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Getting Married in Thailand – The DIY Guide!

Please note that the express service is not currently available at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA), so the quickest you will be able to get your paperwork legalized is 48 hours.

This means that technically it is no longer possible to do this entire process in one day, because you won't be able to go to your embassy, get the translations done, and receive your documents back the same day.

Please also bear in mind that some district offices (amphur) now have a marriage limit of 8 couples per day, and may require you to make an appointment in advance. Some offices are quoting up to a month's wait.

However, for those marrying a Thai national, it is a good idea to speak with the district office in your partner's home town, as readers have reported quicker appointment booking and a smoother process outside of big cities and tourist areas.

Please also note that foreign national marriages may be subject to a paperwork check by the district office in which they want to get married. This involves sending the paperwork back to the MFA for verification. This can take up to 40 days!

In this case, using an agent or wedding company is the best option for an expedited process. Or, if your Thai partner has a contact at her/his hometown district office, they may be able to avoid the MFA verification, if you catch my drift.

I strongly suggest reading through the latest comments at the end of this article where readers share their most recent experiences.

Okay, let's begin.

getting-married-thailand

Contents

  1. Hiring an Agent
  2. Getting Married in Thailand
  3. Step 1: Freedom to Marry & Passport Authentication
  4. Step 2: Official Document Translation
  5. Step 3: Consular Affairs Legalization
  6. Marriage Registrar Required Documents
  7. Where to Get Married (District Offices in Bangkok)
  8. Marriage Certificate Translation
  9. One Last Thing

Hiring an Agent

This post focusses on completing the process yourself without an agent, but I thought I'd start here to make you aware that you have this option. Moreover, given the current climate, an agent may be able to expedite the process for you.

Personally, I prefer to handle things myself, having complete control over efficiency and organization.

Also consider that having an agent doesn't eliminate the first step of the process (the trip to the embassy), and costs considerably more.

Quotes range from 15,000-50,000 Baht for the agent's fee. Do shop around for quotes. Anything under 25,000 is okay, I guess.

A good tip is to get your Thai partner to Google for an agent in Thai, as this will likely yield cheaper quotes.

Make sure you ask if the quote includes the embassy affirmation fee and the translations.

Getting Married in Thailand

Whether you're a foreign national marrying a Thai national, or a foreign couple coming to Thailand to get married, you'll need to jump through three hoops before you can officially tie the knot.

  1. Obtain a freedom to marry document (affirmation), and get your passport verified, both from your home country's embassy in Thailand.
  2. Get these documents translated by an official translation company.
  3. Get the documents legalized at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

After these three steps, you can register your marriage at a district office (known locally as an amphur).

The marriage will only be recognized under the law of your home country if it is valid under Thai law. In other words, simply having a Buddhist marriage ceremony in Thailand doesn't mean you are legally married, though it is a good way to get married without actually getting married (easier to escape, haha!)

It is still very possible to complete the process of getting the correct documentation together in one day, although without the express service at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, you will have to wait to get your finalized documents back.

Realistically, you will need one day for your embassy appointment, translations and MFA submission.

Then you will get a slip that tells you when you can pick your documents up (from the MFA), which is usually within 2 days. You'll then need another day for the marriage registration (depending on the terms of the district office you choose).

Remember, if you are both foreign nationals, you will need to consider this process for two persons.

Step 1: Freedom to Marry Affirmation & Passport Authentication

Affirmation of Freedom to Marry

You must first go to your embassy to obtain an Affirmation of Freedom to Marry in Thailand.

Your embassy will most likely require you to make an appointment to get your affirmation done. Some do, dome don't.

British nationals DO need to make an appointment to get an affirmation. The consular accepts appointments 08:00 – 11:00 on Monday – Friday.

The cost depends on the embassy, but will be around the 3,500 Baht mark.  It costs 2,860 Thai Baht at the British embassy.

Yes, it's an expensive stamp.

Get the earliest appointment you can, closest to the opening time of the embassy, which should be 8am.

If your embassy has the affirmation form online, print it out from embassy website before you go, and fill in the relevant sections. For the British embassy, you will need to print the form.

You will need your passport, and if you've been married before, make sure you have documentation to prove that any previous marriages have been dissolved/terminated (an appropriate death certificate or divorce certificate).

This certificate, if not in English, must be accompanied by an English translation. Only the original or an official certified copy will be accepted – photocopies will not be accepted under any circumstances.

Passport Authentication

Due to a new requirement, you also need your passport certified by the embassy and then translated into Thai.

That means the photo page and the page above or below it, (depending on which country you are from).

This can be done at the same appointment you will attend for your freedom to marry affirmation. For British nationals, you can choose to do both at your appointment when booking using the online system.

Book an early appointment to ensure you leave yourself plenty of time. If your embassy offers a walk-in service, get there at opening time.

NOTE: Carry a photocopy of your passport with you. You will need this for Step 3. 

Step 2: Affirmation & Passport Translation

You now need the affirmation and your passport authentication translated into Thai.

This will cost between 300-600 Baht, per document, depending on where you go.

The officer at Chaeng Wattana (Ministry of Foreign Affairs) will stamp your affirmation and passport translation. You will then show this at the Amphur (district office) at your appointment to marry.

For the translation, you have two choices.

Because the majority of embassies are in and around Wireless Road, for most it will be easy to get a translation done in this area.

If you walk to the top of Wireless Road (back toward Pleon Chit BTS station) and up over the bridge onto the other side of the road, you'll be standing outside a language school called Language Express.

Go past the school and turn right. Along this side road you'll find a number of reputable translation services.

* Please note that the UK embassy is now located at the AIA Sathorn Tower, Floor 12 A 11/1 S Sathorn Rd, 10120.

Don't dilly dally: choose a translation centre quickly and make it clear you are on a deadline, otherwise you won't get to the MFA before lunchtime.

They should be able to do the translations within 1 hour. If they say they can't do it so quickly, let them know you can pay a little extra.

Alternatively, get in a taxi and go straight to Chaeng Wattana to the Department of Consular Affairs.

This might be preferable because the traffic will be dying down just after rush hour. This journey will cost around 150 Baht.

Do take the tollway (60 Baht) if the driver suggests it. This route is much quicker.

You can get your translations done at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, although it may cost more because the touts will be aware you have no choice but to pay to have your documents authenticated there. However, if option 1 doesn't work out, this option is a sure thing.

Immigration Office Address:

Tell the taxi you want to go to the “Chang Wattana pass-a-bort (or immigration) off-ice!”

Show him/her the address in Thai: สำนักงานหนังสือเดินทาง ถนนแจ้งวัฒนะ เขตหลักสี่

If you have a smartphone with a decent size screen, show him on this Google Map.

The  Legalisation Division
Department of Consular Affairs
123 Chaeng Wattana Road,
Laksi District, Bangkok 10210

Tel : +66 (0) 2 575 1056–59,  0 2981 7171
Fax : +66 (0) 2 575 1054
(08:30 – 15:30 hrs)

Note that you can also get this process done at the new office at Klong Toey MRT station. The new office is in the Metro Mall area of the station:

Klong Toey MRT Station
ถนน พระรามที่ 4 คลองเตย
Bangkok, 10110
(08:30 – 15:30 hrs)

Here's a link to a Google Map.

Step 3: Thai Consular Affairs Authentication (MFA)

If possible, I  recommend doing your embassy visit – to get your freedom to marry affirmation and your passport verified (and your translations too) – and trip to the  Ministry of Foreign Affairs in one day.

If you can get an early appointment at your embassy, you should be able to make it to the MFA before lunchtime. Remember: the express 1-day service is only available if you get your documents in before 9.30am, but isn't currently available as of this article update.

When you arrive at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, if you still need your documents translating, you can choose one of the services downstairs.

You will be approached as soon as you enter by touts for the translation services, so do a bit of bartering (starting at 400 Baht). Don't stress too much over 100 Baht or so, just get it done with the company offering the fastest service and move on.

Note: staff take lunch at 12pm. You'll have to wait an hour until they come back on duty.

Try to get a ticket and get in the queue before they go to lunch. If you make it through processing before lunch, then great. If not, no worries.

Once you have the translation, go to the 3rd floor: up the escalator, turn right and up the stairs.

Go to the desk straight ahead of you and give in your affirmation and its translation, passport translation and photocopy of your passport to the lady at the desk.

Now proceed through the white door over on the other side of the room; the lady will direct you.

Here you will get your documents checked by someone who looks very official. Once you get the okay, you will be asked to take a seat and wait to be called. Keep your eye on the queuing system, you don't want to miss your number.

Once called, you will be given a day to collect your authenticated documents and the option to have them posted to you. The standard pick-up/delivery time is 2 days.

When you get your documents back, you have completed the process.

Keep everything safely together in an envelope. You will need all these documents to present to the Amphur office (government office) of your choice when you go to register your marriage after the ceremony.

Of course, you can register your marriage before the ceremony, it's up to you.

If you've finished early, you could go to a local district office and book an appointment to get married. You might be able to get an appointment for the next day, depending on the location.

Marriage Documents Required by the Registrar

When you go to register your marriage at the government office, you will need to take the following documents:

  1. Your passport – 2 copies
  2. Your visa – copy this too
  3. Your fiancee's ID card (for Thai nationals only) – 2 copies
  4. The Letter of Affirmation of Freedom to Marry (the original & the certified translation, plus copies of both)
  5. The MFA stamped translation of your passport
  6. Your fiancee's Tabien Baan (house log) (Thai nationals only) – 2  copies
  7. You will also need two witnesses. The rules may vary between district offices regarding who can be a witness. We used two Thai friends, but some offices may require one or two family members, and some may even offer a witness service for a fee.

Where to Get Married? District Offices in Bangkok (Amphur)

In the old days you could pretty much roll up and get married on the spot. You'd grab two members of the public as witnesses and do it Vegas style.

Nowadays, some district offices (amphur) require you to make an appointment, while others will only accept two family members as witnesses, and some even go as far as to send your documents back to the MFA for verification.

If you are marrying a Thai national, the easiest place to get married is most likely going to be the district office in your partner's home town.

This is because, chances are, someone at the local amphur knows your partner, or a member of her family, or perhaps a close friend. There is usually some connection that makes for an easier ride. Being a local means others are generally more willing to help.

However, if you're in Bangkok, then you might as well get the job done there.

The best place to check for varying experiences with at district offices is in the comments section below, but here's a few you might try:

  • Lak Si: Marries 8 couples a day. Make an appointment in advance.
  • Bangrak: Requires two family members as witnesses.
  • Huay Kwang: Accepts friends a witnesses.

*Where possible call the district office first and ask what their requirements are.

Marriage Certificate Translation

When your marriage is registered you will be given two original certificates. You should make photocopies for your records.

You should also obtain an official translation of your marriage certificate into your native language. This is useful because you may need the certificate once back in your home country to obtain other legal documents such as a child's passport or a visa for your wife.

A note for British nationals: You no longer need to file your marriage certificate back in the UK. They did away with this requirement a number of years ago.

One Last Thing!

If you're planning on getting married in Thailand, then you'll want everything to go as smoothly as possible.

That means making sure you have travel insurance with adequate coverage, just in case the something doesn't quite go to plan. Maybe you lose your case, miss your flight, break a finger, lose your wallet.

Don't chance it.

Check out Safetywing for solid insurance that covers a broad range of eventualities.

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More Tips for Married Life

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  1. Keith says

    On my way to Thailand tomorrow to get this deed done. I'm bringing 5 copies of everything just to be safe; divorce documents, pre-completed single affidavit, passport. One glitch I ran into was in making my appointment at the embassy (American). Looks like they only perform these services two days a week.
    I'll let you know how it goes.
    Reply

  2. Gav says

    It would be really good to hear from anybody who has successfully used an agency and what the price was, how long it took etc . I am planning to get married in September or October to my Thai GF and this 40 days thing that I have read about on several websites is a major concern as I only have 2week vacation time from the uk this year .
    Reply

      • Gav says

        yes it was a frantic read LOL!!! I didn't take a breath!!!

        I have some more UK embassy related questions - namely around the topic of residency - e.g. if one is a Citizen of UK, but also live permanently in, and hold resident status in another country. Is there any confusion/palaver/nonsense around notarizing, or translating residency landing permits from the country of residency? What "proof of domicile" is the UK Embassy requirement? If it is a foreign address do they need driving licence, bills, etc.? I saw one person say "put your parents UK address" in one comment but if you have no collateral proof that you live there I can't see how they would execute the affirmation.
        That leads me to my next question; if the amphur might throw a proverbial stick in the spokes by requiring any translated/documented proof of residency if listed on the affirmation, but not being the country of citizenship?
        Reply

  4. Sophie says

    Hi! I am looking to get married with my fiance who is from the UK. The district office says the waiting time is 2 months. Any idea why is that so? Please suggest what to do. It is taking longer than usual to get married here.
    Reply

  5. Noor says

    Hello, I'm a Pakistani student living in Thailand. I want my fiancee to be here with me. That's why, I want to marry with him as soon as possible. I can't go to my home country to get married due to my tough routine. Please suggest me if it is possible to get married online from here. If here in Thailand, any online marriage service is available?
    Thanks in anticipation
    Reply

    • Rod Hale says

      I did this process today 20/07/2022 It started Monday 18/07/2022 visit to Australian Embassy to get CNI done took the allotted 20 mins, went to a translation service nearby they said 3 days,
      I said no and thought back on it later and maybe they meant the whole process, traveled out to Department of Consular Affairs, entered was asked if I needed the translation done said yes they said not till next month, I walked away and headed out, the guy who took me up first said he would fix it, I got it down to 2 hours, we went to lunch they called us we went back, the translations were done,
      they said at first to come back the next day early to lodge our paperwork, I wasn't happy with that it was only about 1.30 pm, they said we could try up stairs on the 3 rd floor, after getting our paperwork checked and heading down and getting a black and white copy of the front page of my passport(which I forgot I had done before coming to Bangkok) we had to wait and were called and put our paperwork in and paid the fee,
      they said to come back early Wednesday because if there were problems with the translations they would have to be fixed, got there at 7.30 am and sat and waited till 8,20 went up and put our receipt in and at 8.30 were called, we had problems with the translation,
      got on the phone with the girl and after a bit of toing and froing got the pages we needed at 11 am and got our fixed paperwork back to the counter and were told it would be tomorrow,
      wasn't happy with this and they said go to counter 9 to see if they could do it quicker( they asked why did we need it today, we said we have a cousins funeral to attend to, which is actually true) they said ok went back to the 1 to 5 counters and they said between 1 and 2 after counter 9 had said 2 to 3 and after a lunch, in the cafeteria, we went back and got our finished paperwork at 2,40 pm.
      Sorry it was so long winded but I wanted to get all the bits in
      The most important thing is dont take what is first offered or said as final we did at first pay a little more but nothing outrageous.
      So good luck with this and as we did it is doable in 3 days ours would have been 48 hors if no translation problems.
      Reply

          • Rod Hale says

            Ok further to this at my Local Amphur, we went on Friday and after waiting for 1 hour our number was called we were told that the girl who knows how to do foreigner marriages(we do live in a small town in Issan) was away that day and to come back Monday and they would look after it then. We arrived early and were seen first, we did all the necessary paperwork with the knowledgeable girl and were told to go sit down and wait for the officer to see us, unlucky for us he had a very lengthy meeting of over an hour before we got to see him, it was more an investigation and part of the system I felt, in all even though some things were a bit strange it was easy to answer( 1 question was how much did I earn a month in thai baht while I was working before I retired and another was two people I know in Australia, I didnt have to give any proof for this), we then went back to our first girl and we had all the necessary papers for he, she did ask if I spoke Thai and I just answered Nit Noi and that was it, as a special favor we received 2 marriage certificates in all this took just over 3 and a half hours the officer who had to sign off on all the paperwork was getting toey as it was lunchtime and I think he had a lunch date.
            Reply

  7. Peter says

    Hi Im british and i am looking to get married, it says i need my yellow book with me for the affirmation but i dont have one should i just put down my parents address in the UK or should i put down my thai address even without a a yellow book?
    Reply

  8. N. Alam says

    Hi dear folks,

    I'm planning to get my documents authenticated at the new office at Klong Toey MRT station, which is near the Metro Mall area of the
    Klong Toey MRT Station.

    Is it possible to get translation and authentication at this office on the same day? Any other helpful info will be greatly appreciated.

    Thanks in advance.
    Alam.
    Reply

    • TheThailandLife says

      Translation isn't done by the MFA it is done by an approved translator. There might be a shop or two offering that service there, as there is at Chaeng Wattana, but I've not been there so I don't know. The authentication isn't done in one day anymore, unless they have an express service at that office. It will most likely take 48 hours to get your paperwork back.
      Reply

    • Narresh says

      Hi, I am planning to marry my girlfriend who live in Ubon Ratchathani, I am from the US and I am aware that Ratchathani is 1:15hr on a plane flight, I am planning to stay by her for 2 weeks. My question is, how can I get my document from the US embassy which is located in Bangkok. Is there a local Amphur in Ratchathani which can help me further the processing my papers?
      Reply

      • TheThailandLife says

        You have to go to the US embassy in Bangkok to get your freedom to marry document. You will then need this translated to Thai. You then have to go to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Bangkok to get your freedom to marry document legalized. Once you get this document back from the MFA, you can choose to marry at a local district office, such as the one in Ubon Ratchathani, though if your GF is with you in BKK it might make sense to marry there.
        Reply

  10. Richard says

    Slightly off topic. I’m American living in Thailand. I have a one year Visa, I own a car, have an one year rental and bank accounts in country. I have to return to the US for business and would like to take my girlfriend who is Thai. She is 35 and owns land but has never traveled to the US.
    She has a tourist visa interview for next month. I think it will be in Chiang Mai.
    Can anyone offer any pointers on how to successfully get through the interview and maximize the chances of actually getting the Visa.
    Reply

    • TheThailandLife says

      Hi Richard, I don't have any experience with the US visa process but I know it's one of the tougher places to get a visit visa to.Based on my UK experience my tips would be:1. Be prepared by knowing all the details of your partner: family name, DOB, occupation, address, etc. 2. Know exactly when you met, how you've communicated, how much time you've spent together and where. 3. Make sure you have good reason to return to Thailand after your visit: a job, a business, a mortgage, dependents, assets, etc. 4. Be honest. It sounds obvious but any little lie may trip you up further along in the application or on the next visit visa and cause an issue.
      Reply

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