To enable foreigners to register a marriage in Botswana, they need to apply for and obtain a Special License from the District Commissioner in order for them to have a wedding in the ‘bush’.

The couple must be physically present before the Registrar of Marriages when the application for the Special License is made. Guests should plan to stay in Maun for up to 2 days for all arrangements to be confirmed. The processing of requests takes place from Monday to Friday except Public Holidays during which is the period of time the registrar of marriages needs to prepare and issue the Special License.

To apply for a Special License the couple which intends to get married must provide complete and clear copies of the following documentation before travel:

Valid passports-copies with a minimum of 6-month validity;

Birth certificates-copies;

An affidavit sworn before a lawyer confirming you are single and free to marry.  See Sample HERE You can use this as a blue print for yours

Passport style photographs

Return air ticket

THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTS FOR A BOTSWANA WEDDING/MARRIAGE ARE ONLY NEEDED IF THEY APPLY TO YOU:

If you have had your name changed you will need to show legal proof of this, and should be certified by a lawyer

If widowed - death certificate(s) of former spouse and previous marriage certificate(s)

If you are adopted - legal adoption forms