Marriage is a beautiful milestone and marks an important step in your new life with your partner. If you’re considering celebrating this moment in the paradise of Thailand, you’ve got a wealth of options for stunning venues and unforgettable experiences. However, as a foreign national, you need to understand how marriage registration in Thailand works to ensure a legally-binding union that can be recognized across the globe.
On this page, we will cover everything you need to know about registering your marriage in Thailand such as the required legal steps to take before and after marriage. This guide applies to both foreign couples seeking a destination wedding in Thailand as well as cross-cultural couples residing in Thailand, so if you’re looking to “Thai” the knot in the Land of Smiles, you’re in the right place.
Can Foreigners Legally Marry in Thailand?
Yes, foreigners can legally marry in Thailand, whether they’re marrying another foreigner or a Thai national. Thai law permits international marriages as long as you follow specific protocols.
For foreigners, the process usually begins with obtaining an Affirmation of Freedom to Marry from your home country’s embassy in Thailand. This particular document proves that there are no legal obstacles to the marriage and it must be translated and legalized before being used to register your marriage in Thailand.
Once all the required documents are ready, you can then register the marriage at a local district office, also known as an Amphur or Khet office, to make it legally binding in Thailand.
What to Do Before Getting Married in Thailand
Preparing for a marriage in Thailand involves several important steps to ensure a smooth and memorable experience. These steps include:
Getting the Right Thai Visas for You and Your Guests
Thailand’s visa requirements vary based on nationality and length of stay. If you’re planning to marry in Thailand, confirm that you and your guests have the appropriate visas for the visit. Some guests may need a Thailand Tourist Visa if they are not eligible for the Thailand Visa Exemption Scheme or Visa on Arrival.
Consider Professional Wedding Planner Services in Thailand
Planning a wedding abroad can be challenging, especially when it involves legal processes and logistics. A professional wedding planner in Thailand familiar with expat needs and local laws can help make your wedding day stress-free. Wedding planners typically manage tasks like selecting the venue, organizing decor, and coordinating with local vendors. By leaving logistical details in their expert hands, your wedding day will go as you planned it and you can focus on enjoying the occasion.
Get a Legally Binding Prenuptial Agreement in Thailand
A prenuptial agreement in Thailand is a legally binding document that outlines how assets, finances, and property will be managed if the marriage ends. In Thailand, prenuptial agreements are legally recognized as long as they meet specific legal standards. This step is an important commitment to planning your financial future with your soon-to-be spouse, so discuss this seriously with your partner and do what’s right to avoid more severe problems later on.
How to Get Married Legally in Thailand
Before you can register your marriage in Thailand, you and your partner must meet specific eligibility requirements and gather the necessary documents. Afterward, you will need to follow the formal registration process to make your marriage legally recognized. We will cover these steps below:
Eligibility Requirements for Getting Married in Thailand
To get married in Thailand, you and your partner will first need to meet the following eligibility requirements:
- You must be at least 17 years of age or of marriageable age according to the laws of your home country. However, the court may allow you to marry earlier if there is an appropriate reason.
- You cannot be an insane person or adjudged incompetent.
- You and your partner cannot be blood relatives in the direct ascendant or descendant line, nor can you be siblings of full or half-blood. This means your relationship must not fall within the prohibited degrees of relationship.
- You and your partner must not have the same adoptive parents.
- You cannot already have a spouse at the time of marriage. If you’re a woman whose husband has died or whose previous marriage has ended, you can only remarry after 310 days from the date of death or termination of the marriage. However, you may marry before this period if:
- A child has been born during this time
- You are remarrying your former spouse
- A qualified doctor issues a certificate stating you are not pregnant
- The court grants you permission to marry
Marriage Registration in Thailand Requirement
Once you’ve met the eligibility requirement, you will need to provide the required documentation. Depending on your nationality, the documents will vary.
For Thai nationals:
- Your identification card
- Your House Registration Book or Tabian Baan (“Blue House Book”)
- If you were previously married, you must provide proof of divorce. If you are a widow or widower, you need to include proof of your spouse’s death with your application
- You must have 2 witnesses accompany you (one from each side of the couple getting married)
For foreign nationals:
- A copy of your passport along with your arrival card
- An Affirmation of Freedom to Marry from your respective embassy
- A translated copy of your Affirmation of Freedom to Marry that has been certified by an approved translator from the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Marriage Registration in Thailand Process
After gathering the documents, you and your partner will need to:
- Visit the local district office
- Declare your intentions to marry in front of a registrar
- You will then receive the consent to get married to one another, which can come in the form of:
- Signing the marriage register during the registration
- Providing a consent document with the names of both parties and the signature of the person giving consent
- Making a verbal declaration in front of at least two witnesses (when necessary)
These steps formalize your marriage under Thai law and make it valid if you plan to live in Thailand or need international recognition.
What to Do After Getting Married in Thailand
Once you’ve registered your marriage in Thailand, there are a few more steps to take after you receive your certificate. These will depend on if you plan to travel or settle in Thailand or another country.
Translate and Legalize Your Marriage Certificate to Register It in Your Home Country
If you want your marriage to be recognized in your home country, translating and legalizing it may be required. Many countries need an English version or a version in their official language, along with proper legalization, for it to be recognized. This process typically includes obtaining a certified translation and legalization from the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs, ensuring it’s valid for official use outside Thailand.
Apply for a Thailand Marriage Visa
If you’re married to a Thai national and plan to stay in Thailand long-term, consider applying for a Thailand Marriage Visa (Non-Immigrant O Marriage Visa). This visa allows you to stay in Thailand for up to 1 year and is renewable. It also offers benefits, like the ability to apply for a Thai work company by obtaining a work permit. This visa can help you settle in Thailand with your spouse without needing frequent renewals and puts you on the path to permanent residency.
Professional Marriage Registration Services in Thailand
If you’re looking to get married in Thailand, get in touch with Siam Legal International. With over 20 years of experience in helping couples from around the world get married in Thailand, Siam Legal can make your wedding day in Thailand a memorable experience free of legal or immigration issues and stress.
Whether you need help with obtaining a Thai Marriage Visa, legalizing documents, or managing wedding ceremony details, our experienced team at Siam Legal is here to support you. Partner with our marriage planning and consulting team and you can focus on enjoying your big day while we handle the technical details. Our team is ready to help you at every stage and make sure that your marriage meets both Thai and international standards while creating memories to last a lifetime.
If you’re ready to start the next chapter of your life now, contact Siam Legal to book a consultation!
Frequently Asked Questions About Marriage Registration in Thailand
Can foreigners get married in Thailand?
Yes, Thailand allows foreigners to marry other foreigners or Thai nationals, provided they complete the necessary paperwork and procedures.
Do I have to pay a dowry to my Thai fiance’s family?
You are not required to pay a dowry to your Thai fiance’s family, but the custom is deeply rooted in Thai culture. Because this is a cultural practice and not a legal requirement, when you register your marriage, the local district office will not ask you to show that you have paid a bride price.
Where do we need to register our marriage in Thailand?
Marriages must be registered at a local district office (Amphur or Khet) to be legally recognized under Thai law.
What documents are needed for marriage registration in Thailand?
You’ll need your passport, an Affirmation of Freedom to Marry from your embassy, and authorized translations of specific documents, depending on your nationality.
Is a prenuptial agreement mandatory when marrying in Thailand?
No, a prenuptial agreement is optional. Couples may choose to have one if they wish to outline financial and asset arrangements before marriage.
What languages are accepted for documents submitted for marriage registration?
Documents should be in Thai or officially translated into Thai. Foreign documents often require translation and legalization before submission.
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