Object to an intended marriage
Registrar of Marriages · sources read 3 Oct 2026
Anyone with a valid legal reason can object to a planned marriage, before the Registrar of Marriages (online on eCitizen, with a written objection letter) or before the Minister of Faith conducting it. The Registrar decides within 14 days.
- Fee
- We couldn't confirm a fee from the official page. Check it there before you pay.
- How long
- A decision within 14 days of the notice
- Deadline
- Not happy with the decision? Appeal to the Magistrate's Court within 14 days.
- Where
- Online on eCitizen (Registrar of Marriages, Nairobi County only), or in writing to the religious organisation conducting the marriage
What you need
- A written letter of objection
- Proof of marriage
- The objection must give your name, your relationship to either of the couple, and your reasons
Steps
- Decide where to object: before the Registrar of Marriages or the Minister of Faith where the marriage is taking place.
- Before the Registrar: fill the online objection form on eCitizen and upload your written objection letter and proof of marriage.
- Before a Minister of Faith: write an objection letter to the religious organisation where the marriage will take place.
- The Marriage Officer hears the objection and makes a decision within 14 days.
Watch out
- Online marriage services on eCitizen are only for Nairobi County. Outside Nairobi, contact your local Registrar of Marriages.
- For civil, Christian and Hindu marriages, the couple gives at least 21 days' written notice to the Registrar before the wedding.
Who can apply
- Anyone with a valid legal reason to object to the planned marriage.
Official sources (4)
- Objections to Marriage statelaw.go.ke · read 3 Oct 2026
- Getting Married in Kenya statelaw.go.ke · read 3 Oct 2026
- Registration of Marriage by Notice statelaw.go.ke · read 3 Oct 2026
- eCitizen ecitizen.go.ke · read 3 Oct 2026