Getting married in Zimbabwe

Hi all,

We invite all the ones who got married in Zimbabwe or who are about to get married in Zimbabwe to participate in this thread :)

What are the formalities to get married in Zimbabwe? Is it the same for a couple of foreigners of for a mixed couple (between a foreigner and a native of Zimbabwe)?

Are the procedures complicated?

How long does it take to carry out all the formalities?

Thank you in advance for participating,

Armand

We normally start with a traditional ceremony were the groom approaches his in-laws through a go between. Go between can be a relative of the groom or a family friend  of the bride's family who will be able to guide the groom's entourage as to what is required by his in-laws as far as lobola is concerned. Lobola ranges from $2000 US to $50 000 US depending with the family you are marrying. It will also include a head of cattle ranges from 9 beasts to 20 beasts.

after the ceremony is finished the groom's entourage will then ask for a wedding to be allowed by the bride's family if they are not happy with the money brought and proceedings they will not allow a white wedding to take place until the groom has reached a certain stage with the payments.

A white wedding when allowed is basically much of a western type of wedding.
There is a lot but this just a brief overview.