If you chance to be in Bangkok on a normal weekday and you wish to witness a good number of couples of various nationalities and religious backgrounds tying the knot, then proceed to Bangrak district, the busiest district office in Bangkok, notorious for accommodating a score of marrying couples on a daily basis. Mind you those who are getting married are not urbanite Thais but most of them are foreigners marrying Thais or other foreigners.

Why many foreigners prefer to marry in Thailand? There are a lot of reasons for this important marital decision. The most telling one would be: the country is brimming with romantic appeal which offers endless possibilities for wedding locations, themes, honeymoon destinations and activities for the couple. Indeed, Thailand has the necessary ingredients for a truly memorable marriage ceremony. But, unknown to many, marriage in Thailand can also prove to be a practical decision especially for those who are wishing to legalize their marriage. The reason is that marriage in Thailand is globally recognized. This means that your marriage is not only legally binding in Thailand but in your home country as well.

Marriage registration in Thailand entails basic requirements such as:

For the marrying foreigner:

a. Affirmation of freedom to Marry – to be obtained at the foreigner’s embassy or consulate in Bangkok

b. Divorce Certificate/Death Certificate – if the foreigner had been married before which ended in either divorce or death of spouse

c. Copy of passport

For the Thai national:

a. National ID card/Passport

b. Household Registration Certificate also known as Tabien Baan (in Thai)

c. Divorce Certificate/Death Certificate – if the party had been married before which ended in either divorce or death of spouse

d. Certificate of Changing Name- if the party had changed his/her name previously

Marriage registration also follows a rather simple and straightforward procedure. It can be organized in 5 business days-the preparation of marriage papers and the actual registration of marriage itself included.

The process can be roughly outlined as follows:

a. Procure the affirmation of freedom to marry at your own embassy in Bangkok. Some embassies issue this document on the same day while others take a day or two. It’s best to contact your embassy on this matter.

b. Translate the affirmation into Thai and bring it to the Ministry of Foreign affairs for legalization. The legalization period is 3 days so anticipate this waiting period.

c. Bring your legalized documents at the district office to register your marriage. If you are marrying a Thai, she has to bring her documents as well on the actual marriage registration.

d. The registrar will issue you a marriage certificate in Thai. You can have this certificate translated into English and legalized at the MFA so that you may be able to use it outside of Thailand.

While you may be able to accomplish the marriage registration on your own, it’s still advisable to retain the services of a good law firm specializing in Thai Marriage registration to assist you with the procedure. This will save you from the hassle in finding the best translators in town and going to and fro the different offices. It’s your big day and you are supposed to be relaxing and enjoying yourself. Leave the work to the expert.

G.A.M. Legal Alliance, Thailand‘s Provider of five star Legal services, has been assisting foreigners and locals alike with their marriages in Thailand. We have comprehensive marriage registration packages and multilingual, professional staff that can take care of everything for you to ensure the success of your marriage in Thailand.