Reviewed by ThaiLawOnline, a licensed Thai law firm practising in Thailand since 2006. Thai lawyer of record: Wichuda Atthamethakon, LL.M., Thai Bar Licence 3149/2556.
Last updated on September 5, 2026
If you are still deciding what registering a marriage will mean legally, read our overview of Thai family law first.
To register a marriage in Bangkok a foreigner obtains an affirmation of freedom to marry from their embassy, has it translated and legalized at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, then registers at a district office (Amphur or Khet) with a Thai or foreign partner, in front of two witnesses. The registration itself is one appointment; the paperwork before it takes from about two weeks with fast-track legalization to one or two months at the normal pace. Our marriage registration service in Bangkok starts at 14,900 THB and covers the booking, interpreter and witnesses. The law behind it is explained in our guide to marriage in Thailand; this page is the Bangkok service.
Last reviewed: 31 August 2026. Sections 1448, 1457, 1458, 1465, 1466 and 1467 of the Civil and Commercial Code were read against the Thai text in our own annotated Code. The registration steps, the forms and what each spouse is handed were read against the Ministry of Interior Regulation on Family Registration B.E. 2541, which sets out the marriage register (Kor Ror 2), the marriage certificate (Kor Ror 3) given to each spouse, and the separate family status register (Kor Ror 22) used for a marriage contracted abroad. The surname rules were read from sections 12 and 13 of the Name of Person Act B.E. 2505. We did not verify the marriage visa financial figures against the Immigration Bureau order that sets them, because we cannot obtain that order from any published source we can reach; treat them as indicative and confirm with Immigration.
Early 2025, Thailand recognized marriage equality. This means same-sex couples can legally register their marriage. However, the process have changed a little recently. First, it can be longer now to “
legalize your documents”. Read our article on that. Second, most local authorities in Bangkok now need an appointment. So it can take weeks to get married, or months. Prenuptial sometimes need to be pre-approved by the amphur. It may not be the same everywhere. We are finding ways to help clients when they only have a short period to get married in Thailand.
Table of Contents
Marriage registration in Bangkok, step by step
| Step | What happens | Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Affirmation of freedom to marry | Each foreign partner obtains it from their own embassy or consulate in Bangkok. Most embassies need an appointment and some ask for proof of divorce or a death certificate from a previous marriage. | Same day to about one week (Filipino nationals about 8 days) |
| 2. Translation and legalization | The affirmation is translated into Thai and both documents are legalized at the Department of Consular Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Chaeng Watthana). We arrange the certified translator. | Normal service several weeks to one or two months; fast track about 10 working days |
| 3. District office appointment | We book the Amphur or Khet in Bangkok, prepare the file (passports, affirmation, legalized translation, the Thai partner’s ID card and house registration) and any prenuptial agreement, which must be lodged at the same time. | Appointments are now required at most Bangkok offices; typically one to three weeks ahead |
| 4. Registration and certificate | Both partners attend with our interpreter and two witnesses and sign the marriage register (Kor Ror 2), which the registrar signs and keeps. Each spouse is handed one original marriage certificate (Kor Ror 3) the same day. | About one hour |
After the registration we can legalize and translate the Thai certificate for use in your home country, and advise on the Thai marriage visa cost and requirements if you plan to live in Thailand.
Why Marriage Registration Matters
A beautiful ceremony is memorable. However, your marriage is legally recognized only when you register it at a local office. This office is called an Amphur or Khet. This legal registration ensures your marriage is acknowledged internationally. A Buddhist or religious marriage is not a “legal marriage” in Thailand.
Essential Document: Affirmation of Freedom to Marry
Foreigners must obtain an “Affirmation of Freedom to Marry” from their respective embassies or consulates in Thailand. This document confirms you are legally free to marry. You are responsible to contact your embassy, follow their directions and get your document. We can not act for you for that step. Do note that Chinese, Indian, Burmese, Cambodians and Pakistani might have more documents, process, and it complicated everything. Filipino can take 8 days to get their documents. Some embassies will need an appointment.
Our Marriage Registration Packages
We make your marriage registration easy. We handle the whole process so you can enjoy this special time without stress.
Standard Package Includes:
| Service | Description |
|---|---|
| Embassy Guidance | Assistance with obtaining your Affirmation of Freedom to Marry |
| District Office Booking | Appointment scheduling at the Bangkok Amphur or Khet |
| Interpreter & Witnesses | Qualified interpreter and two official witnesses provided |
| Marriage Certificate | Official Thai marriage certificate issued |
Transparent Pricing
| Couple Type | Price (THB) |
| Foreigner & Thai National | From 14,900 (no prenup, no legalization or transl. included). Assistance for witnesses, interpreter, booking, etc. |
| Two Foreigners | From 24,990 (no prenup, no legalization or transl. included) |
Prenuptial Agreements: Protect Your Future
Adding a prenuptial agreement provides financial clarity and protects individual assets. In Thailand, this agreement must be drafted and registered at the Amphur during your
marriage registration. We can seamlessly integrate this service into your marriage registration package.
Important Additional Costs (Outside Our Packages)
| Item | Estimated Cost |
| Embassy Fees | Varies (e.g., U.S. Embassy $50, British Embassy £50) |
| Translation & Legalization | Varies based on language and service provider |
We provide recommendations for certified translation and legalization services in Bangkok. Expect about 2,000 to 4,000 baht per foreigner. This is normal translation and legalization. But that can take weeks or 1-2 months.
2026 update:
Fast track legalization is expensive, about 25,000 baht per person but can be done in 10 working days. (Prices went up in 2026 for unknown reasons) Read our page on
legalization in Thailandto understand what is fast track. Also our page on
Marriage in Thailand.
Special Considerations by Nationality
Requirements and timelines can vary significantly based on nationality. Early consultation with your embassy is recommended. Note: We currently do not handle cases from China, India, and Cambodia.
Premier “Seamless Union” Package (or call it “Platinum Help Marriage Registration”)
For a completely stress-free experience, choose our premium package:
| Premium Services | Included? |
| Personal Consultant | ✔️ |
| Prenuptial Agreement (Thai & English) | ✔️ |
| Embassy Appointment Scheduling | ✔️ |
| Document Courier Service | ✔️ |
| Express Legalization (1 person included, 10K for extra person) | ✔️ |
| Post-Marriage Legalization Advice | ✔️ |
| Complimentary Immigration Consultation | ✔️ |
Here’s some testimonials about our marriage registration services in Bangkok
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You are both such wonderful people, and it was a privilege to have you by our side during this important moment in our lives.
Dear Sebastien and Khun Wichuda, We are writing to thank you from the bottom of our hearts for everything you have done to help us with our wedding. Your kindness, professionalism, and support made all the difference, we truly couldn’t have done it without you. You are both such wonderful people, and it was a privilege to have you by our side during this important moment in our lives. We will always remember your help with deep gratitude. Thank you for making our special day possible!! With all our appreciation, Lisa and Maddalena P.S. We also left a review to let others know how great our experience with you was!
Ready to Begin Your Life Together?
Let us handle the legal details, so you can focus on the joy of your union. Contact us today to discuss your marriage registration in Bangkok and start planning your happily ever after.
Contact Us Nowto Secure Your Marriage Registration Appointment! Contact us at info.thailaw@gmail.com
Frequently asked questions about marriage registration in Bangkok
What documents do I need to register a marriage in Bangkok?
A foreigner needs a passport, an affirmation of freedom to marry from their embassy in Thailand, its Thai translation legalized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and proof that any previous marriage ended. A Thai partner needs their ID card and house registration (tabien baan). Two witnesses sign at the district office; we provide them and an interpreter.
How long does marriage registration in Bangkok take?
The appointment itself takes about an hour. The preparation takes from about two weeks with fast-track legalization to one or two months with normal legalization, plus the wait for a district office appointment, which most Bangkok offices now require.
Can same-sex couples register a marriage in Bangkok?
Yes. Thailand’s Marriage Equality Act has been in force since 23 January 2025, and same-sex couples, Thai or foreign, register at the district office with the same documents and the same procedure as any other couple.
Can I register a prenuptial agreement at the same time?
Yes, and you must: under section 1466 of the Civil and Commercial Code a prenuptial agreement is void unless it is dealt with at the moment the marriage is registered, by one of two routes. Either its terms are entered in the marriage register itself, or it is made in writing, signed by both spouses and by at least two witnesses, annexed to the register, and noted in the register as being annexed. We use the second route: we draft it in Thai and English (8,900 THB) and lodge it with the marriage file, so the two witnesses are a condition of validity and not a formality. Some district offices ask to see it in advance.
Do I have to change my name after marrying in Thailand?
No, and Thai law gives two choices, not three. Under section 12 of the Name of Person Act B.E. 2505 the spouses may agree to use one spouse’s surname, or each may keep their own. There is no combined or double surname. The agreement can be made at the marriage or later during it and can be changed afterwards, and a foreign spouse’s passport is unaffected. If the Thai spouse changes surname, the ID card and house registration are updated at the district office afterwards. If the marriage later ends in divorce, the spouse who took the other’s surname returns to their own under section 13.
Can I get a marriage visa after registering?
Yes. A foreigner married to a Thai national can apply for the Non-Immigrant O visa and a yearly extension of stay, on proof of 400,000 THB in a Thai bank or 40,000 THB a month of income. See our guide to the Thai marriage visa cost and requirements.
Links :
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