- In Hong Kong, anyone aged 16 or over, whatever their nationality or place of residence, can register a marriage. If either of you is under 21, parental consent is needed.
- Between 15 days and 3 months before the wedding, the couple should complete and submit a Notice of Intended Marriage.
- The filing fee for the Notice of Intended Marriage is HK$305. A ceremony at a Marriage Registry costs HK$715 on a working day and HK$1,935 on a non-working day.
- On the wedding day, the couple must bring identity documents and at least two witnesses.
Whether you choose a grand church wedding or a simple signing and registration, you need to know the registration process, the documents required and the fees.
This guide explains the process and fees for a simple same-day marriage signing in Hong Kong.
Registration options, requirements and wedding ceremonies in Hong Kong
In Hong Kong, anyone aged 16 or over, whatever their nationality or place of residence, can register a marriage in Hong Kong.
The ceremony can be held in any of these ways:
- At a Marriage Registry
- At a designated place of worship
- Led by a licensed marriage officer
Please note
- If either of you is under 21, the consent of a legal guardian must accompany the Notice of Intended Marriage.
Simple options for a wedding ceremony in Hong Kong
In Hong Kong, many couples prefer a simple signing and registration, which is usually held at a Marriage Registry or a solicitors' office.
After the ceremony, the couple and their guests usually share tea or dinner to mark the occasion.
This simple but solemn ceremony is also popular with couples who hold their wedding overseas.
Not sure whether you meet the requirements for marriage registration?
Feel free to check your situation with us.
Light weddings, traditional Hong Kong weddings and overseas weddings
Light weddings are becoming popular. Couples can hold them outdoors, indoors or even in a church.
A light wedding is simple, but it can still include some traditional elements, such as fetching the bride and the tea ceremony, to respect the customs of the older generation.
Guest numbers are usually between 50 and 100, and the format varies. Examples include:
- Lunch
- Cocktail party
- Small dinner gathering
The traditional Hong Kong wedding
Many couples and their families still love the traditional Hong Kong wedding, which includes a series of ceremonies:
- Fetching the bride
- Tea ceremony
- Lavish banquet
This kind of wedding is usually held at a banquet venue, hotel or Chinese restaurant, and often has more than ten tables.
The romance of an overseas wedding
For couples who want romance and a simple ceremony, an overseas wedding is an ideal choice. They invite only close family and friends and can combine it with a honeymoon.
Please note
- After returning to Hong Kong, remember to go to a Marriage Registry or a solicitors' office to complete the signing, so the marriage is legally valid.
Can you complete marriage registration in Hong Kong on the same day?
Between 15 days and 3 months before the wedding, the couple should complete and submit a Notice of Intended Marriage.
Marriage registration in Hong Kong is very straightforward. The main condition is that both of you are aged 16 or over, and Hong Kong accepts marriage applications from people of any nationality. You can register at:
- A banquet venue
- A place of worship
- A Marriage Registry
Booking and submitting the Notice of Intended Marriage
-
Online booking
The Hong Kong Marriage Registry offers online booking. You can fill in your details online in advance and choose a suitable date and time for registration.
-
Completing the formalities
Once the booking is made, bring the necessary documents and go to the Registry in person, or go through a solicitor.
-
Arrangements and fees
Couples who register at a Marriage Registry should arrange everything at least one month ahead, including submitting the supporting documents and paying the registration fee.
-
On the wedding day
Bring identity documents and at least two witnesses, and arrive at the Marriage Registry on time.
Marriage registration fees in detail
The basic registration fee includes the HK$305 filing fee for the Notice of Intended Marriage.
| Fees | |
|---|---|
| Filing fee for the Notice of Intended Marriage | HK$305 |
| Ceremony at a Marriage Registry (working day) | HK$715 |
| Ceremony at a Marriage Registry (non-working day) | HK$1,935 |
Taking the vows at the Marriage Registry
During the ceremony, each of you says your vows, promising to take the other as your lawful spouse. The vows are as follows:
- Groom: “I call upon those present to witness that I, [groom's name], take you, [bride's name], to be my lawful wife.”
- Bride: “I call upon those present to witness that I, [bride's name], take you, [groom's name], to be my lawful husband.”
These vows express a personal promise and are also part of the legal process of marriage, making sure both of you understand the legal effect of marriage and its responsibilities.
The marriage officer's statutory declaration
Before the ceremony begins, the marriage officer reads an important statutory declaration to the couple. It reminds them that the marriage they are about to enter is a lifelong commitment with legal force and moral responsibility.
Even without any religious or secular ceremony added, once you have openly declared that you accept each other as lawful spouses and have signed, the marriage is legally formed.
Marriage registration in Hong Kong for overseas residents
If you live outside Hong Kong and want to hold your wedding in Hong Kong, you need to follow certain steps:
-
Get the forms
Ask the Immigration Department, by post or e-mail, for the notice of marriage and other required forms, and complete them.
-
Certification and notarisation
After completing the forms, have them certified and notarised by a notary public in the country where you live.
-
Send the documents
Send all the notarised documents and copies of the supporting documents, together with a HK$305 cheque, by registered airmail to the address given. You can also ask a relative or friend in Hong Kong to hand them in for you.
Points to note so the wedding goes smoothly
Please note
- When choosing the date and place of the wedding, remember that places are limited, and list several preferred dates on the form to give more flexibility.
Not sure when to submit the Notice of Intended Marriage?
Get in touch, and a dedicated consultant will first understand your situation.
The marriage signing process and fees in Hong Kong
To make sure the wedding goes as planned, the couple should complete and submit the Notice of Intended Marriage three months before the wedding.
Besides the basic documents, such as identity documents and the receipt for the fee paid, the whole registration fee is HK$305. This is usually included in the service fee of most marriage officers.
Please note
- If the wedding is postponed because of the pandemic or other reasons, the couple should contact the marriage officer promptly so the process goes smoothly.
For a registration at a Marriage Registry, the fee depends on the time: HK$715 during office hours and HK$1,935 outside office hours.
Ways to register and the steps
| Timing | Arrangement | |
|---|---|---|
| A Marriage Registry | Within three months before the wedding date | Book by phone or online, submit the Notice of Intended Marriage and get a priority queue number |
| Solicitors' office or wedding venue | The whole process takes about one month to 17 days | Usually handled for you by a solicitor or a wedding registration company |
| Recognised place of worship | Within one to three months before the wedding date | Go to the Marriage Registry yourselves to handle the Notice of Intended Marriage, and submit the approval documents about three weeks before the wedding |
Booking at the Marriage Registry and getting a priority queue number lets you register on the date and at the venue you chose.
If you choose a simple registration at an unofficial venue, such as a solicitors' office or a wedding venue, the process runs from submitting the Notice of Intended Marriage to receiving the Registrar of Marriages' certificate.
Choosing a Marriage Registry
| Seating and standing places | |
|---|---|
| Cotton Tree Drive Marriage Registry | 32 seats and 12 standing places |
| City Hall Marriage Registry | About 45 seats and 30 standing places |
| Tsim Sha Tsui Marriage Registry | About 25 seats and 15 standing places |
| Sha Tin Marriage Registry | 40 seats and 25 standing places (upper floor); 16 seats and 12 standing places (3rd floor) |
| Tuen Mun Marriage Registry | About 35 seats and 22 standing places |
| Tseung Kwan O Marriage Registry | Holds about 80 people |
Hong Kong has several Marriage Registries, with different seating and standing arrangements to suit weddings of different sizes.
How to submit the Notice of Intended Marriage
-
Bring your priority queue number
After booking online, go to the Marriage Registry on the date given and bring the priority queue number you were given when you booked.
-
Choosing a ceremony time
On the day, you choose a suitable ceremony time in the order of the queue numbers, so everything goes as planned.
The fee for the whole process is HK$305, which covers the basic administrative charge.
A guide to simple marriage registration in Hong Kong
Simple registration is fairly direct and is completed in a single day, so couples can have a legally recognised marriage in a short time.
-
Bring identity documents
Both of you need to bring valid identity documents to the designated government office to register.
-
Complete the documents and sign
During the process, you both complete the relevant documents and sign, confirming that the marriage is legally valid.
Points to note and fees explained
Simple registration is the choice of many modern couples. It reflects modern society's pursuit of efficiency and the law's openness to different forms of marriage.
Please note
- Although simple registration is convenient, you should learn all the requirements and rules before registering, and find out the fees in advance to avoid unexpected costs during registration.
Why wedding vows matter and how to prepare them
Wedding vows are a legal declaration and also a heartfelt promise to your partner.
Many couples write personal vows, weaving in sweet memories and deep feelings from their time together, which makes the ceremony more moving and meaningful.
When preparing your vows, look back over your journey together and weave those precious moments into your promises. This shows your love for your partner and lets family and friends feel its depth.
Wedding photography: capturing unforgettable moments
Even with a simple registration, every moment of the day deserves to be recorded. We suggest hiring a professional wedding photographer to capture the touching moments from the best angles.
Choosing the bride's make-up and outfit
- A simple, elegant light wedding dress brings out the bride's own character, and its light design suits a simple registration ceremony.
- Many make-up artists offer make-up designed for registrations, giving the bride a dignified and refined look.
- How couples can keep their marriage strong and prevent divorce
- The best ways to nurture a marriage in Hong Kong
Still unsure of all the requirements and rules before signing?
If in doubt, feel free to contact our dedicated consultants.
Common questions about simple same-day marriage registration in Hong Kong
Can you register a simple marriage on the same day in Hong Kong?
Yes. As long as all the bookings and documents are prepared in advance, a simple marriage registration in Hong Kong can be completed in one day.
What documents do you need for a simple same-day marriage registration in Hong Kong?
The main documents are valid identity documents, a completed Notice of Intended Marriage, and any other statutory documents that may be required.
How much does a simple same-day marriage registration cost in Hong Kong?
The fee may vary with the Marriage Registry and the time you choose. In general it ranges from HK$305 to HK$1,935.
Can foreigners register a simple marriage on the same day in Hong Kong?
Yes. Foreigners can, as long as they meet Hong Kong's legal requirements and provide a valid travel document and the other necessary documents.
Do you get the marriage certificate straight away after a simple registration?
Yes. Right after the ceremony, the couple receive the marriage certificate issued by the Registrar of Marriages.
What are the age requirements for a simple same-day marriage registration in Hong Kong?
Under Hong Kong law, both parties must be at least 16. If either is under 21 and has not been married before, the consent of a parent or legal guardian is needed.
