Getting an ANC done under time pressure before the wedding date

You've set a wedding date. Maybe it's eight weeks away, or six, or three. And now someone—a parent, your partner, a friend—has mentioned that you should sort out an antenuptial contract before the ceremony. The clock is ticking, and you're not sure if there's enough time to get it done properly, or how to even begin when you're already juggling catering, invitations and a hundred other details.

The good news: an ANC can be completed quickly if you move with purpose. The catch is that rushing doesn't mean cutting corners on the legal side—it means being organised and starting today.

Why the deadline matters more than you think

An antenuptial contract is a formal agreement that must be notarised and registered at the Deeds Office before your wedding takes place. The registration process alone can take weeks depending on the Deeds Office's workload and whether any queries arise. If your contract hits a snag—missing signatures, incorrect details, incomplete paperwork—you could miss your wedding date entirely. That's not just an inconvenience; it means walking into marriage without the legal framework you intended.

A notary cannot register your ANC on the day of the wedding or the day after. The registration must be complete and confirmed before you marry. This is why starting immediately, even if it feels premature, is the only sensible move.

What you need to do right now

Book a notary who has availability in the next two to three weeks. Do not wait. When you call or WhatsApp, be clear about your wedding date and ask directly: "Can you complete an ANC and have it registered before [date]?" A notary handling ANCs regularly will know their own capacity and the Deeds Office's current turnaround times. If they say yes, ask them what paperwork you need to bring to your first meeting.

Bring:

• Your ID or passport
• Your partner's ID or passport
• Details of any assets, liabilities or business interests that the ANC will address
• Your partner's contact details so the notary can liaise with them if needed
• Any existing agreements or documents that affect your financial position

If either of you has been married before, bring proof that the previous marriage ended (divorce order, death certificate, or confirmation of annulment). If you own a business, bring recent financial statements or the business registration documents. The more complete your information is at the first meeting, the faster the notary can draft.

Coordinating across two people on a tight timeline

An ANC involves both of you. Both partners must meet the notary, understand the terms, and sign in the notary's presence. If you live in different cities or have rigid work schedules, this logistical layer can stretch the timeline. Talk to your partner now about when you can both sit with a notary. Many notaries offer evening or weekend appointments, and some work via a combination of in-person and email consultation—ask when you call.

Once the notary has drafted the contract, both of you will need to review it carefully. Don't rush this step just because time is tight. The ANC is a legal document that shapes how your assets are treated if the marriage dissolves or one of you dies. If something doesn't feel right, speak up. A good notary will revise it, even under time pressure. They would rather amend it twice than have you sign something you're uncomfortable with.

After you both sign, the notary submits the ANC to the Deeds Office. From that point, registration usually takes two to four weeks, though this varies. The notary will track the status and alert you once it's complete. You'll receive a copy for your records.

The moment you have confirmation of registration—not before—you can relax about this part of the wedding.

You don't need a template or a DIY approach here. A notary is the only person who can register your ANC, and paying for proper legal drafting now is cheaper than sorting out a mess later. Search for a notary with availability on Strove, check their credentials, and book today.