A Guide to Getting Married in Rwanda

In our previous wedding series, we dived into the vibrant traditions of Ugandan weddings, giving you the lowdown on what to expect both culturally and legally. If you’re planning a wedding in Rwanda, today we navigate through both the legal must-dos and the rich traditions that make Rwandan weddings unforgettable. 

Whether you’re a local couple or dreaming of a destination "I do" in the Land of a Thousand Hills, Nyom Planet is here to give you an insight into what to expect and plan to do. 

Legal Marriage in Rwanda: Making It Official

In Rwanda, only civil marriages are recognized by law—meaning no matter how stunning your traditional or church ceremony is, you’ve got to seal the deal with the state to make it binding. Trust us, you don’t want to risk your union being null and void because of skipped legal steps. Here’s how to nail the process:

Step 1: Book Your Spot

As part of wedding prep, register your intent to marry at least 21 days in advance at your local sector office or online via irembogov. This waiting period ensures no legal hiccups pop up.

Step 2: Gather Your Documents

You’ll need:

Valid IDs (Rwandan National ID, passport, or refugee ID).

For foreigners: a passport, visa, and a Certificate of Being Single/No Impediment from your home country.

If previously married: a divorce decree or death certificate of your former spouse.

Step 3: Choose Your Property Regime

Before the ceremony, decide how you’ll handle assets—community of property (shared) or separation of property (kept apart). It’s a quick but key choice!

Step 4: The Ceremony

The civil registrar conducts the wedding at the sector office with at least two witnesses. It’s free on Thursdays or costs about 50,000 RWF ($40 USD) for a special date. Once done, you’ll walk away with a marriage certificate, your golden ticket for everything from loans to visas.

For Foreigners

Translate non-English/French documents into Kinyarwanda, English, or French and get them notarized. Check with your embassy to ensure your marriage holds up back home, engaging a local agent or planner can smooth this out.

Key Notes:

• Both partners must be 21+ (no exceptions).
• Same-sex marriages and polygamy aren’t permitted under Rwandan law.
• Processing is fast—certificates are issued within a day via IremboGov.
• Customary, Church, and Islamic Marriages are ceremonial and lack legal recognition.
• Both parties must provide free and informed consent for the marriage to be valid.

Avoid the headache of an unrecognized marriage by sticking to these steps. 

Traditional Marriage in Rwanda: The Cultural Heartbeat

While the civil ceremony locks it in legally, a traditional Rwandan wedding especially the Gusaba is where the magic happens. These customs aren’t required by law but are a cherished way to unite families and celebrate your union. 

Gusaba: The Asking Ceremony

Gusaba is a Kinyarwanda word translated as ‘to ask’ and is the ceremony where the family of the groom-to-be officially requests for a girl as a bride. Expect poetic speeches, playful negotiations, and a warm family meet-and-greet. It’s the cultural kickoff to your wedding journey.

Dowry Negotiation

The groom offers a dowry traditionally cows, as a sign of respect and commitment. One cow is the minimum, but the number depends on family talks. It’s not legally binding, but it’s a big deal culturally.

Once the dowry’s settled, it’s party time! There’s music, dance, and a feast with the couple sharing Agashingura Cumu (literally meaning “that which pulls out the spear”), a traditional drink to bless their union. 

At the end of any visit to a Rwandan home, the host would often offer their guests this drink because in the past, men would travel with spears and before entering a home they would pierce them into the ground outside the entrance. The drink would symbolically give the visitors energy to pluck out their spears. 

During the Gusaba ceremony, women rock colorful mushanana dresses, while men shine in smart traditional gear.

Many couples, especially with Rwanda’s 40%+ Catholic population,usually first do the Gusaba then go for the church ceremony.

Pro Tip: Involve your families early—they’re the MVPs of these ceremonies, ensuring everything feels authentic and heartfelt.

Rwanda’s efficient legal system and breathtaking scenery like the misty hills and serene lakes make it a hidden gem for weddings. Whether you’re keeping it simple with a civil wedding or going all out with a white wedding, you’re in for a day that’s both beautiful and unforgettable.

Looking for a venue to hold you grand wedding, check this out.

For any wedding planning support in Rwanda or Uganda, please contact us or write to planner@nyomplanet.com