Marriage Registration for British Nationals is possible whether you are marrying a Thai citizen, another UK citizen, or a citizen of a different foreign nationality. But as with every nationality, there are some special considerations you will need to keep in mind when marrying in Thailand as a Brit.

Affirmation of Freedom to Marry

All foreign citizens, including those with valid visas, need to provide an Affirmation of Freedom to Marry. This document confirms that you or your foreign fiance are not already married, are of legal age in their home country, and have no impediments to joining you in matrimony. Only the British government can confirm this, so you must go to the British Embassy to get this document.

• Contact your embassy ahead of time to double-check their rules on providing this document. The process and fees may change over time, so get the most up-to-date information from the source.
• You may need to make an appointment.
• Bring with you your passport, as proof of identity, and any evidence that any previous marriages have been dissolved/terminated such as a divorce decree or death certificate. Copies will not be accepted under any circumstances.
• There is a charge of 2,400 baht per affirmation (subject to change). 
• This service is only available for British nationals.

Translation and Authentication of the Affirmation of Freedom to Marry

Once the affirmation has been signed, it will need to be translated into Thai to be acceptable by the Thai authorities. You will also need certified translations of any divorce or death certificates to act as proof of freedom to marry. Please note that the Consular Section does not undertake the preparation or translation of documents.

Visit our translation page to learn more about translating documents in Thailand.

The British Consular Official's signature and all Thai translations must also be authenticated by the Thai government. Fortunately, a certified translator can also perform this task for you.

Registering a Thai Marriage as a UK Citizen

Bring all documents as well as copies of your passport biodata page, Thai visa, and arrival card (if applicable) to the local district office when you go to register your marriage. Also, bring any proof of payment for any translation, legalization, and registration fees required for any of these documents and their translations.

If your partner is Thai, they will need to bring their ID card and house registration. If they are under 20 years old, you will need written permission from their parents.

You will also need to bring 2 witnesses to view your registration, though for a fee the district office may provide you with some if needed.

Present the documents to the registrar, pay a small fee, and then complete and sign all forms the registrar requires of you. If you have a prenuptial agreement, now is the time to enter it into the official record, so inform the registrar if you have one.

Important Reminders When Getting Married in Thailand

• The British Embassy in Bangkok is not authorized to perform marriages.
• A religious ceremony on its own is not sufficient. Only registration at a district office (AKA “Amphur” or “Khet”).
• Approval of your marriage registration is at the discretion of each individual Registrar. Most Registrars will be satisfied with an Affirmation of Freedom of Marry, but they may require additional documents.
• The marriage certificate you receive from the district office will be in Thai only. You may wish to commission a "sworn translation" of the marriage certificate from a certified translator so that you may register it with your embassy and use the document for legal purposes in the UK.
• The Consular Section can arrange for your marriage to be recorded in the UK. This is not a legal obligation, but it is an easy way to have your marriage registered back home, and may be helpful if you lose your marriage certificate.
• Please note that a foreign national, Thai or otherwise, does not automatically acquire British citizenship through marriage to a British national.
• If you are marrying a Thai national, they will require a British visa to visit or settle in the UK.
• Applications for a British Spouse Visa to settle in the United Kingdom should be submitted at least three months in advance of the proposed date of travel. Contact our visa teams for further information.
• If you marry a Thai citizen or a foreigner with residency in Thailand, you are eligible for a Thai Marriage Visa as a British Citizen.

Secure Your Marriage Registration and Visas

If you’re dreaming of a wedding in Thailand and don’t want red tape to get in the way of your big day, contact Siam Legal’s marriage consultants. We’re a full-service law firm and visa consultancy in operation for over 20 years, so we have a deep understanding of the laws governing marriage in Thailand, Thai visas, and British visas.

Our knowledgeable advisors will answer all your questions and walk you through each step of the marriage registration process in Thailand, ensuring you have all the required documents and that they are prepared correctly. This way, you can get your marriage registered swiftly and smoothly so you can focus on your wedding ceremony and what lies ahead.

Once you’ve tied the knot, our immigration consultants can assist you with applying for a Thai visa if you’re planning on staying in the Kingdom with your spouse, or help your foreign partner apply for a British spouse visa if you want to settle back home in the UK.

Let Siam Legal’s experienced team handle the legalities so you can enjoy a seamless and stress-free transition to married life.

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Marriage Registration by Nationality