Marriage ceremony without witnesses

I am a young businessman based in Lindi and wish to marry an elderly woman who recently divorced her husband. Because of our age difference, my fiancé and I have faced strong resistance from our respective families. Despite this resistance, we intend to get married secretly. Is it possible to get married without inviting family or friends as witnesses?
DH, Lindi.

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 know 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 if they are competent. Remember, there must be at least 2 competent witnesses. Failure to adhere to this is an offence which, according to section 154 of the law, attracts a fine not exceeding TZS 2,000. We wish you all the best in your upcoming nuptials.