Our Lawyer Says You Can Have a Valid Marriage Without Paying Bride Price | Deborah Ocheja

In Nigeria, many people still believe that without paying bride price, there can be no valid marriage. But legally, that’s not true, at least, not for every type of marriage.

While the payment of bride price is a key requirement for a customary marriage, it is not a legal requirement for a statutory marriage — also known as a court wedding or marriage under the Marriage Act.

What Makes a Statutory Marriage Valid

Under the Nigerian Marriage Act, a marriage is valid if it meets these core requirements:

• Mutual consent of both parties.

• The couple must not be related by blood or close marriage ties.

• Both must be at least 21 years old, or have parental/guardian consent if younger.

• A notice of marriage must be given to the Registrar of Marriages in the intended district.

• Neither party should already be married under customary law to someone else.

• The ceremony must take place in a licensed place of worship or marriage registry, between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m., with open doors and at least two witnesses present.

These are the elements that give statutory marriage its legal validity — not cultural rites or payment of bride price.

Why Some Choose Not to Pay Bride Price

While traditional marriage practices remain deeply valued, there are growing legal and social discussions about the implications of bride price. Here’s why some people consider leaving it out:

📍 Divorce complications: The bride price system often makes separation or divorce harder, especially when refund issues arise.
📍 Abuse and control: Some women endure abusive marriages because they can’t afford to refund the bride price.
📍 Weaponization: Some men use bride price as a tool for dominance — “I paid your bride price, you must obey me.”
📍 Emotional leverage: Refusal to accept a refund can be used to delay or frustrate the dissolution of marriage.

Three Legal Options for Marriage in Nigeria

If you’re planning to marry, you have three valid options under Nigerian law:
🎯 Pay the bride price and marry under customary law only.
🎯 Pay the bride price, marry customarily, and still register your marriage under the Marriage Act.
🎯 Skip the bride price entirely and have a statutory (court) marriage — legally valid and fully recognized.

Each of these options is legitimate. The key is understanding what law governs your marriage and ensuring you comply with its requirements.

Whether you honour culture, choose modern law, or blend both — your marriage remains valid as long as it meets the legal standards of the path you choose.

Deborah Ocheja