An unabridged marriage certificate proves that two people are legally married and that they have a legally binding marriage contract in place. Unabridged marriage certificates are official records denoting that two people have participated in a partnership and it includes jurisdictions where wedding licenses are not in place.
Some authorities see unabridged marriage certificates as serving a dual purpose. Firstly, the certificate serves as proof that nuptials are permissible, and secondly, that the marriage has been witnessed by eligible witnesses. An unabridged marriage certificate is also referred to as a “full marriage certificate” or “long-form marriage certificate”.
Who needs to obtain an unabridged marriage certificate?
Individuals who wish to travel internationally or apply for visas for certain countries will need to apply for unabridged marriage certificates before they can apply for other travel documentation. There can also be many other reasons for requiring the document – citizenship applications, adoptions, etc.
What is the difference between abridged and unabridged marriage certificates?
When you get married in South Africa, you will automatically be issued with a marriage register or certificate. Once registered at Home Affairs, you can obtain an abridged marriage certificate over the counter at most DHA offices. You can also obtain an unabridged version, naturally once you are on the Home Affairs system, but this requires an application and a long wait. Both certificates have value, but in essence, there are a lot of differences between the two certificates.
Abridged marriage certificates are issued by the Department of Home Affairs on default after a wedding took place in South Africa. The married couple often receives this certificate immediately after their wedding. If you live, work, and plan to stay in South Africa, this certificate should suffice.
An unabridged marriage certificate is only issued by the Department of Home Affairs and thus the only version that counts in overseas applications. This document is given to South African couples as well as non-South African couples (if they apply for it) that get married within the Republic. These certificates are also issued in the event where one partner in the married couple is a foreign national. These certificates are typically issued if the couple lives outside of South Africa or have plans to travel outside of the country, but your reason for application can be anything and you will not be denied application.
Very importantly, unabridged marriage certificates from the Department of Home Affairs in South Africa no longer have the word UNABRIDGED on them. They only state MARRIAGE CERTIFICATE, but the extra details of the parties show that it is in fact unabridged.
You will definitely need the unabridged marriage certificate if you plan to emigrate or apply for a foreign passport. One of the biggest differences between abridged and unabridged marriage certificates is that the unabridged certificates carry apostille stamps. and signatures.
The unabridged marriage certificate contains more information than the abridged marriage certificate. Full marriage certificates (unabridged) offer more proof of the marriage and can be used in any legal processes. If the couple is later divorced, they can still apply for an “old” marriage certificate from the past, and although this is tricky, SPEEDY CLEARANCE CERTIFICATE can still assist. The couple can also individually obtain a Letter of No Impediment to prove their legal status in South Africa.