Getting married in Thailand can be an exciting adventure! But if you’re a non-Thai citizen planning to tie the knot there, there are some steps you need to take. First, you’ll need to visit your home country’s embassy or consulate in Thailand. They’ll help you process the necessary documents, but keep in mind they can’t perform marriages or translations. That’s where a family lawyer in Thailand can step in to assist with translations, legalization, and the marriage registration process.

Getting Married in Asia

The Thai authorities require foreign nationals to obtain an Affirmation of Freedom to Marry. While some countries don’t issue this document in advance, you can usually get it from your embassy in Bangkok. You’ll need to provide your passport and proof of any previous marriages, such as divorce or death certificates. Once you have the affirmation from the embassy, it needs to be translated into Thai and certified by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Your passport copy will also need certification from your embassy.

After all the paperwork is sorted, you’ll head to the local district office to register your marriage. Remember, a religious ceremony alone isn’t legally recognized in Thailand. It’s crucial to have someone who speaks Thai with you to ensure everything is in order. The registration can be done at any district office, not just in Bangkok. You’ll need copies of your passport, the embassy’s affirmation, and translations. If your partner is Thai, they’ll need to provide their ID card and house registration certificate.

Once your marriage is registered, you’ll each receive a Marriage Certificate in Thai. You can get it translated and legalized for use in your home country. And don’t forget to seek legal advice to ensure everything goes smoothly! After that, you can apply for a Thai marriage visa.