"Are you aware that what Nigerians call Court Marriage is not actually conducted in a court?"

Sounds surprising, right?

Many people believe that a judge sits in a courtroom and joins couples together in marriage. But legally, that's not what happens.

In Nigeria, there is technically no form of marriage called Court Marriage. What people commonly refer to as Court Marriage is actually known as a Statutory Marriage or Registry Marriage under the Marriage Act.

So where does it take place?

At a Marriage Registry or a licensed place of worship, and the marriage is conducted by a Marriage Registrar or an authorized minister—not a judge.

Before the marriage can take place, the intending couple must:

✅ Give notice of their intention to marry.

✅ Meet the legal requirements.

✅ Appear before the Registrar for the solemnization.

✅ Sign the marriage register and obtain a marriage certificate.

So why do people call it Court Marriage?

Simply because issues like divorce, nullity of marriage, and other matrimonial disputes are handled by the courts. Over time, many people mistakenly assumed that the marriage itself takes place in court.

⚖️ Legal Tip: A statutory marriage is monogamous. Once you are validly married under the Marriage Act, you cannot legally marry another person while that marriage still exists.

The next time someone says, "I'm going for Court Marriage," you can confidently tell them:

"You're actually going to a Marriage Registry, not a courtroom."

My name is B.I. Azubuike Esq.