Marriage in Thailand and Its Requirements

If you're planning to marry in Thailand, you'll need to complete a number of steps before the ceremony can take place. The first step is to register the marriage with the District Registrar (known as 'amphur' or 'khet' in Thai) and then get a certificate proving that your wedding is legal.

There are certain requirements that you must meet in order to be eligible for a marriage in Thailand, including being of the appropriate age. If you're a minor, you'll need permission from the court before you can register your marriage.

The next step is to go to your embassy or consulate in Bangkok and obtain an 'Affirmation of Freedom to Marry'. This will need to be translated into Thai by a reputable translation office and certified to show that you and your partner are free to marry according to Thai law.

It's a good idea to have this completed as soon as possible after arriving in Thailand, so you can start the process right away. This will give you plenty of time to organize everything else and avoid delays.

You should also bring your 'affirmation of freedom to marry' with you to the registrar, along with copies of all documents required for registering your marriage. These include your 'affidavit of freedom to marry', the translation, and copies of any previous marriage certificates or death certificates.

After completing these steps, you'll need to submit the forms to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Bangkok, which will authenticate them and return them to you the following day. There is a fee to have this done and an extra 'express' fee can be paid for a quicker service.

Once you have the paperwork in hand, your embassy or consulate should be able to help with any questions you may have regarding the legalities of your wedding. You can also consult with local legal experts who can provide advice on the best way to proceed.

A 'de facto' or common law marriage is also acceptable as long as it is legal in the country where you are getting married and it has been for at least a year before you begin to apply for a marriage registration. However, it is important to remember that this type of marriage does not have the same status as a registered one and you must be aware that any property or financial assets you obtain will not be protected under Thai law once the marriage has been registered.

In some countries, such as the US, a 'de facto' marriage can be recognized by law and become legally valid after a certain period of time has passed. This is a good thing, because it means that the couple will be protected under their home countries' laws and they won't have to worry about a divorce in Thailand later on down the line.

Whether you're a tourist or a resident of Thailand, you'll need to be prepared for the fact that a marriage in Thailand is not an easy or cheap process to complete. It can be quite stressful for some people, so it's always a good idea to have someone with local knowledge on hand who can help you through the process and organise a smooth and stress-free ceremony.