Marriage Officer Registration

NOTE: SASS has placed a moratorium on new Marriage Officer applications until 1 January 2025.  We are developing a new system whereby you should move through the ranks and demonstrate your commitment to SASS and secularism before we consider you as a marriage officer.  You may demonstrate this by joining SASS now, and volunteering for one or more projects.  We will only consider immediate applications from well-qualified members who intend to work outside of Gauteng and Cape Town.

If you are motivated by the idea of helping couples celebrate their love in a meaningful and personal way, while also promoting secular values, apply to SASS and become a humanist marriage officer. 

Becoming a humanist marriage officer is a fulfilling calling for individuals who are passionate about humanism and promoting secular values. Humanist marriage officers are responsible for conducting humanist weddings, which are non-religious and focus on the couple’s personal beliefs and values.

An officiant (or celebrant) can perform other secular humanist ceremonies like funerals, child naming, coming of age, and other rituals. Wedding is the only service for which the officiant must be registered; without registration, a marriage is not deemed legal.

SASS is registered by the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) to designate members as Marriage Officers under the Civil Union Act, thus providing a secular avenue for non-religious South Africans to marry.

All SASS Marriage Officers conduct both heterosexual and same-sex marriages. In this way, SASS upholds South Africa’s secular Constitution and protects the rights of secular citizens.