Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) are mandated by the Marriage Act 1884–1985 to register and officiate marriages within their jurisdictions.
The Marriage Unit of the Assembly renders services for both Ordinance and Customary Marriages.
TYPES OF MARRIAGE SERVICES OFFERED
1. Ordinance Marriage (Cap 27)
- Couples from gazetted churches:
- Required to register and are issued a 21-day notice.
- The notice is sent to their ministers at their respective churches for publication.
- After the 21-days’ notice matures, either of the couples may return to the Assembly to obtain the Registrar’s Certificate.
- This certificate enables the couple to marry in their gazetted church, following all legal requirements.
- Couples from non-gazetted churches or couples wishing to marry at the Registry of the Assembly:
- Are given a date (usually on Fridays) to attend the Registry with their witnesses.
- A ceremony is conducted by the Assembly:
- Couples exchange vows and rings
- Sign the marriage register
- Receive an official Certificate of Marriage issued by the Assembly
- The ceremony closely resembles what is typically done in churches.
2. Customary Marriage
- The Assembly also facilitates Customary Marriage Registration for couples who prefer to formalise their union under customary law.
- Similar to the ordinance marriage process:
- Couples are given a 21-day waiting period
- Upon maturity of the notice, they are issued a Customary Marriage Certificate
CONTACT AND FURTHER INFORMATION
For more details or to begin the marriage registration process, couples are encouraged to contact the Marriage Unit at the Sunyani West Municipal Assembly.
Office Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM