Get a certified copy of a marriage certificate, or register a customary marriage
Office of the Attorney General and Department of Justice · sources read 30 Sep 2026
Apply on eCitizen. A certified copy of a marriage certificate costs KSh 1,100 and is ready about 4 days after you pay; registering a customary marriage costs KSh 3,900 after an interview with the Registrar.
- Fee
- KSh 1,100Certified copy of a marriage certificateKSh 3,900Registration of a customary marriage (new or existing)
- How long
- Certified copy: 4 days after payment. Customary registration: within 14 days of payment.
- Deadline
- A new customary marriage must be registered within 6 months of the marriage.
- Where
- Online on eCitizen (Registrar of Marriages, Office of the Attorney General); customary registration also needs an in-person interview with the Registrar
What you need
- Certified copy: the system of marriage, both partners' names, and the date and place of the marriage
- Customary registration: copy of national ID or passport for each partner
- Customary registration: one coloured passport photo each
- New customary marriage: copies of the IDs of witnesses who were at the ceremony
- New customary marriage: a letter from the Chief confirming the marriage took place
Steps
- For a certified copy: apply on eCitizen, giving the type of marriage, both names, and the date and place of the marriage.
- When the record is found, you get a notice to pay KSh 1,100 on eCitizen.
- For a customary marriage: apply on eCitizen with your documents. For a new marriage, the notice is displayed for 14 days.
- Both of you book an appointment on eCitizen and go to the Registrar of Marriages with your originals for an interview.
- Once approved, pay KSh 3,900 on eCitizen. The certificate follows within 14 days of payment.
Watch out
- For a new customary marriage, place the notice within 3 months of finishing the customary steps.
- If you already had a civil or Christian wedding, you can't register the same marriage as customary.
- The customary certificate takes up to 14 days after you pay, so don't pay at the last minute if you need it for a deadline.
Who can apply
- Certified copy: for marriages registered under civil, Christian, Hindu or customary law in Kenya
- Customary registration: couples married under the customs of one or both partners' communities
- Customary registration: you must not already be in a civil or Christian marriage
Official sources (2)
- Application for Certified Copy of a Marriage Certificate statelaw.go.ke · read 30 Sep 2026
- Registration of New and Existing Marriages statelaw.go.ke · read 30 Sep 2026