Abridged vs Unabridged Marriage Certificate
When getting married in South Africa, you get either an Abridged marriage certificate or an unabridged marriage certificate. Both the Abridged and the unabridged marriage certificates have value. However, both the Abridged marriage certificate and the unabridged marriage certificate have many differences between them. It can be said that one marriage certificate cannot meet the purpose of another marriage certificate.
When talking of Abridged Marriage Certificate, they are issued by the Home Affairs department and are issued by default to the couples. The certificate is given immediately to the couples after the marriage. This Abridged Marriage Certificate is enough for couples who are living in South Africa; this is the only certificate that is needed by the South African couples.
On the other hand, the Unabridged Marriage Certificate, which is also issued by the Home Affairs department, is given to all Non South African couples or those where one of them is not South African. Also known as full marriage certificate, the Unabridged Marriage Certificates are also issued only for special purposes. The certificate is issued only if the couples are living outside the country or if the couples plan to make extensive tours. This marriage certificate is needed if the couples want to emigrate or if they want to obtain any foreign passport. Moreover, the Unabridged Marriage Certificates have the stamp ‘Apostille’.
Though both the Abridged marriage certificate and the unabridged marriage certificate contain all personal details like name, date of marriage, ID proof and other relevant things, the unabridged marriage certificate contains more information.
When comparing the two marriage certificates, the unabridged marriage certificate can be called as an ultimate proof of the marriage and this certificate can be used at all circumstances.
Summary
1. Abridged Marriage Certificate, issued by the Home Affairs department, is issued by default to the couples.
2. The Abridged Marriage Certificate is enough for couples who are living in South Africa; this is the only certificate that is needed by the South African couples.
3. The Unabridged Marriage Certificate, which is also issued by the Home Affairs department, is given to all Non South African couples or those where one of them is not South African.
4. Though both the Abridged marriage certificate and the unabridged marriage certificate contain all personal details like name, date of marriage, ID proof and other relevant things, the unabridged marriage certificate contains more information.
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Thanks for your details but I applied for the anbridge certificate but it came wino present name of my wife, no identity number but the wedding officier is telling me its suppose to be like that is that true?? I don’t know what to do and I’m a non south african and my wife lives in canada and I would like immimmigrate there do I really need the unabirdge certificate??
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Husband previously married solemnisation was completed but no registration. Marriage never reflected for 10 years. He was told no divorce was necessary as marriage if not registered is null and void. Our marriage was also solemnized and was registered. Now we told 3 years into our marriage that our marriage is null and void. Marriage officers procedure states marriages have to be registered. Marriage law states the same. Now my husband is being accused of bigamy and I as fraud. Husbands ex is engaged and living with another man but claiming she’s still married to my husband. Furious as no money for divorce and she’s refusing to also. I do not agree with divorce. I never left my husband. My marriage procedure was followed according to law
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Hello. Quick question… I’m a South African citizen engaged to a Filipino. We plan on getting married in the Philippines next year. However, will our marriage be recognised in South Africa??? Please help! Thank you!
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Hi, I am a South African citizen and my fiancé is an Australian. We are planning on getting married is South Africa. Which documents\certificate do we need to apply for in order for our marriage to be recognised in both countries? The minister in South Africa says we both need South African ID numbers, is this the case?
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I want to get my passport done but am Divorced but dont have divorced papers , need to get new one done where can I get it from, can I get it from Home Affairs when renewing my ID and Passport, advice please
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