If you’re thinking about tying the knot in Thailand, you might be wondering whether foreigners can get legally married there. The answer is yes — but it’s not as simple as walking onto a beach with an officiant. Thailand has a clear legal process, and you’ll need to handle it step-by-step to make your marriage official.

The good news? It’s absolutely doable, and with the right preparation, it can be a smooth experience. Here’s what you need to know.

Step 1: Visit Your Embassy in Thailand

Once you arrive in Thailand, the first thing you’ll need to do is visit your home country’s embassy or consulate — most couples go to their embassy in Bangkok.

Here, you’ll request an Affirmation of Freedom to Marry, which is essentially proof that you’re legally free to marry. This document will need to be notarized by the embassy.

Bring your passport, and if you’ve been married before, you’ll also need your divorce decree or the death certificate of your former spouse. Your embassy may require additional documents, so it’s best to check in advance.

Step 2: Translate Your Documents

Once you have the affirmation, you’ll need to take it to a certified translation service and have it translated into Thai. This step is required so that your documents can be accepted by Thai authorities.

Step 3: Legalize at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Next, you’ll visit the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) Consular Department in Bangkok. Bring both your original documents and the Thai translations.

The MFA will verify your papers and place an official stamp to confirm their validity in Thailand. Processing usually takes one to two working days.

Step 4: Register Your Marriage

Now you’re ready for the official part — registering your marriage at a district office (Amphur). You can choose any Amphur in Thailand, although most couples do this in Bangkok or near their wedding location.

At the Amphur, you’ll sign your marriage documents in front of a registrar. After that, you’ll receive your Thai Marriage Certificate (in Thai), along with certified copies.

If you want the certificate recognized internationally, it’s a good idea to have it translated back into your own language and legalized for use abroad.

How Long Does the Process Take?

If you plan it well, the entire process — from your embassy visit to receiving your marriage certificate — can take as little as four to six working days.

Some couples choose to hire a local wedding planner or legal assistant to guide them through the process, which can save time and ensure nothing gets missed.

Important Things to Know

• Religious or symbolic ceremonies in Thailand are not legally binding without going through this registration process
• Same-sex marriage is not yet legally recognized in Thailand, although civil partnership legislation is currently being discussed
• Many couples choose to handle the legal paperwork in their home country and have a symbolic ceremony in Thailand instead, which gives them more flexibility in location and timing

Conclusion

Getting legally married in Thailand as a foreigner involves a few extra steps, but for some couples, it’s worth the effort to make the country part of their official love story. Most of the couples do opt for getting legally married in their home country first and then head out to Thailand for their elopement with symbolic ceremony, vows and rings exchange. And of course, for so much of an adventure! Whether you go through the legal process here or opt for a symbolic ceremony, Thailand offers breathtaking backdrops and unforgettable experiences for your wedding day.

Other blog posts you might be interested in:

How to elope in Thailand
How to take your wedding dress on a plane
10 activities for your Thailand elopement
How to choose your elopement dress
How to include family in your elopement