Getting Married in Krabi, Thailand

With its stunning beaches, beautiful weather, breathtaking views, and delicious food, a marriage in Thailand’s Krabi province promises wedding memories that will last a lifetime. However, as you’ll be a foreigner and non-citizen, there are some things you need to keep in mind.

Getting married in Krabi is different from getting married in your home country. In this article, you'll learn everything you need to know about getting married in Krabi. 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 Krabi

Planning a wedding in Krabi requires careful preparation to ensure everything goes smoothly. Alongside necessities like making arrangements with ceremony venues, photographers, and catering, you’ll also need to bring certain documents with you to legally register the marriage.

As a foreigner, you need to bring these required documents:

• Copy of your passport 
• Affidavit regarding your marital status and freedom to marry from your home country’s embassy.
• Copy of a Thai translation of the affidavit, certified by an approved Foreign Ministry translator.

If your partner is a Thai citizen, they will need to bring the following:

• 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 that you get a prenuptial agreement drafted by a family lawyer in Thailand before your wedding to bring to the registration.

Prenuptial Agreement

A prenuptial agreement in Thailand, or "prenup," is a contract you make with your partner, which must be done before the marriage. While the idea might not sound romantic, prenups are a useful legal tool and are more common than you might think. It protects both of you from protracted legal battles in the event of a separation and shows your readiness to plan your financial future together. You should start discussing this as soon as possible and have it drafted by a reliable lawyer.

The main goal of a prenuptial agreement is to clearly state which property belongs to each of you and decide how these properties will be divided if your marriage ends in divorce.

If you own or plan on owning significant property or a business together, a prenup is particularly valuable. Without a prenup, a divorce could result in your former spouse being awarded an outsized share of the property. This is all but guaranteed if you are marrying a Thai citizen, as the government will favor the Thai national when dividing up property after a divorce.

What You Should Do After Your Wedding in Krabi

After your wedding in Krabi, there are a few steps to complete your marriage registration. You'll need to handle some legal formalities to make everything official. First, register your marriage with the local authorities. Then, apply for a marriage visa to stay in Thailand with your spouse.

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 marriage registration application at any District Office or a “Khet” or a Minor District Office, also known as an "Amphur", nationwide.

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 name and last name and apply for a new 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 the 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, consider the Thailand Elite Visa. This premium visa is designed for convenience and comfort, with minimal eligibility requirements. For an initial membership fee, you get a visa that isn’t linked to your marital status, includes options for families, and allows you to stay in Thailand from 5 to 20 years without restrictions.

Another option to consider is to get a Thai Long-Term Resident Visa (LTR Visa Thailand). As a foreigner, it will allow you to stay in Thailand for up to 10 years. This visa offers advantages for professionals, digital nomads, retirees, and investors, depending on the category you choose. You can bring up to 4 dependents, allowing your spouse and children to share the same visa while enjoying exclusive benefits geared toward professionals.

What to do for Your Wedding in Krabi

Krabi is a place with a variety of activities for everyone, including the guests and the newlyweds. Whether you're seeking adventure through snorkeling and cave exploration or want to experience the vibrant nightlife, Krabi offers it all for honeymooners or members of your party looking to make the most out of your destination wedding.

Beaches and Islands
You should explore the many islands and beaches in Krabi. Phi Phi Island is the most famous and a must-see destination. You can book a day tour to explore all the islands Krabi has to offer. On these tours, you can go snorkeling in the beautiful waters. Some tours even include cave exploration. The world-class beaches of Krabi are also prime spots for beach weddings.

Walking Street
For authentic Thai culture, food, and shopping, head to Krabi Walking Street, also known as Krabi Night Market or Krabi Town Walking Street. You'll find around 50 stalls here, open every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 5-10 pm, offering a wide range of products.

Nightlife
Even though it's known for being a calm town perfect for families and couples, Krabi transforms at night, coming alive with energy, especially at Soi RCA and Ao Nang Center Point. It has a lively nightlife scene, making it an exciting destination for both locals and tourists. Whether you’re planning a lively reception or a fun night out with friends, Krabi offers various nighttime activities to make your wedding celebration unforgettable. From beachfront bars to night markets, you'll find plenty of options to keep the party going.

How to Contact the Amphur in Krabi

Here are the contact details for each of the government office locations in Krabi Province where you can legally register your marriage.

1) Krabi Provincial Administrative Organisation

• Address: Moo 7, Sai Tai, Krabi Town
• Tel: 075 627 111

2) Amphur Muang Krabi

• Address: 212 Autrkit Road, Paknam, Krabi
• Tel: 075 611 340

3) Amphur Koh Lanta

• Address: Moo 1, Koh Lanta Noi
• Tel: 075 684 666

4) Ao Nang Tambon Administrative Organization

• Address: Moo 5, Tambon Ao Nang
• Tel: 075 637 146

Get Married in Krabi with the Help of Siam Legal

Navigating the requirements for prenuptial agreements and marriage registration in Thailand can be tricky, but with our help, you can be confident everything is handled correctly, making your new life with your spouse is not delayed or jeopardized.

Siam Legal has the expertise to make this process smooth and stress-free. With over 20 years of experience, we 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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