Page 124 - The Circle of Life

Marriage procedure

As said there is no waiting period but the law is very specific on what happens
during the ceremony. Though it seldom happens anyone may lodge an objection

to the marriage in writing to the marriage officer who then must (not maybe)
investigate the objection thoroughly and decide to continue or not with the

marriage. That is why the doors are open and it may be done at the ceremony
too.

I assure you that anyone objecting as a joke or without merit may be sued for

the costs of the delayed marriage and for anguish caused under delict. The law
takes marriage very seriously and you better be accurate in your allegations to

get away with such things. Just because you don't like the new son in law or
daughter is not a good enough reason. This must be something like the couple

being brother and sister or still married or under age or no permission from the
parents if required by law.

You need two witnesses and proxy marriages with the glove are not permitted.
Whether you are on your knees or not depends on your religion and the size of

your wife (joke). The marriage officer must use the standard marriage formula
by asking each of the parties:

Do you, (full names as on your identity document), declare that as far as you

know there is no lawful impediment to your proposed marriage with (full name)
here present, and that you call all here present to witness that you take (full

name) as your lawful wife or husband? Each spouse must answer "Yes or I do"
and it must be audible. Nodding is not good enough unless you happen to have a

serious speech impairment preventing you from talking. This is to ensure
consensus under law.

Typically you will now exchange rings and hold hands but the ring exchange is
not part of the formula and only symbolic. The marriage officer announces: I

declare that (full names) and (full names) here present have been lawfully

married. There is no legal need to say also "may the Lord have mercy on your
soul" as with death sentences (joke). Voilà, you are married and may kiss the
bride.

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