How much it costs to have a civil wedding in Kenya
By Valerian Khakayi, May 15, 2026For many young Kenyan couples today, a wedding no longer has to mean a big church ceremony with hundreds of guests, expensive receptions, and months of planning.
The reality is that the high cost of living is pushing many people, especially millennials and Gen Z, to rethink what a perfect wedding looks like.
More young couples are now choosing simple civil weddings through the Attorney General’s office, as they look for affordable, stress-free ways to legalise their union without breaking the bank.
Civil wedding
In Kenya, a civil wedding can be conducted under a special license, which allows couples to skip the usual waiting period and proceed faster with their marriage plans.
According to the Office of the Attorney General and Department of Justice, this option is commonly used when one or both partners are foreign nationals or the couple wants to hold the wedding outside the usual gazetted venues like churches, gardens, hotels, or other approved locations.
Once approved, the marriage is usually conducted within a short period, making it a popular choice for couples who want a quick and straightforward process.
How it costs
The Office of the Attorney General and Department of Justice further stated that for civil marriages conducted under a special license, the government fee varies depending on where the ceremony is held.
Couples pay Ksh 9,700 if the wedding takes place at a licensed place of worship, while those who choose to hold the ceremony outside a licensed place of worship, such as in hotels, gardens, or private venues, pay Ksh 16,700.
“Upon successful completion of the interview, parties will be required to pay a fee of Ksh 9,700/= on the online platform if the wedding is to take place at the Registrar’s office or a fee Ksh 16,700/= if the wedding is to be conducted at a venue outside of the Registrar’s Office,” the Office of the Attorney General and Department of Justice stated.
These are the official government charges after approval and interview by the Registrar of Marriages.
“After submission of the application, both parties will be required to book an appointment on the online platform and appear before the Registrar for submission of original documents and an interview,” the Office of the AG outlined.
Requirements
To proceed with a special license civil marriage in Kenya, couples are required to provide valid identification documents such as national IDs or passports, complete the necessary marriage application forms, and present supporting documents confirming their eligibility to marry.
In some cases, additional requirements such as affidavits or proof of marital status (for example, divorce decrees or death certificates where applicable) may also be required before approval is granted by the Registrar of Marriages.
Eligibility
Both parties must be at least 18 and of sound mind. Additionally, they should not be closely related by blood or marriage.