I live and work in Thailand and am married to a Thai.

We married under Thai law, she has changed all docs and passport to my surname.

She also has a 5 year visit visa for the UK.

We have no intention of ever living in the UK but wondered if - for any legal reasons - it is prudent to register the marriage under UK law.

If so, can we do it in the UK on the next visit, or should we do it here through the embassy?

Cheers,

Horse

Not 100% sure but i sure you can do it in thailand, ask scouse he'll know

Hi Horse,

Actually, it's impossible to register your Thai marriage in the UK. What you can do is to record it at the embassy who in turn will lodge it with the General Register Office (GRO). Should you choose to do this you don't get a UK-style marriage certificate, they just place copies of your Thai one on file for your to easily retrieve when in the UK.

To be honest I don't think it's worth it. Your Thai marriage is valid in the UK without being recorded. When you go to the UK just take certified translations of your certificate in case of need.

Cheers,

Scouse.

Horse,

Here's the relevant British embassy link.

Scouse.

Thanks Scouse,

What if we just go into a registry office in the UK and get married again?

Is this a no-no or ilegal on a visit visa?

Cheers,

Horse

Thanks Scouse,

What if we just go into a registry office in the UK and get married again?

Is this a no-no or ilegal on a visit visa?

Cheers,

Horse

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No point Horse. As Scouse says, the UK recognises your Thai marriage

No point, and impossible. The UK recognises your Thai marriage, and you cannot marry twice.

It is understandable that couples want a Thai marriage for the Thai family and a UK one for the UK family. There are only 2 ways to do this.

The first, and easiest, is to just have the traditional Thai ceremony, without the Ampur registration. It is the Ampur registration that is recognised by UK law, so you would not be 'officially' married. You can then apply for a fiance visa, and have the 'official' wedding in the UK. Considering the extra cost involved you have to ask if it is worth it.

Of course, there is nothing stopping you from having a Church blessing or similar in the UK.

The second way? Get divorced, and then re-marry!

No point, and impossible. The UK recognises your Thai marriage, and you cannot marry twice.

It is understandable that couples want a Thai marriage for the Thai family and a UK one for the UK family. There are only 2 ways to do this.

The first, and easiest, is to just have the traditional Thai ceremony, without the Ampur registration. It is the Ampur registration that is recognised by UK law, so you would not be 'officially' married. You can then apply for a fiance visa, and have the 'official' wedding in the UK. Considering the extra cost involved you have to ask if it is worth it.

Of course, there is nothing stopping you from having a Church blessing or similar in the UK.

The second way?  Get divorced, and then re-marry!  

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Funny. Liked the last line