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Getting married in Singapore

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For information on Muslim marriages in Singapore, see Getting married in Singapore (Muslim marriages)

Couples in Singapore are allowed to get married at the age of 21. However, registration of marriage for individuals between 16 to 21 years of age is also accepted with the consent of parents or guardians. Civil marriages in Singapore should be legally registered at the Registry of Marriage (ROM). The process of getting married in Singapore can be broken down into 2 parts, namely the application for marriage and solemnisation.

Registry of Marriages (ROM)

 
Signage for the compound of the two registries - ROM and ROMM.

In order for a marriage to be legally recognised in Singapore, couples must register and their marriage through the Registry of Marriages (ROM). The building housing the Registries of Civil and Muslim Marriages in Singapore is located at 7 Canning Rise. Since its official opening in 1983, the building has undergone 2 major facelifts in 2000 and 2011 to improve the experience of couples.[1] The ROM also provides basic solemnization services on a first come first served basis. The closest MRT stations to ROM are Bras Basah (CC2) and City Hall (EW13/NS25).

Eligibility requirements

Before registering for marriage, individuals have to meet the requirements as stipulated by the matrimonial law of Singapore. Couples of 21 years old and above are allowed to register for marriage at their own will.


Individuals between the age of 16 to 21 are considered minors and require the consent of both parents or guardians before registration.[2] Minors under the age of 18 years old are required to obtain a Special Marriage License (SML) on top of attending an interview and a mandatory marriage preparation workshop.[3] Polygamy and marriage between certain categories of relatives are prohibited in civil marriages.[4]

Application for marriage

Before filing a notice of marriage, it is recommended that couples decide on a solemniser and obtain their written consent through a form. Couples may engage any licensed solemniser from the list of appointed solemnisers in Singapore.[5] Solemnisers range from grassroots leaders to religious leaders. The completed consent form is a necessary document for the filing of the Notice of Marriage.

Notice of Marriage

The application for marriage is mostly an online process. Couples must submit a “Notice of Marriage” via ROM’s online platform (ROM e-filing portal). The notice of marriage is valid for 3 months from the date of application. Additionally, a couple may only solemnise their marriage after 3 weeks of filing their notice. For example, a couple who has filed a notice of marriage on 14 January will have between 4 February to 14 March to solemnise their marriage. The documents required for filing a Notice of Marriage are as such:

  • Credit card
  • NRIC/Passport of the bride, groom and the 2 witnesses
  • Consent form signed by the solemnizer (if the solemnization is going to be held outside of ROM)


After the notice has been filed, couples will be issued a ‘Summary of Notice of Marriage’. This summary contains the appointment details for the Verification of Documents and Statutory Declaration (VD/SD). The VD/SD is conducted in person at the ROM building. Both the bride and groom have to be present at the VD/SD appointment. Couples who opt for a solemnization at an external venue will receive 2 marriage certificates, a marriage license, a checklist, and an ROM self-addressed envelope at the VD/SD appointment.[6]

Solemnisation

Solemnisation of marriage has to be done within 3 months of registration. It can be done within the premises of ROM or at any other venue. For couples who opted for a solemnisation at ROM, their marriage certificates and license are handed to them on the day itself. Solemnisations on weekends and public holidays can only be held outside of ROM.


Solemnisation must be done in the presence of 2 witnesses who are above the age of 21, and a registered solemniser. Couples can invite any licensed solemniser from the list of registered solemnisers. Solemnisers are not paid for their service however, it is standard practice for couples to give their solemniser a token of appreciation. No more than 20 guests are to be invited for a solemnisation at ROM. It is not compulsory for parents/guardians to be present unless they are the registered witnesses.

Ceremony

The solemniser will verify all the documents submitted and confirm that both parties are willing to enter the marriage. After the exchange of wedding rings (optional), the couple, 2 witnesses and the solemniser will then sign on the Certificate of Marriage. This will be handed to the bride at the end of the ceremony. The whole procedure will take around 10 to 20 minutes.[7] Afterwhich, the couple will be pronounced husband and wife.

Fees

The general civil marriage fee for citizens and Permanent Residents is SGD$42.00. This fee is inclusive of a solemnisation venue in ROM. Couples who are both foreigners are expected to pay a marriage fee of SGD$380.00. This payment will be made upfront during the online application process. Additional fees for other common services are as follows:[8]

Common services (Civil Marriage) Costs (SGD)
Change of solemnisation details $25.00
Search for marriage records $35.00
Copy of Marriage Certificates $50.00
Entering a caveat against the issue of a Marriage License $310.00
Correction of Marriage Certificate $42.00

References / Citations

  1. ↑ “About ROM”. Last updated on March 5, 2018. Accessed on 14 January 2019. Retrieved from: https://www.rom.gov.sg/about_rom/rom_about.asp
  2. ↑ Ministry of Social and Family Development. “Minors”. Registry of Marriages Singapore. March 5, 2018. Accessed on 7 January 2019. Retrieved from:https://www.rom.gov.sg/reg_info/rom_minors.asp#MinorQ1
  3. ↑ Ibid.
  4. ↑ For a more comprehensive list of kindred and affinity, visit: https://www.rom.gov.sg/efile/prohibited.asp
  5. ↑ For the list of licensed solemnisers, visit: https://www.rom.gov.sg/reg_info/rom_solemnizers.asp
  6. ↑ “FAQ”. Registry of Marriages Singapore. Accessed on 14 January 2019. Retrieved from: https://va.ecitizen.gov.sg/cfp/customerpages/msf/rom/explorefaq.aspx
  7. ↑ “Information on Solemnisation”. Registry of Marriages Singapore. November 26, 2018. Accessed on 7 January 2019. Retrieved from: https://www.rom.gov.sg/reg_info/rom_solemnisation.asp
  8. ↑ “Fee Table”. Registry of Marriages Singapore. February 22, 2018. Accessed on 8 January 2019. Retrieved from: https://www.rom.gov.sg/calculator/fee_calculator.asp
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