clear however if home affairs will be performing marriage ceremonies or whether they would allow marriage officers to perform small ceremonies (the bride, groom, two witnesses as well as the marriage officer) at level 3. I do believe though that it is safe to say that due to the rise in infections and the rules of social distancing there probably won’t be any weddings taking place under lockdown level 3.

Unfortunately Home Affairs has not posted any updates that pertain to weddings on their website and they have also not been answering calls on their call center either. However I do believe that these channels of communication will be opening again on level 3.

Wedding venues:

Wedding venues are open for communication online and telephonically however viewings might not be possible at this stage.

Various venue managers have told me that they now do virtual tours and are gearing up to receive guests and host weddings when the lockdowns lift within the framework set out for public gatherings so if you are planning a wedding and would like to reserve a date for the future that can happen.

Group gatherings:

Like I indicated earlier, it looks like the restriction on the amounts of people allowed at public gatherings might be with us for some time so I would recommend that you keep your guest list small. I have also heard of some couples who are planning a small ceremony followed by various smaller celebrations afterwards in order to celebrate their union with their friends and family over a period of time.

Online weddings:

I often get asked if I can marry people online. Unfortunately the laws in South Arica that pertain to marriage does not allow for this yet, however there are discussions of amendments to the act taking place. For now though the law requires all necessary parties to be present in the same location upon the signing of the marriage register and it is important to adhere to these laws so that the legality of the marriage can not be disputed later.

There are are however some couples that still choose to host an online wedding with all their friends and families logged in. What this means is that it is only a celebration with the marriage not being legally registered. They will then perform the legalities as per the legal requirements as soon as that is allowed.

Don't stop planning:

These are strange and uncertain times but I would like to encourage you not to lose hope and also not to stop dreaming about your day! As human beings we need to hope, we need to celebrate, we need togetherness! So even if it looks a little different from the original plan in your head (for now) having a goal to work towards can be a good thing for you and your loved ones in these uncertain times.

This blog is written with the information available at the time and is subject to change. As soon as updates and amendments are made within the lockdowns we will post more.

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