The Office of the Attorney General has launched a new VVIP lounge for civil marriage ceremonies to provide a more serene setting for couples ahead of Valentine’s Day. The facility aims to enhance service delivery and offer a personalized experience for those opting for civil unions. Civil marriages are gaining popularity in Kenya as an efficient and cost-effective alternative to traditional or religious weddings.
The Office of the Attorney General (OAG) has set up a VVIP civil marriage lounge, announced in a statement on Sunday, February 7, 2026, in preparation for the Valentine’s season. The initiative seeks to provide a dignified, serene, and welcoming environment for couples solemnizing civil unions.
"The facility, set up ahead of the Valentine’s season, is designed to provide a dignified, serene, and welcoming environment for the solemnization of civil unions," the OAG stated.
"The successful hosting of the ceremony marks a significant step in enhancing the quality of service delivery at the Office, while creating a more personalised and respectful experience for couples choosing to formalise their unions through civil marriage," it added.
Civil marriage ceremonies are increasingly common in Kenya, particularly in rural areas, viewed as an efficient and cost-effective option compared to traditional or religious weddings. Participants require documents such as national IDs or passports, birth certificates, passport photos, and proof of marital status.
The process begins with applying for a 21-day public notice of marriage via the eCitizen Portal, after which the marriage must occur within 90 days of the notice date. Couples then attend an interview for document verification and complete a marriage affidavit before the Registrar.
A special license is available for an expedited process. Ceremonies typically take place at the Registrar of Marriages' office, such as Sheria House, or licensed venues including hotels, gardens, private residences, or Deputy and Assistant County Commissioners' offices.
Fees include Ksh600 for the notice, approximately Ksh3,900 for the ceremony, and Ksh16,000 for the special license.
