Nigeria as a country is heterogenous, having different ethnic groups such as Hausa, Igbo, Yoruba, Efik, Edo, Ibibio and many more.
All these groups have their cultural differences and their marriage seem also different; these differences are premised on religion, custom, tradition and many more.
Nigeria has different types of marriages which are:
1. Traditional or Customary Marriage- This type of marriage follows customary or traditional laws. It is usually the most common and prevalent form of marriage in villages, towns and even cities nowadays.
This type of marriage is conducted by the elders of the village or a local priest in the community.
This type of marriage involves the payment of a bride price by the husband in various forms, e.g. with cash, helping in domestic chores and providing other items as specified by the in-laws to be.
It is normally finalized with a ceremony and rituals which are physically witnessed by family members and the community. This type of marriage allows a man to have more than one wife depending on his financial capability.
It should be noted, however, that it is common for many people to perform the traditional marriage first and later carry out the other types viz: court marriage, church marriage and Islamic/Muslim marriage.
2. COURT MARRIAGE: It is a marriage under ordinance and it involves the signing of a marriage register in the presence of witnesses who may be the parents, relations, or friends of the couple in view.
It usually takes place in court before a court registrar. This form of marriage allows the marriage of one wife, therefore, it is monogamous.
A statutory certificate of marriage is usually issued by the court Registrar.
3. CHRISTIAN MARRIAGE: It usually takes place after the traditional marriage ceremony has been carried out.
It is conducted in a church according to the Holy Bible.
Every member of the congregation plus the parents of the couple, relations and friends often gather to witness the marriage conducted by the Priest or Pastor of the church.
The Priest or Pastor will pray and bless the new couple.
At the ceremony, the man and the woman exchange marriage vows (as read to them by the Priest or Pastor) and wedding rings. Like the court marriage, it is also monogamous.
4. ISLAMIC OR MUSLIM MARRIAGE:
This type of marriage takes place in a mosque or the house of the woman‘s parents. It is carried out according to the instructions in the Holy Quran and Hadith.
The Imam and other Muslims conduct the ceremony.
It is only recognized if there is an agreement between the husband and the wife or their representatives.
It involves the payment of a bride price by the man during the ceremony and this must be announced.
In this form of marriage, the man is allowed to marry many wives. It is polygamous. However, he should not live with more than four wives at a time.