As of 26 July 2024, Rev. Ryan Edmonds was legally ordained and registered to perform marriages/civil unions under Section 5 of the Civil Union Act, 2006 (Act No. 17 of 2006). His ordination as a Minister of Religion is endorsed by the South African Pagan Council (SAPC) and designated by the South African Department of Home Affairs. 

As such, Rev. Edmonds is licensed to legally perform and register marriages/civil unions to both opposite and same-sex couples who meet the legal requirements to do so as per the laws and constitution of the Republic of South Africa.

Not at all. You may be a Humanist, Atheist, Universalist, Spiritualist, Yogi, Sangoma, Shaman, or not have any specific name for your spiritual world view. Nature-based spirituality is a welcoming path, and honours all names for the Divine as holy. This is why our clergy are happy to consider marrying any loving, consensual couple of legal age who seek out our services. 

1. A meeting with the couple to obtain information on the couple's eligibility for marriage under the laws of South Africa. During this meeting we will discuss the couple's vision for their special day, and what spiritual and personal inclusions they would like to make. 

2. Optional pre-marital counselling: As a registered ASCHP Wellness Counsellor, Rev. Edmonds encourages couples to spend some time in individual and couple's counselling. This is to ensure the married couple start off with beautiful and life-enhancing tools to make the most of their life together as married partners.

3. On the wedding day: Travel to the venue as well as the conducting of the marriage ceremony, as well as signing of all legal documentation to legitimise the Union.

4. Filing of documents and registration at the Department of Home Affairs, and the application for unabridged marriage certificate.

There are two important parts required in the process of getting married:

1. The religious/spiritual rites which bless the couple in a sacred union

2. The legal registration of the couple under one of the 3 Marriage Acts of South Africa

Not every spiritual leader is legally designated to register a newly-wed couple with the Department of Home Affairs, giving them all the legal standing of a marriage/civil union according to the laws of South Africa. 

To be qualified as such requires a rigorous process of application, character testimony, recognition within the religion, mentorship, study and examination of the relevant Laws and Acts.