Everything you need for your Ikoyi Registry journey
Special Marriage Application
A Special Marriage (Special License) allows couples to bypass the mandatory 21-day public notice period. Ideal when one or both parties are non-Nigerian citizens, or for couples on a tight timeline who need an expedited ceremony.
Ordinary Marriage Application
The standard statutory marriage between two Nigerian citizens. Includes the mandatory 21-day public notice period, official solemnisation at the registry, and issuance of a legally recognised marriage certificate.
Change of Venue
Request to have your marriage solemnised at an approved location outside the Federal Registry — such as a licensed place of worship, hotel, or private venue — while retaining full legal validity.
Certified True Copy (CTC)
Obtain a government-certified duplicate of your original marriage certificate. Essential for visa applications, immigration processing, legal proceedings, and replacing lost or damaged certificates.
Attestation of Marital Status
An official verification of your current marital status — single, married, divorced, or widowed. Commonly required by embassies, employers, and foreign government agencies for documentation purposes.
Document Verification
Third-party verification service that allows embassies, corporate organisations, and legal entities to confirm the authenticity of marriage certificates and related documents on record.
Official Requirements & Guidelines
Everything required by the Federal Marriage Registry for seamless processing.
Special Marriage Application
For couples who want to bypass the 21-day public notice period.
Required Documents
- Completed Special Marriage Application Form
- Valid means of identification for both parties (National ID, International Passport, Driver's Licence, or Voter's Card)
- Birth certificates or sworn declaration of age
- Two passport photographs each
- Proof of bachelorhood/spinsterhood (where required)
- If divorced: Decree Absolute
- If widowed: Death certificate of former spouse
- Letter stating the reason for requesting a Special Licence (may be required)
- Payment of prescribed fee
Ordinary Marriage Application
The standard statutory marriage process.
Required Documents
- Completed Notice of Marriage Form
- Valid ID for both parties
- Birth certificates or declaration of age
- Two passport photographs each
- Proof of address
- Evidence that both parties are single (or legal documents if previously married)
- Payment of application fee
- 21-day public notice period before solemnization
Change of Venue
For conducting the marriage outside the Federal Marriage Registry.
Required Documents
- Approved marriage application
- Written request for venue change
- Details and address of the proposed venue
- Venue must be approved/licensed
- Payment of change-of-venue fee
- Approval from the Registrar
Certified True Copy (CTC)
Replacement or certified duplicate of a marriage certificate.
Required Documents
- Application letter/request
- Valid ID
- Marriage certificate number or details of the marriage
- Police report or affidavit (if certificate was lost, where required)
- Payment of prescribed fee
Attestation of Marital Status
Official confirmation of your marital status.
Required Documents
- Completed application
- Valid means of identification
- Passport photograph
- Supporting documents proving marital status (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or death certificate where applicable)
- Payment of prescribed fee
Document Verification
Verification of marriage records for embassies, employers, or other institutions.
Required Documents
- Application/request from the applicant or requesting institution
- Copy of the marriage certificate or document to be verified
- Valid ID
- Authorization letter (if a third party is applying)
- Payment of verification fee
Get in touch or
come visit
Call us on
+234 800 000 0000
Email us
info@ikoyimarriageguide.com
Come visit
Federal Marriage Registry
Ikoyi, Lagos
Nigeria
Monday8:00—16:00
Tuesday8:00—16:00
Wednesday8:00—16:00
Thursday8:00—16:00
Friday8:00—14:00
A quick question? Contact us freely
Frequently asked questions
For an Ordinary Marriage, the process typically takes 4 to 6 weeks. This includes the mandatory 21-day public notice period, followed by scheduling for oath-taking and the ceremony. A Special Marriage with a Special License can shorten this to as little as 7 days, provided all documents are complete.
Oath-taking is usually conducted on Tuesdays, while wedding ceremonies are typically held from Wednesday to Friday. It's best to confirm your specific date when your application is approved through the eCITIBIZ portal.
Yes, you can apply online through the Federal Ministry of Interior's eCITIBIZ portal (ecitibiz.interior.gov.ng). The portal allows you to submit your application, upload documents, pay fees, and track your status. You will still need to visit the registry in person for oath-taking and the ceremony.
You need at least two witnesses — typically one from each party. Each witness must be at least 21 years old and carry a valid government-issued photo ID. They will be required to sign the marriage register during the ceremony.
You may wear a wedding dress, suit, or formal native attire. The registry does have a dress code — shorts, jeans, casual wear, and sleeveless tops are generally not permitted. Smart formal or traditional attire is recommended.
Absolutely. A marriage conducted at the Ikoyi Federal Marriage Registry is a statutory marriage recognised throughout Nigeria and internationally. The certificate is issued by the Federal Government and is valid for all legal, immigration, and official purposes.