How to Get Married Online in Thailand (Step-by-Step Guide)

In Thailand, couples can now choose to have their weddings conducted virtually, making use of technology developments to streamline the marriage process. This modern approach offers an appealing substitute for traditional ceremonies.

Thailand's virtual marriage process involves crucial steps to guarantee the legality and legitimacy of the online wedding. In this guide, we will explore the intricacies of virtual marriages in Thailand, emphasizing the legal procedures involved and the vital role played by authorized registrars in guiding couples through this innovative approach to marriage.

The Legality of Online Marriages in Thailand

Before the 2019 pandemic, several regions imposed stringent conditions, mandating the physical presence of both the officiant and the couple for a marriage to be legally valid. Additionally, couples were required to visit the county clerk's office in person to obtain a marriage license.

Then in 2019, the Utah County marriage license office, in collaboration with information technology departments, introduced an innovative, fully digitized process for marriage license applications. This groundbreaking system eliminated the necessity for couples to physically visit the office, streamlining both the acquisition and submission of their marriage licenses.

One noteworthy feature of Utah's online marriage procedure is its inclusivity, providing accessibility to individuals irrespective of their place of residence. Typically, marriages legally solemnized in one state gain recognition throughout the United States, adhering to state and federal regulations. Importantly, this means that a couple legally marrying online through  Utah's system will have their marriage acknowledged by other states.

It’s important to note that marriages conducted legally in one country are generally accepted in most other nations, underscoring the broader recognition and validity of such unions internationally.

Traditional Marriage Process in Thailand

The traditional marriage process in Thailand is a fascinating blend of customs, rituals, and symbolic gestures that reflect the country's unique heritage. From auspicious dates and making merit to the intricacies of the Khan Maak procession and the symbolic white thread ritual, Thai weddings are a celebration of love intertwined with cultural significance.

Legal Requirements for Marriage in Thailand

Residency Requirements for Foreigners

• Foreigners who are residents of Thailand and hold long-term visas can legally marry in Thailand. Tourists on short-term visas generally cannot marry in Thailand.
• Foreigners must obtain an Affirmation of Freedom to Marry from their embassy or consulate in Thailand. This document confirms that you are legally free to marry and is usually valid for three months. Note that the Affirmation of Freedom to Marry must be translated into Thai and legalized by the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Age and Legal Capacity

Individuals seeking marriage must be at least 17 years old or meet the marriageable age criteria as dictated by the laws of their home country. The Court may grant permission for marriage before reaching the specified age if there are valid reasons presented.

Documentation Needed for a Legal Marriage

Various documents, such as passports, affidavits of freedom to marry, and other relevant paperwork, are essential for a legal marriage in Thailand.

For Thai Nationals:

• Both parties must present valid Thai ID cards.
• Proof of residency for both parties is required.
• Documentation is needed for any prior marriages, such as divorce decrees or death certificates.
• Two witnesses must be present to sign the marriage registration documents.

For Foreigners:

• Copies of passport and arrival card. These documents are necessary to confirm identity and legal entry in Thailand.
• An affidavit of Marital Status or the official document from your embassy verifying your eligibility to marry is required.

Couples should familiarize themselves with Thai marriage laws and regulations to ensure compliance with the legal aspects of the marriage process.

How to Get Married in Thailand as a Foreigner

1. Confirming Eligibility

Begin by confirming your eligibility to marry under Thai law:

• Both parties must be at least 17 years old or meet the marriageable age according to their home country's laws. The court may permit marriage before reaching this age with a valid reason.
• Neither party should be declared insane.
• No blood relations in the direct ascendant or descendant line are allowed, and siblings of full or half-blood cannot marry.
• No shared adoptive parents should be present.
• Both parties should be free of legal spouses at the time of marriage.

2. Document Collection

For Foreigners:

• Obtain an 'Affirmation of Freedom to Marry' document from the embassy, presenting your passport. If previously married, provide documents proving the legal termination of past marriages.
• Translate the affirmation document into Thai through a certified service and legalize it at the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

For Thais:

• Thai citizens need their Thai ID card and housing registration certificate. If previously married, provide proof of divorce or spousal death.

3. Marriage Registration

Finalize the process by heading to a local district office ('amphur' or 'khet' in Thai). Submit all necessary documents with two witnesses. The district office will issue a Thai marriage certificate, which can be translated into your preferred language. Visit the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to officially record the marriage, and report it to your home country's embassy. Remember to check with the embassy for specific requirements as they may vary.

Benefits of Getting Married Online in Thailand

Time-saving and Convenience

• Couples can streamline the marriage process by avoiding extensive paperwork and bureaucracy.
• Online platforms facilitate quick and efficient communication, reducing the overall time commitment.

Cost-effectiveness Compared to Traditional Weddings

• Online marriages often incur fewer expenses, eliminating the need for costly venues, travel, and elaborate ceremonies.
• Couples can save on various wedding-related expenses, making it a more budget-friendly option.

Flexibility in Wedding Planning

• Virtual weddings offer flexibility in planning, allowing couples to customize ceremonies according to their preferences.
• The online format provides the freedom to choose the timing, themes, and participants, enhancing the overall wedding experience.

Accessibility to Couples Residing in Different Countries

• Online marriages break geographical barriers, enabling couples from different countries to easily formalize their union.
• The virtual nature of the ceremony ensures that couples can participate and complete the marriage process without physical presence.

Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Married Online with Courtly

Through Courtly, couples enjoy the convenience of conducting their entire marriage process online, irrespective of their geographical location. Acquiring a valid U.S. marriage certificate is made efficient and swift, often within 48 hours, eliminating the need for extensive documentation.

Follow this step-by-step guide to utilize Courtly's services:

1. Create an Account.

To register on Courtly, click the "Get Married" icon situated in the top right corner. Follow the provided instructions, granting you access to the platform upon successful account creation.

2. Choose the ceremony format, setting, and officiant.

Take action by selecting the venue and ceremony style that aligns with your preferences. Based on your chosen time and day, Courtly will pair you with a legally qualified U.S. officiant.

3. Confirm your wedding with an email after payment.

After completing the payment for your selected wedding package, anticipate an email confirmation from Courtly. Once received, the wedding process commences. For comprehensive details on available packages and add-ons, refer to the Pricing Page.

4. Celebrate your marriage virtually with loved ones.

Tie the knot online from the comfort of your home or any location with a reliable internet connection. The ceremony typically lasts around 15 minutes.

Immediately following the online wedding, receive a digital copy of your U.S. marriage certificate, with a printed copy delivered within 1 to 2 weeks. Additionally, download your digital marriage license shortly after the ceremony.

Post-Marriage Procedures for Thai Citizens

After a marriage involving a Thai citizen, there are essential post-marriage procedures to follow. Here is a concise guide:

Update Personal Records

Thai citizens should promptly update their records following marriage. This includes updating the Thai National ID card and House Registration Document.

Retrieve Marriage Certificates

Once the marriage is registered, Thai citizens receive a Thai language copy of the marriage certificate and marriage registry. These certificates are crucial for legal recognition.

Consider Additional Legal Steps

Depending on individual circumstances, additional legal steps may be necessary. This could involve seeking legal advice to ensure all aspects of the marriage are appropriately addressed.

Notification to Authorities

In some cases, it may be necessary to notify relevant authorities about the marriage. This step ensures that the marital status is recognized by governmental bodies.

Consult Legal Professionals

Seeking advice from legal professionals can be beneficial in addressing any specific legal implications of the marriage. This step helps in navigating potential complexities.

Authentication of online marriage certificates destined for Thailand

When preparing documents for use abroad, ensuring their validity is crucial. Two primary methods facilitate this process: obtaining an apostille or undergoing authentication through embassy or consulate legalization. At the moment, Thailand exclusively accepts consular authentications.

The 1961 Hague Convention established a standardized approach for document confirmation, allowing the recognition of apostille certificates as valid proof among participating countries. In cases where a country does not recognize apostille stamps, documents must undergo Embassy or Consulate authentication. This step ensures the validity of stamps, signatures, and seals on public documents.

For countries adhering to the Hague Convention, such as the USA, South Korea, Portugal, Italy, and Spain, apostille certificates are necessary for document legalization. Conversely, countries like Thailand, Malaysia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar, not part of the Hague Convention, require Authentication certificates.

Apostilles streamline the document legalization process for Hague Convention countries, while non-member countries necessitate authentication certificates. The latter involves a more intricate and potentially time-consuming procedure, often incurring higher costs. Despite these differences, both certificate types serve a common purpose – facilitating international document recognition.

Courtly provides the opportunity to acquire an authentication certificate for your marriage certificate in Thailand, enhancing the legitimacy and acceptability of the document within the country.

Staying well-informed about the precise criteria and processes for securing an apostille certification in your jurisdiction is recommended. It is advisable to consult with Courtly or appropriate authorities to ensure that the information you receive is accurate and current.

Understanding Immigration Recognition of Online Marriages

Policies on online marriages differ significantly among immigration officials, making it essential to be informed. Marriages conducted through platforms like Courtly result in a valid US marriage certificate from Utah County, which is generally recognized by US immigration officials if it complies with federal and state laws. For more details, refer to our article on online marriage acceptance by US immigration officials.

Internationally, the recognition of online marriage certificates can be inconsistent. While many countries accept marriages legally performed in another country, some immigration officials might view online marriages with skepticism. Proving the authenticity of your relationship is vital for any spouse visa application.

The acceptance of virtual weddings by international immigration authorities can change and often depends on specific jurisdictions and circumstances. Due to the complexities and variations in immigration laws, we highly recommend consulting with an immigration attorney for accurate and current advice tailored to your situation. This will help you understand the legal status of your online marriage and any necessary documentation for recognition.

Conclusion

Couples wanting a convenient, effective, and adaptable method for marriage may choose Courtly's online marriage service. The streamlined procedure provided by Courtly circumvents the intricacies and documentation commonly linked with conventional in-person marriages, providing a pragmatic choice for those opting for a more straightforward route to matrimony. Moreover, Courtly expedites the acquisition of a legitimate U.S. marriage certificate with minimal documentation prerequisites.