An elopement in Zimbabwe is an intimate alternative to traditional, family-centered weddings. In this Zimbabwe wedding guide, we’re going to share how to obtain a marriage certificate, when to visit Zimbabwe depending on what you want to experience, what to wear, and the cost of a wedding in Zimbabwe. Elopements focus on the couple’s commitment in a private or small-scale setting. In Zimbabwe, this is often either at Victoria Falls or in the quiet wilderness of Hwange National Park.

What is an elopement?

An elopement is the ultimate adventure to kick-start your marriage. There are endless reasons to choose an elopement, and we support them all! Elopements are great for couples who don’t like being the center of attention. It’s also a great choice for couples who are stressed about planning a wedding for 100 guests. The most common reason we get from couples is less about what they don’t want and more about what they do want – an intentional ceremony between them and their partner. No frills, just authenticity. Many adventurous couples find us. They want to really capitalize on what makes their relationship special- the saying yes to adrenaline, experiences, and being together. 

What is an Elopement? – 5 Elopement Myths 

Make it legal

You have two options when planning your international elopement in Zimbabwe. You can either get married in Africa or get married in the United States, then have a symbolic ceremony in Zimbabwe. There are upsides and downsides to both, so go with your gut! The U.S. recognizes legal civil marriages and customary marriages registered under the African Customary Marriage Act.  Both types of marriage are registered with the Civil Registry and confer equal rights under the law. The biggest drawback of getting married in Zimbabwe is that you must arrive two weeks before the ceremony. More on that below.

Our information comes from the Zimbabwean government, so follow them for up-to-date information!

Where to Go for your Marriage Certification: You need to go to the Magistrate’s Court or a registered marriage officer (e.g., a church pastor) for your marriage certificate.

There are several magistrates’ courts spread across the country. Each town or province typically has its own court, so when you determine where you’re staying in Zimbabwe, we can locate the most convenient one for you. The most commonly referenced one is in Harare: Rotten Row / Mother Patrick Avenue, Causeway, Harare, Zimbabwe 

Documents and Requirements

Key Requirement: Both parties (you and your fiancé) must be present with their original IDs. This includes birth certificates or your passports. If either party was previously married, you will need the divorce decree or the former spouse’s death certificate.

Complete forms & pay fee: You’ll need to complete a “Notice of Intention to Marry” form and pay the required $15 fee. 

Notice period: After submitting the form, you must give at least two weeks’ notice before the marriage can take place. Meaning you have to be in Zimbabwe two weeks before your ceremony date!  This waiting period is strictly enforced to allow time for the marriage certificate to be issued and publicly posted, providing a two-week window in which any legal objections can be raised before the marriage is officially finalized. This is called the “Publication of Banns.”

Witnesses: Two witnesses over 18 are required for the ceremony. As your wedding photographers, we count as your two if you need us to!

Zimbabwe Marriage Ceremony

After the notice period has passed without any objections, you can proceed with the ceremony.

• At the Magistrate’s Court: You can book a date and time to have the ceremony conducted by a magistrate.
• With a Marriage Officer: Alternatively, you can take the cleared notice to a registered marriage officer (such as a church pastor who is licensed by the state) to conduct the ceremony at your chosen venue.

On the day of the ceremony, you will need:

• You and your fiancé. 
• Two witnesses, who must be over 18 and have their original IDs. Again, wedding photographers can count for this.
• Your original IDs, such as a birth certificate or a passport. You can use the same identification that you used for the Intention to Marry form.

Step 3: Registration and Certificate

1. Signing the Register: During the ceremony, you, your partner, and your two witnesses will sign the official marriage register.
2. Issuance of Certificate: The marriage officer will then complete and issue your official Marriage Certificate. This is the legal proof of your union.

Congratulations, you are Zimbabwe married!

When to Go

There is no bad time to elope in Zimbabwe, but depending on what you prioritize, some times are better than others. As your elopement experts, we are here to help you decide what makes sense for you and your once-in-a-lifetime adventure. 

Safari Focused

If your priority is to go on safari, May to October is the dry season and is generally considered the ideal window. It has warm, sunny days and very little rain. This also means there are fewer mosquitoes (lower risk of malaria in many areas) and that wildlife is gathering. If you’re heading to parks like Hwange National Park, this is prime game-viewing season.

If you want to get hyper-specific, July to October is the best time for safaris. Animals are easier to spot due to the dry vegetation. A peak viewing destination in Zimbabwe is Mana Pools National Park, an 848-square-mile wildlife conservation area and national park in northern Zimbabwe. You know we’re going to hype up any national park we find, and we are experts in National Park research. Permits, Leave No Trace, and photography must-knows. It does get hotter toward October, so make sure you bring your sunhat and hydrate!

African Safari Guide 

Victoria Falls

If your interest is in the Victoria Falls, first, you have great ideas, and second, let’s book your elopement trip around that! Victoria Falls is one of the world’s largest waterfalls, with a width of 5,604 ft. Having a vow exchange in front of a waterfall is incredibly romantic. The rushing water is loud enough to drown out your vows from people nearby, keeping your ceremony private.

The Victoria Falls is formed by the Zambezi River. Along the vast river, you’ll have sightings of pods of hippos, fish-eagles, and bustling antelope herds. Check out the elephants coming to drink at a nearby waterhole and bathe in the golden sunsets! Pst – these golden sunsets are also your cue for an incredible wedding ceremony.  

If you’re an action junkie, the best time for the Victoria Falls and Zambezi River is August to December. During these months, the water levels drop, so you can enjoy water activities like swimming in Devil’s Pool or white-water rafting. There is also better visibility of the rock formations, which means you’ll get gorgeous elopement photography.

If you want the Victoria Falls at their most powerful and dramatic, you should go right after the rainy season between February and April. You can expect heavy spray, so a clear poncho is a fun idea! You might not see the full drop clearly, but it’s spectacular.

Another benefit of this time of year is that because it’s not safari season, there will be fewer tourists. While the wildlife is harder to spot, it is great for bird watching, so you’re not totally missing out.

Zimbabwe Wedding Guide Clothing

Knowing what to pack when you travel to Zimbabwe can be difficult on its own, even more so when you’re thinking of a wedding dress. If you want a traditional dress, I recommend choosing a lightweight one. It can be challenging to pack and move in a dress to begin with; don’t add 10 lbs of fabric to weigh you down on top of that. Tulle works great. Lace is also a good option! Choose something that won’t wrinkle. Also, pack a chafing stick; your thighs will thank you. 

If you want to embrace Zimbabwe’s traditional clothing, you can include some beaded jewelry, headdresses, and wrap-around skirts or cloths. Check out Zimbabwe Clothing Guide for your packing list and other tips to really embrace your elopement in Zimbabwe.

While wedding culture in Zimbabwe typically includes large celebrations, at its root is the connection between two people. So whether you are having a micro wedding in Africa or a Safari elopement, you are still embracing the day. 

How to Prepare for an International Flight

Vendors in Zimbabwe

What we love about elopements is that you can take any elements from weddings you want and leave the rest. As your elopement photographers, we will provide you with a Zimbabwe wedding guide that includes how to elope, ceremony locations, and even vendor lists for what you want at your elopement. In Zimbabwe, there are several local vendors committed to making sure you have the best day ever. Shades Beauty is a makeup artist based in Harare, Zimbabwe’s capital. For your vow ceremony, MC Tana is a master of ceremonies and can make things official for you. If a wedding cake is a must-have, we’ll make it happen. The Cake Studio offers beautiful, delicious desserts. We’ve done tons of international weddings and are well-versed in finding the people who will make your dreams a reality.

How much is a wedding in Zimbabwe

What is the 50 20 30 rule for weddings? For a wedding, Paris House of Bridal says 50% of the budget goes toward the venue, food, and drinks — essentially the reception experience. 30% is allocated to attire, photography, entertainment, flowers, and décor — the elements that shape the overall vibe and aesthetic. 20% covers everything else, including invitations, transportation, favors, marriage license, and the honeymoon (if you’re including that in the overall budget). 

When you have a wedding in Zimbabwe, that budget will look different. For an elopement, you can plan to allocate 50% to travel, food, and accommodations for a week. 30% will still go to photography and attire, and 20% will go to activities. This is your safari in the national park, a helicopter over the falls, or sunset cruises on the Zambezi River.

Plan your Zimbabwe Adventure Elopement

Zimbabwe is the ultimate destination wedding. It’s an adventure from boarding the airplane to a new continent, to stepping under the savanna sun, to spreading out in the lodge for your adventure. If you are ready to plan your Zimbabwe wedding and honeymoon today, fill out the form below!