Getting Married in Hua Hin, Thailand
Hua Hin is one of Thailand’s oldest and most traditional holiday destinations, so if you’re looking for a serene yet accessible place to get married in Thailand, Hua Hin is a prime choice. Known for its calm beaches and atmosphere, Hua Hin has everything you need to hold a reserved wedding without sacrificing fun or excitement. As a foreigner and non-citizen, there are some things you need to keep in mind when choosing to tie the knot in this seaside paradise.
In this article, you'll learn everything you need to know about getting married in Hua Hin, Thailand. From legal requirements and paperwork to choosing the perfect venue, we cover all the important details to ensure your wedding goes smoothly.
What You Should Do Before Your Wedding in Hua Hin
To have a memorable wedding in Hua Hin, you must prepare carefully. Besides booking venues, photographers, and catering, you also need to bring specific documents to legally register your marriage.
As a foreigner, you need to bring:
- Copy of your passport
- Affidavit regarding your marital status from your respective embassy
- Translated copy of the affidavit to Thai, certified by an approved Foreign Ministry translator
- Thai Identification Card
- House Registration Certificate
- If previously married, provide proof of divorce; if widowed, provide proof of spouse's death
- Accompaniment by witnesses
It’s also highly recommended to have a prenuptial agreement drafted by a family lawyer in Thailand before your Thai wedding. You’ll need to bring that with you as well when you go for the marriage registration.
Prenuptial Agreement Thailand
A prenuptial agreement in Thailand, or "prenup," is a contract made with your partner before marriage. While it might not sound romantic, prenups are a useful legal tool and are more common than you might think. They protect both of you from a lengthy and expensive battle in case of separation and show your readiness to plan your financial future together.
Discuss this with your partner as soon as possible and have a reliable lawyer draft the agreement. The main goal of a prenuptial agreement is to clearly state which property belongs to each of you and decide how to divide these properties if your marriage ends in divorce.
If you own or plan to own property or a business together, a prenup is essential. Without it, a divorce could lead to your former spouse receiving an unfair share of the property. This is especially likely if you marry a Thai citizen, as the government often favors the Thai national in property division after a divorce.
What You Should Do After Your Wedding in Hua Hin
After your wedding ceremony in Hua Hin (or before if you’d like), you need to complete a few steps to finalize your marriage registration. First, you’ll need to register your marriage with the local authorities at a specific office, followed by a trip to your home country’s embassy to register the marriage in their systems. Then, if you hope to stay in Thailand with your new spouse, you must apply for a marriage visa or a similar long-term immigration solution.
Register Your Marriage
To make it official, you will need to register your marriage with the Thai government first, then your home country’s embassy. You can file a Thailand marriage registration application at any District Office or Minor District Office nationwide. These are also known as "Amphurs."
If you file at the District Office in your Thai spouse’s birthplace (where their name is on the House Registration Certificate), the District Officer will update their title, forename, and last name. If you register your marriage elsewhere, you must visit their local District Office to change their names and apply for a new National Identification Card.
Apply for a Thailand Visa with Your Spouse
If you are going to marry a Thai national and plan to stay in Thailand, you can apply for a Thailand marriage visa to secure your stay. It will allow you the following:
- A 1-year extended stay in Thailand, renewable annually.
- No need for a re-entry permit when flying in and out of the country.
- You can open a bank account and, jointly with your spouse, buy land in Thailand.
- You can apply for a Thai work permit and work for a Thai company.
To apply for a Thai marriage visa, you will need to meet the following criteria:
- You must be married to a Thai national. Proof of marriage documents is required, which can be obtained through a Marriage Certificate (Kor Ror 3) or a Marriage Registration (Kor Ror 2).
- You must provide proof of residency in Thailand, which can be either your address or your spouse’s.
- You need a deposit of at least 400,000 THB in a Thai bank account maintained for at least 2 months.
- You must have a monthly income of 40,000 THB, verified by a letter or affidavit from the foreign embassy representing your nationality.
- Present supplementary documentation when applicable:
- For some countries, an Affirmation of Freedom to Marry document is needed from the foreign embassy representing your nationality in Thailand. This is required only if you are converting from a tourist visa to a Non-Immigrant O Visa.
- English-translated versions of required documents, verified by a consulate notary or embassy, if the original documents are not in English.
Alternative to Thai Marriage Visa Options
If you want to skip the hassle of a marriage visa and enjoy many benefits and perks, think about the Thailand Elite Visa. This premium visa offers convenience and comfort with minimal requirements. For an initial membership fee, you get a visa not linked to your marital status, including options for families, allowing stays in Thailand from 5 to 20 years without restrictions.
Another option to consider is to get a Long-Term Resident Visa (LTR Visa Thailand). As a foreigner, this visa lets you stay in Thailand for up to 10 years. It benefits professionals, digital nomads, retirees, and investors, depending on your chosen category. You can bring up to four dependents, allowing your spouse and children to share the same visa and enjoy exclusive benefits.
What to do for your wedding in Hua Hin
Hua Hin is a laid-back place suited for both guests and newlyweds. Whether you’re seeking a relaxing time by the beach or an authentic cultural experience at Thailand’s night markets, Hua Hin offers it all for those hoping to escape the bustle of Bangkok and the loud parties while still making lasting memories.
Beaches and Islands
Hua Hin Beach is the main beach in the Hua Hin region. It's a clean beach lined with many resorts and restaurants. It can get busy on weekends when visitors from Bangkok and nearby cities come in, but it's mostly secluded on weekdays. The beach is long, wide, and well-kept.
Activities like waterboarding, jet skiing, kiteboarding, and banana boating are available. On the drier side, many cafes, shacks, sunbeds, and massage centers line the shoreline. Kid-friendly activities such as horseback rides are also offered.
This is a great place for your wedding guests to enjoy all the activities that come with a tropical destination wedding. But, if you want to do a wedding ceremony on the beach, you’ll likely have to arrange it with a private resort that has its own beach access.
Walking Street
The Hua Hin night market is a key landmark in Hua Hin. It has become a popular tradition for visitors to enjoy the sea and outdoor activities by day and explore the night market by night. The market's walking street is closed to traffic and filled with vending stalls offering consumer goods and souvenirs, so your wedding guests will have plenty of options for keepsakes to remind them of your union.
Cicada Market is a lively night market open on Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and holiday evenings from 5 pm. The market showcases local handicrafts including fashionable summer clothing, beachwear, jewelry, souvenirs, and paintings by well-known local artists. It's far from boring shopping though, as it offers puppet shows and stage performances for the children and families at your wedding party.
Nightlife
Hua Hin is more relaxed and laid-back compared to other cities in Thailand. It's known as a family-friendly location, so nightlife is limited and focuses more on night markets. Not the best choice for rowdy partygoers, but if your wedding party isn’t into that stuff, you’ll enjoy the comfort, safety, and (relative) quiet.
How to Contact the Amphur in Hua Hin to Register Your Marriage
Here are the contact details for each of the government office locations in Hua Hin.
1. Hua Hin District Office- Address: GVJJ+368, Thap Tai, Hua Hin District, Prachuap Khiri Khan 77110
- Phone Number: 032 652 927
- 114, Phet Kasem Rd, Hua Hin District, Prachuap Khiri Khan 77110
- 032 511 047
Get Married in Hua Hin with the Help of Siam Legal
Meeting the requirements for prenuptial agreements and marriage registration in Thailand can be challenging. With our help, you can be confident everything is handled correctly, ensuring your new life with your spouse starts smoothly and without delays.
Siam Legal has the expertise to make this process smooth and stress-free. With over 20 years of experience helping couples from across the world marry in Thailand, we have the knowledge and skills to take care of every detail. Whether you need a prenuptial agreement, help with registering your marriage, or assistance with applying for a long-term visa, our team is ready to provide expert services.
Contact Siam Legal for peace of mind, knowing that every document is accurate and submitted on time. We assist you every step of the way, making your journey into married life in Thailand as seamless as possible.
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Marriage Registration by Nationality
- Thai Marriage Registration for Australian Nationals
- Thai Marriage Registration for Bangladeshi Nationals
- Thai Marriage Registration for Belgian Nationals
- Thai Marriage Registation for British Nationals
- Thai Marriage Registration for Cambodian Nationals
- Thai Marriage Registration for Canadian Nationals
- Thai Marriage Registration for Chinese Nationals
- Thai Marriage Registration for Danish Nationals
- Thai Marriage Registration for Dutch Nationals
- Thai Marriage Registration for Filipino Nationals
- Thai Marriage Registration for Indian Nationals
- Thai Marriage Registration for Iranian Nationals
- Thai Marriage Registration for Indonesian Nationals
- Thai Marriage Registration for Italian Nationals
- Thai Marriage Registration for New Zealand Nationals
- Thai Marriage Registration for Russian Nationals
- Thai Marriage Registration for South African Nationals
- Thai Marriage Registration for Swedish Nationals
- Thai Marriage Registation for US Nationals
- Thai Marriage Registration for Vietnamese Nationals