South Africa, Civil Marriage Records - FamilySearch Historical Records

South Africa

What is in This Collection?
These records contain mainly marriage records, but numerous birth, baptism, divorce records and affidavits of various kinds are also interspersed throughout, in some films more than others. They are from Cape Province, Transvaal, Natal, and Orange Free State for the years 1840-1973.

Reading These Records
These records are in Afrikaans and English. For help reading them see:
 * Afrikaans Word List
 * Netherlands Language and Languages
 * South Africa Language and Languages

What Can These Records Tell Me?
The following information may be found in these records:


 * Full name of bride and groom
 * Date and place of marriage
 * Ages, birth dates and birthplaces of bride and groom
 * Occupation
 * Parents name


 * Status
 * Residence at the time of marriage
 * Name of Judge
 * Names of witnesses

Sample Image
Marriage record 1957

How Do I Search This Collection?
Before searching this collection, it is helpful to know:
 * Ancestors name
 * Place and date of marriage

How Do I Analyze the Results?
Compare each result from your search with what you know to determine if there is a match. This may require viewing multiple records or images. Keep track of your research in a research log.

I Found the Person I Was Looking For, What Now?

 * Add any new information to your records
 * If available, check the image for additional information
 * Analyze the entry to see if it provides additional clues to find other records of the person or their family

I Can’t Find the Person I’m Looking For, What Now?

 * The person may be recorded with an abbreviated or variant form of their name
 * Try searching by surname only
 * Remember that spelling was generally not standardized until the early part of the 20th century

Research Helps
The following articles will help you in your research for your family in South Africa.
 * South Africa Record Finder
 * South Africa Finding Town of Origin

Citing This Collection
Citations help you keep track of places you have searched and sources you have found. Identifying your sources helps others find the records you used.