2 Aussies Getting Married In Phuket

[vprice100]

my partner and i (both australian) want to get married in phuket at the end of the year and we both are still a little confused about the whole process i have searched the forum but its mainly about a forigner marrying a thai not to forigners marrying each other in thailand

do we have to travel to bkk first to get all the documentation or can we do it in phuket?

some people say you can do it in a day is this really possible or not, we are planning to get married on the 30th december but will need to get documents before xmas, when do the places close down, how long before xmas

any other info that might help would really be appreciated thanks everyone

[lioness]

First step is to contact the Australian Embassy in Bangkok, they will advise you and give you a list of what you need to do. I take it you want your marriage legally recognised in Australia, if so then the Embassy is your starting point, and it would pay not to leave it to the last minute due to some of the requirements.

[RAZZELL]

My mate (British) got married to his British gf in Phuket in September. I imagine the process is pretty similar for an Aussie.

Firstly, have a look on here to see if it answers your questions, search for "marriage".

http://www.austembassy.or.th/

Firstly, he had to go to our embassy (early to beat the queue!) and get an "affirmation of freedom to marry".

You need to sign a few forms (in person, can't be don't online) saying that you're not married to anyone else, if divorced have proof, have proof of address, passport etc etc.

He had to came back the next day to pick it up. Then get the paperwork translated at a recognized translation shop. There are loads of touts. They stamp the form with an "official stamp", cost about a couple of thousand baht (approx).

Then you get a taxi to the Ministry of foreign affairs near Don Meung airport, not Suvarnabhumi airport.

http://www.mfa.go.th/web/2630.php

They do the Thai paperwork ask for the "express service". Despite a sign saying the fee was I think 1200, he was asked for 2400. When my mate pointed to the sign, the Thai working there just smiled and said "You do want the express service don't you?".

He paid and was out of there in an hour or 2. This is Thailand Allow 2 days for the Bangkok bit.

Then you can fly to Phuket from Don Mueng. Go to the amphur. Queue.

Present your paperwork, pay a 100 baht, get yet more paperwork signed by 2 Thai witnesses (they will do it for you) and you get a lovely Thai marriage certificate. All legal. (To be legal back home it will need to be translated back into English, probably best to do that in Bangkok)

Bob's your uncle. Congratulations you are now Mr and Mrs

You have to do the above even if you want some "romantic" beach side ceremony.

Good luck and enjoy married life!

RAZZ

P.S. I'm assuming saying "partner" you meant man and wife! I believe Thailand doesn't legally recognise "gay marriages" as yet.

P.P.S Don't know about opening/closing over Christmas and New Year.

Edited January 3, 2008 by RAZZELL

[lopburi3]

Christmas is not a holiday in Thailand. Nothing closes down but transportation between Bangkok and Phuket will be very tight as it is high tourist season. The 31st and 1st of January will be the holidays.

[Scott]

Sounds like a lot of work just to get married!

Best of luck to both of you.

[RAZZELL]

Just to add the above looks daunting and my friend and his now wife had both been to Thailand before.

However, his last time in Thailand was about 7 years ago and her's was about 15. I don't live in Thailand but for the last 4 years have spent about 3 months a year living there. So I helped them as much as I could.

I advised them to stay in an hotel near the British embassy, to cut down on travelling time in Bangkok, (President Solitaire) and Phuket (Mom Tris Boathouse).

I was in Phuket to meet them, book their hotel, go to the amphur with them...and drink pina colada's on the beach after the wedding!

If you plan everything well in an advance it is hectic, but easily doable.

RAZZ

[Chang_paarp]

If you are doing this at a 5 star, they will be able to assist with introductions t the right people in a timely manner, there will be a fee for the service, but it may save a lot of time and grief. Dealing with the Oz embassy won't be helped by the hotel, but early communication. Ask if any of the paperwork can be done in Oz prior to travelling to Thailand, eg there are a lot more JP's in Oz than Thailand for certified copies of documents. It may also save a little money.

[gburns57au]

I believe there are some top line hotels that run a marriage service......a tad expensive but could be an idea.

Try an internet search along those lines

[donna]

a friend of mine runs a company based in bkk called creative events asia. she specialises in wedding packages in thailand. if you dont want the full frock and dinner, she will arrange for just a legal package. google the name and you will see for yourself.

[RAZZELL]

a friend of mine runs a company based in bkk called creative events asia. she specialises in wedding packages in thailand. if you dont want the full frock and dinner, she will arrange for just a legal package. google the name and you will see for yourself.

From my friend's experience...There's definitely a gap in the market

RAZZ