Hello experts !!

My Fiance (British) and I (Canadian) met in Koh Tao 2 years ago doing our diving courses. We plan on returning to Koh Tao to get married next year.

We have noticed on various forum posts people have had trouble finding someone to perform the service. We do not wish to purchase a package as we will be backpacking through Africa after the wedding, and want to keep as many pennies in the account as possible.

Does anyone know if its possible to hire someone just for a civil ceremony?

Cheers for info !!

James

There are two kinds of marriage ceremonies in Thailand only one is legal. We have the Buddha and the amphur signing of names. The Buddha is not recognized as a legal marriage nor would a ceremony done by a christian minister. The only so called civil ceremony is that the amphur of registration your marriage. If you have the required paper work (permission to marry from your embassy) its is a fairly simple process and you both will received a certificate that is recognized any where in the world that you two are married. Cost is depending on amphur 100 to 300 baht. This is the only recognized legal marriage in Thailand.

There are two kinds of marriage ceremonies in Thailand only one is legal. We have the Buddha and the amphur signing of names. The Buddha is not recognized as a legal marriage nor would a ceremony done by a christian minister. The only so called civil ceremony is that the amphur of registration your marriage. If you have the required paper work (permission to marry from your embassy) its is a fairly simple process and you both will received a certificate that is recognized any where in the world that you two are married. Cost is depending on amphur 100 to 300 baht. This is the only recognized legal marriage in Thailand.

thank you for your response.

if I understand this correctly, once we have all the paperwork together, we must go to this amphur office and register with them? so there is no member of this office that comes out to the island and goes through the "I DO's" with you in front of people? This seems very anti-climatic Say it aint so !!

Is this correct? Just want to clarify. Thank you so much your help is greatly appreciated.

James

Get an Affirmation of Freedom to Marry, which you can get at your embassies in Bangkok.

Then you need a certified translation of this document in Thai, there are many on wireless road.

You have to take the documents to the Legalization and Naturalization Division of the Department of Consular Affairs on Chaeng Wattana Road in northern Bangkok to get it authenticated.

The translation company will offer you to do it for a fee.

You'll need your passport with two copies of the photograph page and also two copies of the page showing your visa into Thailand.

Your passport must be valid for at least six months.

Then got to the Amphur in Koh Tao (District Office) and apply for a Thai marriage license.

Bring two witnesses.

EDIT: Correct, no "I do" only sign the papers at Amphur.

Get a local minister/monk/Iman for that, but it would not be for a legal marriage.

Edited August 29, 201015 yr by PoorSucker