Recognition of a marriage contracted abroad

I am a Tanzanian citizen who married a foreign national in a ceremony held in another country. We now wish to have our marriage recognized in Tanzania. What steps should we take? Please guide us.
MK, Dar es Salaam

Congratulations on your Marriage. The Law of Marriage Act Cap. 29 [R.E. 2019] (LMA) recognizes marriages contracted abroad, provided certain conditions are met. Section 36 of the LMA stipulates that the marriage must comply with the laws of the country where it was contracted, and both parties must have had the capacity to marry under their respective domiciles. Additionally, the marriage must be voluntary and free from coercion.

Section 42 (2) of the LMA requires the Registrar General to maintain a register of foreign marriages. To formalize recognition, the couple may register their marriage with the Registrar-General in Tanzania. This ensures their marital rights are protected under Tanzanian law. However, section 41 of the LMA provides that a marriage which in all other respects complies with the express requirements of this Act shall be valid for all purposes, notwithstanding failure to register the marriage hence for those of you who have not registered your foreign marriages need not panic!

Your lawyer can guide you further on the necessary steps should you choose to register your marriage.