Couples planning to formalise their unions through civil marriage will now enjoy a more serene and personalised experience after the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) unveiled a VVIP civil marriage lounge ahead of Valentine’s Day.
In a statement issued on Sunday, February 7, the OAG said the new facility was established as part of preparations for the busy Valentine’s season, when demand for civil marriage services typically rises.
According to the Attorney General’s office, the lounge is designed to offer a dignified, calm, and welcoming environment for couples seeking to solemnise their marriages, while also improving overall service delivery.
“The facility, set up ahead of the Valentine’s season, is designed to provide a serene and respectful setting for the solemnisation of civil unions,” the statement read.
The OAG noted that the successful hosting of ceremonies at the new lounge marks a significant step toward enhancing the quality of public service, while giving couples a more personalised experience when formalising their unions.
Civil marriage ceremonies continue to gain popularity in Kenya, especially in rural areas, as many couples view them as an efficient and cost-effective alternative to traditional or religious weddings.
To qualify for a civil marriage, couples must present key documents, including national identity cards or passports, birth certificates, passport-sized photographs, and proof of marital status.
Applicants are required to submit a 21-day public notice of marriage through the eCitizen portal. Once the notice period lapses, the marriage must be solemnised within 90 days.
After the notice period, couples must appear before the Registrar of Marriages for document verification, an interview, and completion of a marriage affidavit.
Those seeking a faster process may apply for a special marriage licence, which allows the ceremony to be conducted without waiting for the standard notice period.
Civil marriage ceremonies are usually held at the Registrar of Marriages’ offices, such as Sheria House, but can also take place at licensed venues including hotels, gardens, private residences, or offices of Deputy and Assistant County Commissioners.
The cost for a civil marriage typically includes a Ksh600 notice fee, about Ksh3,900 for the ceremony, and approximately Ksh16,000 for a special licence.
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