AdminA court wedding, also called a registry or statutory marriage, is the simplest and most affordable way to legally marry in Nigeria. Many couples do it alongside their traditional, church or Islamic wedding, often because they need a marriage certificate for travel, visas, banking or official records.
So how much does a court wedding cost in Nigeria? This guide explains the official fees, other costs you should budget for, required documents, how the process works, and how to protect yourself from being overcharged.
Quick Answer: Court Wedding Costs in Nigeria
The official registry fees for a court wedding in Nigeria are relatively low. After the Federal Government reduced statutory marriage fees in July 2020, media reports cited an official registration rate of ₦15,000 at federal registries, and a 2024 investigation reported a fee of ₦27,000 listed on the Ikoyi registry’s website. Fees can change, so always confirm the current amount through official channels.
Including documents, photos, outfits and a small celebration, most couples spend roughly ₦50,000 to ₦300,000 in total on a simple court wedding. These figures are estimates.
Typical Court Wedding Costs
| Item | Estimated cost |
|---|---|
| Official registration fee | Confirm current fee with the registry |
| Affidavits (bachelorhood/spinsterhood, age declaration) | ₦2,000 – ₦10,000 each |
| Passport photographs | ₦2,000 – ₦5,000 |
| Medical tests, if requested (genotype, HIV) | ₦10,000 – ₦30,000 |
| Outfits for the couple | ₦30,000 – ₦200,000+ |
| Photographer | ₦20,000 – ₦150,000 |
| Small lunch or reception | ₦30,000 – ₦500,000+ |
| Transport | ₦10,000 – ₦50,000 |
Documents Usually Required
Requirements can vary between registries, but couples are commonly asked for:
- Valid identification (national ID, passport or driver’s licence)
- Passport photographs of both partners
- Birth certificates or sworn declarations of age
- Affidavits of bachelorhood or spinsterhood
- A divorce decree or death certificate of a former spouse, if applicable
- Details of two adult witnesses
- For foreign nationals, passport and any extra documents the registry requests
How the Process Works
- Apply and pay at a federal or local government marriage registry, or through the official online portal where available.
- Submit your documents and attend any interview the registry requires.
- Wait for the notice period. Under the Marriage Act, notice of the intended marriage is displayed for 21 days before the licence is issued.
- Attend the ceremony with your two witnesses on your scheduled date.
- Collect your marriage certificate.
At Ikoyi, weddings are reportedly held from Wednesday to Saturday, and special dates on Mondays and Tuesdays may be arranged at extra cost.
Ikoyi (Federal) vs Local Government Registries
The Federal Marriage Registry in Ikoyi, Lagos, is Nigeria’s best-known registry, and some couples choose it for documents used abroad. However, a Lagos High Court ruled in 2018 that marriages conducted and registered at local government councils are also valid. Local registries are often less crowded. If you need the certificate for an embassy or international purpose, ask the relevant embassy which registry it accepts.
Protect Yourself From Extortion
Investigations by TheCable and ZAM Magazine have reported officials at the Ikoyi registry charging couples well above the official fees. To protect yourself:
- Pay official fees only through approved channels and get receipts.
- Avoid paying cash to individuals or touts.
- Check the official fee before you go.
- Ask for a written breakdown of any additional charges.
Court Weddings for Muslim Couples
A nikah is a valid Islamic marriage, but some Muslim couples also register a statutory marriage, often for visas or official documents. A statutory marriage under the Marriage Act is monogamous and has specific legal consequences, so it is wise to speak with a lawyer and a trusted scholar before deciding.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a court wedding take in Nigeria?
The ceremony itself is usually short, but you should plan for at least 3 to 4 weeks from application to wedding because of the 21-day notice period.
Is a local government marriage certificate valid?
Yes. A Lagos High Court ruled in 2018 that marriages registered at local government councils are valid. Some embassies may have their own preferences, so check if you need it for travel.
Can foreigners marry at a Nigerian registry?
Yes, but extra documents are usually required. Contact the registry and your embassy first.
Final Thoughts
A court wedding is the most affordable way to legally marry in Nigeria. Confirm the official fees, prepare your documents early, pay only through official channels and keep every receipt.
For more wedding cost guides, read church wedding fees, how much a small wedding costs and how to plan a wedding with ₦1 million in our Wedding Budget Guide.
Admin