Formal validity of marriage

The Marriage Act lays down certain preliminary formalities, which axe to be fulfilled before the solemnization of marriage under that statute. Before embarking on the detailed examination of the formalities of marriage, it is necessary to draw attention to the position of marriage registrars. The Head of State is empowered to divide Nigeria by order into marriage districts. For each district, there is appointed a registrar of marriages. Above the marriage registrar, there is a principal marriage registrar. Every marriage registrar and the principal registrar have offices at places appointed by the appropriate central or state Commissioner.