Difference Between Abridged and Unabridged Marriage Certificate

Abridged vs Unabridged Marriage Certificate

When getting married in South Africa, you get either an Abridged marriage certificate or an unabridged marriage certificate. Both the Abridged and the unabridged marriage certificates have value. However, both the Abridged marriage certificate and the unabridged marriage certificate have many differences between them. It can be said that one marriage certificate cannot meet the purpose of another marriage certificate.

When talking of Abridged Marriage Certificate, they are issued by the Home Affairs department and are issued by default to the couples. The certificate is given immediately to the couples after the marriage. This Abridged Marriage Certificate is enough for couples who are living in South Africa; this is the only certificate that is needed by the South African couples.

On the other hand, the Unabridged Marriage Certificate, which is also issued by the Home Affairs department, is given to all Non South African couples or those where one of them is not South African. Also known as full marriage certificate, the Unabridged Marriage Certificates are also issued only for special purposes. The certificate is issued only if the couples are living outside the country or if the couples plan to make extensive tours. This marriage certificate is needed if the couples want to emigrate or if they want to obtain any foreign passport. Moreover, the Unabridged Marriage Certificates have the stamp ‘Apostille’.

Though both the Abridged marriage certificate and the unabridged marriage certificate contain all personal details like name, date of marriage, ID proof and other relevant things, the unabridged marriage certificate contains more information.

When comparing the two marriage certificates, the unabridged marriage certificate can be called as an ultimate proof of the marriage and this certificate can be used at all circumstances.

Summary

1. Abridged Marriage Certificate, issued by the Home Affairs department, is issued by default to the couples.

2. The Abridged Marriage Certificate is enough for couples who are living in South Africa; this is the only certificate that is needed by the South African couples.

3. The Unabridged Marriage Certificate, which is also issued by the Home Affairs department, is given to all Non South African couples or those where one of them is not South African.

4. Though both the Abridged marriage certificate and the unabridged marriage certificate contain all personal details like name, date of marriage, ID proof and other relevant things, the unabridged marriage certificate contains more information.

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