Ready for the big day, but no idea what it takes to get legally married in Singapore?
Ready for the big day, but no idea what it takes to get legally married in Singapore? Before you hit up wedding events or start choosing your dream bridal dress, reception venue or three-tier cake, let’s talk about the serious stuff. This trusty guide shows you what you have to do to make your nuptials legal at the Registry of Marriage in Singapore — from legal provisions to the essentials of solemnization.
Step One: Prepare for registration
Before you file a notice for marriage, read the legal provisions beforehand. These include:
- Notice Period: The marriage must take place within three months of filing for notice, or the notice will be void.
- Marriage Rules: These include the presence of two witnesses above 21 years old, and arranging for a certified interpreter from an embassy to be available at the verification of documents/statutory of declaration appointment and solemnization if either party does not understand English. Read more here.
Step Two: E-file
To file for a notice of marriage online, you’d need:
- NRICs or passports of the bride and groom, as well as two adult witnesses
- Completed solemniser form
- Credit card
- A residence of at least 15 continuous days prior to filing of marriage if you’re not Singaporean.
Note: Be sure to have your printer ready, as The Summary of Notice of Marriage contains important instructions like the date and time of ROM and the statutory of declaration.
Step Three: Verify documents and statutory declaration
- Upon filing online, an appointment date and time will be provided for you for verification of documents and statutory declaration.
- Bring along: passports, copies of witnesses and the original copy of the solemnizer’s consent form.
- You will then be given a certification of marriage.
Step Four: Solemnisation
- Two witnesses and the solemniser must be present.
- The ceremony must be held during the period starting 21 days after and three months after the issue date of Notice of Marriage.
- Bring along the passports of bride and groom, witnesses, the original marriage cert and rings to exchange.
Thereafter, you’ll be pronounced man and wife in the eyes of the law — pop the confetti and party!
For more information, check out the Registry of Marriages.