Mariage in Tanzania

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  Guest3 years ago(Modified)

  Interesting article albeit one sided in parts. Because Tanzania has many ethnic groups which groups have differing traditions and practices, there're three main 'common' ways wedding ceremonies are conducted or performed: as mentioned in the article, the first is in a church - almost all recognized churches in Tanzania have to be registered by the government but one must verify especially if it is a small local church. The officiator requires to have a government license to marry anyone in that particular church. The second way is to be married at home, either by Islamic standards, Christian standards or Government standard. This may sound like a strange way to differentiate but basically which ever location you choose to be married at (the government is not biased on locations), even at the beach, you may do so if the officiator complies. Some need to get paid, some don't. Most are biased on their preferred location like at church for most Christians. The third way which coincides with the first and the second, is at the Registrar of Marriages' Office (we locals call it Bomani or Serikalini). The last time I heard about this particular way is there are limited licenses given at a given year, or rather they have set a certain amount of marriages that can be performed in these offices at any given year (this information needs to be verified because it may have changed as of April 2021). Once they reach their quota, that is it. These are the main three common ways marriage ceremonies are officiated in Tanzania, regardless of whether it is in rural or urban settings. Now, when it comes to ethnic weddings, some families and groups adhere to the government measures and some don't. Some ethnic groups consider a marriage is complete only by sending dowry. In these cases, the government respects the traditions of the people. However, as an expat who is looking to be married in Tanzania, I strongly advise for there to be a legally recognized (licensed by the government) officiator to officiate a marriage. It is likely that when you get back to your home country, you will need proof of marriage. These are papers that will prove to Tanzanian government as well that such an event took place. One thing that might be helpful to mention also is, no matter where a marriage ceremony will be performed, an announcement to the public must be provided with sufficient time elapsing. This means that, for example if a marriage will be performed at a church, the church will need to announce to the congregation and public at large of this union at least a month before the ceremony is to occur, and they usually do this three times within that month. It is not required to publish on newspapers or radio/TV, but it is assumed minimal effort has to be employed for the public benefit. This is required by law. There are some measures done for expatriates which may include providing evidence that the parties involved are not married to anyone else in their home countries at the time of the new union/ceremony.