How to Get Married in Thailand Legally, Step by Step

To get married in Thailand legally, you register your marriage at a local district office, called an Amphur. A beach or temple ceremony on its own isn't a legal marriage. Before you register, you usually get a document from your embassy about your marital status, such as a sworn affidavit for US citizens or a Certificate of No Impediment for Australians, then have it translated into Thai and legalized by Thailand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The process can take several days, according to the U.S. Embassy in Thailand, so build it into your trip before the celebration.

Key takeaways

A marriage in Thailand is only legal once it's registered at a district office (Amphur).
Most Amphurs ask US citizens for a notarized affidavit from the U.S. Embassy in Bangkok or the Consulate General in Chiang Mai, which costs $50.
Australians need a Certificate of No Impediment from the Australian Embassy in Bangkok or the Consulate-General in Phuket, which Thai authorities accept for up to 3 months.
Your embassy documents must be translated into Thai and legalized by the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Contact the Amphur first, because requirements can vary by district.

Why registering at the Amphur matters

The Australian Embassy in Thailand.pdf) says a marriage must be registered with Thai authorities to be valid under Thai law, and that you aren't legally married if you only hold a wedding ceremony or a religious service. Embassies can't perform or register marriages either, according to the U.S. Embassy. The Amphur registration is the legal step, so plan your venue celebration around it.

Getting married in Thailand, step by step

Contact the Amphur. Ask the district office where you plan to register what it needs from both of you, since requirements vary by district.
Get your embassy document. US citizens book an appointment for a notarized marriage affidavit at the U.S. Embassy in Bangkok or the Consulate General in Chiang Mai. Australians apply for a Certificate of No Impediment at the Australian Embassy in Bangkok or the Consulate-General in Phuket.
Have it translated into Thai. Use a professional translation service. Both embassies keep lists of translators.
Get the translation legalized. Take the document and its Thai translation to a legalization office of the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs' Department of Consular Affairs, in Bangkok or one of its regional offices, such as Chiang Mai or Phuket.
Register at the Amphur. Bring the original embassy document, the Thai translation, your passport and proof that any previous marriage has ended. The U.S. Embassy suggests bringing an interpreter if neither of you speaks Thai.

Couple sitting on clifftop rocks above the sea in Koh Samui, Thailand | Wedded Wonderland

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What US citizens need

The U.S. Embassy says most Amphurs require a notarized marriage/divorce affidavit, which is a sworn statement, not a certificate of single status. You complete it at your appointment, and there are no walk-in services.

Affidavit: $50
Certified copy of your passport, if your Amphur asks for one: $50
Proof that previous marriages ended: have divorce or death records ready in case the Amphur asks

Back home, the embassy notes that most US states recognize marriages legally registered in Thailand. Marriage is a state-specific responsibility, so to register it in the US, contact the Attorney General in your state of residence.

What Australians need

The Australian Embassy says Thai authorities only accept a Certificate of No Impediment issued by the embassy in Bangkok or the consulate in Phuket, and won't accept a "Single Status Certificate" from an Australian births, deaths and marriages registry. Both partners apply if both are Australian, and you bring original photo ID for both of you, plus any divorce or death certificate from a previous marriage.

The certificate is issued at your appointment along with a certified copy of your passport, and Thai authorities accept it for up to 3 months. Under Australian law, a legal marriage performed overseas since 1 January 1995 is recognized in Australia if it would have been legal had it taken place there, according to the embassy.

Plan the wedding around the registration

If you're marrying at a resort, the Australian Embassy says your wedding planner can advise you on the nearest Amphur. If you're still deciding where, our guide to a Phuket or Koh Samui wedding compares the two islands, and our Mexico vs Thailand wedding cost guide covers package prices. For a destination with a different legal process, see getting married in Scotland as a foreigner.

Wedded Concierge can help you plan the celebration, and our travel team can arrange stays for you and your guests.

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Frequently asked questions

Can foreigners legally get married in Thailand?

Yes. Couples from overseas marry legally by registering at a Thai district office, or Amphur. US and Australian citizens first get a marital status document from their embassy, a sworn affidavit or a Certificate of No Impediment, which is then translated into Thai and legalized.

Is a beach wedding in Thailand legally binding?

Not on its own. The Australian Embassy says you aren't legally married if you only hold a wedding ceremony or religious service without registering at a Thai district office. Your beach ceremony can still be the celebration, but the Amphur registration is what makes it legal.

How long does it take to get married in Thailand?

The U.S. Embassy says the process can take several days, because the embassy appointment, translation and legalization all come before the Amphur registration. Embassy appointments aren't walk-in, so book yours before you fly and leave a few working days in Thailand for the paperwork.