The legal requirements for getting married in Thailand are quite complex.
The following information is intended to be a starting point and guideline only.
Although much care and effort has been taken to ensure the information provided is correct please do not take it as legal advice. I strongly advise you to consult the Consulate or Embassy of the Kingdom of Thailand for first hand information.
Please Note: Required documentation and the legal process may vary from nationality to nationality
Essential Facts
- There is no minimum residency period (although paperwork usually takes 2 days)
- Most nationalities will need to visit their Embassy in Bangkok to complete paperwork prior to having their ceremony
- Once all documents are authorised they are sent to the Wedding Resort where the Local Government Official will attend your wedding on the day and legally register your marriage
- After your wedding all marriage paperwork must be sent translated into English (or your language) and be authorised at the Thai Foreign Ministry before posting to your home address.
Legality of Marriage
Marriages performed in Thailand are internationally recognised and legally binding.
Residency Requirements
There are no residency requirements for getting married in Thailand, however the required paperwork will normally take at least 2 working days to complete before your marriage can be registered.
For Irish citizens, there is however a 28 day waiting period (although this may be waivered at the Consuls discretion if you are both Irish Nationals and early enquires are made).
Required Documentation
All documentation must be original.
- A Valid Passport
- Affidavit of Freedom to Marry under Thai Law:
This is an Affidavit notarized by your Embassy or Consulate stating that you are both free to marry and in effect they have no objection to you doing so. You will be required to visit your Embassy or Consulate in Bangkok to obtain this document and you will each require individual Affidavit. - If you are divorced – a Decree Absolute
- If you are a widower – a Death certificate and previous Marriage Certificate.
- Proof of income may be required:
This is stated on the affidavits if any income is declared. (Best to check with your Wedding Planner or Tour Operator). - Prenuptial agreement:
If you are planning to have a prenuptial agreement this will not be recorded by the registrar in Thailand.
Marriage Certificate
If you get legally married in Thailand, you will receive two identical official wedding certificates.
The wedding certificates will be in Thai. A certified translation is normally sufficient should you need your marriage certificate for official purposes in your home country. I would highly recommend obtaining a translated certificate(s) before you leave Thailand and this should generally be offered to you by your Wedding Planner or Tour Operator.
If immigration visas are needed by one of the newly weds a “Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs” certified translation is needed.
Legal Registration
In Thailand the legal registration of your marriage which will take place in the local registration office (Amphur) is the binding part of your marriage.
You do not require a wedding ceremony to be legally married in Thailand.
At the registration office you will be required to have a translator present who speaks both English and Thai and the registration office will arrange the witnesses.
Further Information
For further information on the legal requirements for getting married in Thailand please contact the Thai Embassy or Consulate in your country of residence.
A full listing of Turkish Diplomatic Missions and Consular Offices can be found on the following link: Thai Embassy or Diplomatic Mission in your country
In addition, contact your country’s Embassy in Thailand:
British Embassy in Thailand Tel: +66 (0) 2 305 8333 |
Irish Embassy in Thailand Tel: +66 (0) 2 016 1360 |
Australian Embassy in Thailand Tel: +66 (0) 2 344 6300 |
New Zealand Embassy in Thailand Tel: +66 (0)2 254 2530 |
American Embassy in Thailand Tel: +66 (0) 2 205 4000 |
Canadian Embassy in Thailand Tel: +66 (0) 2 646 4336 |
South African Embassy in Thailand Tel: +66 (0) 2 092 2900 |
Getting married in Thailand?
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Getting Married in Thailand – First Steps
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Requirements are subject to change in accordance with the laws of Thailand. Information updated as at Jan 2019.