Marriage Ceremony without Witnesses
We are a couple based in Dar es Salaam. Our age difference has been a problem from the start of our relationship and my fiancé and I have faced strong resistance from our respective families and friends. Despite this resistance, we intend to secretly get married. Is it possible to get married without inviting family or friends as witnesses?
EM, Dar es Salaam.
The Law of Marriage Act [Cap. 29 R.E 2019] governs all matters related to marriages in Tanzania. According to section 27(1) of the law, every marriage shall be contracted in the presence of at least two witnesses. The law does not require that the witness be family or friends. However, no person shall be competent to act as a witness to a marriage who is below the age of 18 years or who is unable to understand the nature of the ceremony because of mental illness or intoxication or who does not understand the language in which the ceremony is conducted, unless the whole ceremony is interpreted into a language which he or she can understand. This means any person can witness a marriage provided they are competent to do so. Remember. there must be at least two competent witnesses. Failure to adhere to this is an offence which, according to section 154 of the law, attracts a fine. We wish you all the best in your upcoming nuptials.