AG’s Office Introduces VVIP Civil Marriage Lounge Ahead of Valentine’s Day
Couples planning to officially register their marriages ahead of Valentine’s Day will now have the opportunity to do so in a more calm, private, and comfortable environment after the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) unveiled a new VVIP civil marriage lounge.
The facility has been introduced as part of efforts to improve the experience for Kenyans choosing civil unions, especially during the busy Valentine’s season when marriage registrations usually increase.
In a statement released on Sunday, February 7, the Office of the Attorney General explained that the establishment of the lounge was timely, considering the growing number of couples seeking civil marriage services during this period.
According to the OAG, the new setting is meant to create a more dignified and welcoming atmosphere where couples can celebrate an important milestone in a peaceful and organised space.
The office noted that the lounge is designed to provide a personalised experience, allowing couples to enjoy their ceremony in a setting that feels more special and respectful. Officials said the move is also part of broader efforts to improve service delivery by making the process more efficient while maintaining professionalism during the solemnisation of civil marriages.
The successful introduction of the facility, the OAG added, reflects ongoing reforms aimed at ensuring couples receive quality services as they formalise their unions through civil marriage.
In recent years, civil marriages have continued to gain popularity across Kenya. Many couples, especially in rural and urban centres alike, are increasingly choosing civil unions because they are viewed as simpler, faster, and more affordable compared to traditional or religious weddings, which can often involve higher costs and longer preparations.
Civil marriages also offer flexibility, making them attractive to couples seeking a straightforward legal process.
For couples planning to register a civil marriage, several documents are required before the process can begin. These include valid national identity cards or passports for both parties, birth certificates, recent passport-size photographs, and proof confirming the marital status of each partner.
These requirements help the Registrar verify eligibility and ensure that all legal conditions are met before the marriage is approved.
The process begins with an application for a 21-day public notice of marriage through the eCitizen portal. This notice allows members of the public to raise any legal objections, if any exist.
Once the notice period ends, the marriage must be solemnised within 90 days from the date the notice was issued. After the notice period, couples are required to appear before the Registrar for an interview and verification of their documents.
At this stage, they also complete and sign a marriage affidavit confirming the accuracy of the information provided.
For couples who may not wish to wait through the standard notice period, there is also an option to apply for a special marriage licence.
This licence allows for a faster and more flexible process, making it suitable for couples who want to complete the marriage arrangements within a shorter timeframe.
Civil marriage ceremonies are commonly conducted at the Registrar of Marriages’ offices, including Sheria House in Nairobi.
However, ceremonies can also take place in other approved venues such as licensed hotels, gardens, private homes, or offices of Deputy and Assistant County Commissioners, provided the location meets legal requirements.
In terms of costs, couples are typically required to pay a notice fee of about Ksh600, while the ceremony fee is approximately Ksh3,900. Those opting for the expedited process through a special licence may pay around Ksh16,000.
The introduction of the VVIP lounge is therefore expected to further enhance the experience for couples by combining affordability with a more comfortable and memorable setting as they begin their married life.
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