Getting Married in Samui, Thailand

Samui, Thailand, offers amazing sights, gorgeous beaches, warm weather, and delicious cuisine, making it an ideal destination for getting married and turning your wedding celebration to be unforgettable. However, as you’ll be a foreigner and non-citizen, there are some things you need to keep in mind.

In this article, you'll learn everything you need to know about weddings in Koh Samui. From legal requirements and paperwork to choosing the perfect venue, we have you covered to ensure your wedding goes smoothly.

What You Should Do Before Your Wedding in Koh Samui

Careful preparation is key to a successful Samui wedding. Alongside necessities like making arrangements with venues, photographers, and catering, you’ll also need to bring certain documents with you to legally register the marriage.

As a foreigner, you’ll 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

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

• 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 Thailand

A prenuptial agreement in Thailand, or "prenup," is a contract you make with your partner, which in this country 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 a lengthy and expensive battle in the event of a separation and shows your readiness to plan your financial future together. 

You should prepare for a prenup as soon as possible and have it drafted by an experienced lawyer. The goal of a prenuptial agreement is to clarify which assets belong to each of you and how these possessions will be shared if your marriage ends in divorce.

If you own or plan to own property or a business together, a prenup is valuable. Without one, a divorce could result in your former spouse receiving an unfair share of the property. This is especially likely if you are marrying a Thai citizen, as the government tends to favor the Thai national when dividing property after a divorce.

What You Should Do After Your Wedding in Koh Samui

After your wedding in Samui, there are a few procedures you must follow to complete your marriage registration. To make everything official, you'll need to complete some legal paperwork. First, register your marriage with the local authorities. Then, apply for a marriage visa so you can stay in Thailand with your partner.

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, which 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 your name and last name and apply for a new Identification Card.

Apply for a Visa to Stay in Thailand 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 privileges:

• 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 Thailand Marriage Visa Options

If you want to avoid the inconvenience of a marriage visa while also receiving numerous privileges and perks, check out the Thailand Elite Visa. This premium visa was created for convenience and comfort, with minimal requirements and conditions. For an initial membership fee, you receive a visa that is not related to your marital status, includes options for families, and allows you to stay in Thailand for 5 to 20 years without restrictions.

Getting a Long-Term Resident Visa (LTR Visa Thailand) is another option to consider. It allows you to live in Thailand for up to ten years as a foreigner. Depending on the category you have selected, the LTR visa offers benefits for retirees, investors, professionals, and digital nomads. Your spouse and children can travel with you on the same visa and receive additional benefits if you bring up to four dependents.

What to do for Your Wedding in Koh Samui

Samui 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, Samui offers it all for honeymooners or members of your party looking to make the most out of your destination wedding.

Beaches & Islands
Visiting Ang Thong National Marine Park is a must for anyone in Koh Samui. This park consists of 42 limestone islands surrounded by a bright blue sea, just within sight of Koh Samui. It covers over 100 square kilometers of land and sea and is home to various exotic wildlife and sea creatures. You can enjoy snorkeling, hiking, sea kayaking, diving, or simply relaxing.

Many tour companies offer day trips to Ang Thong from Koh Samui, catering to different budgets. These full-day tours typically include four stops at different locations within the park.

Walking Street
Fisherman’s Village in Samui is a historic part of Bophut, featuring rustic-style buildings with boutique stores, trendy restaurants, and a few hotels along the narrow Beach Road. Every Friday, the area transforms into the Fisherman’s Village Walking Street market, drawing many shoppers from across the island.

This section of Bophut Beach is named for its past as a bustling fishing community. Although the fishermen have left and the main pier has collapsed, the old wooden shophouses remain. Narrow alleys weave between them, giving the village a charming, old-world feel.

Nightlife
Koh Samui offers some of the best nightclubs, beach clubs, and sunset bars, making its nightlife as exciting as anywhere in Thailand. The top nightlife spots are centered around Chaweng Beach, with main resorts like Lamai, Bophut, and Maenam also offering various lounge clubs, bars, pool parties, and discos to explore.

How to Contact the Amphur in Koh Samui

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

Amphur Koh Samui Registration Office

• Address: Taweeraj Pakdee Road, Tambon Angtong, Amphur Koh Samui, Surat Thani 84140
• Tel: 077-420- 372, 077-420-373

Get Married in Koh Samui 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, we have the knowledge 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 facilitate a swift and successful process.

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.

Marriage Registration by Nationality