Getting Married in Hong Kong

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Getting Married in Hong Kong

The legal process and required documents for marriage differs slightly between China, Hong Kong and Macau.

Getting Married in Hong Kong

The Hong Kong Marriage Ordinance governs all marriages contracted in Hong Kong. Anyone wishing to marry in Hong Kong must comply with this law, whatever their nationality.

There are no residency requirements for people wishing to marry in Hong Kong but there are formalities to be completed before a marriage can take place.

Marriages in Hong Kong can take place at a marriage registry (civil ceremony) and are conducted by a registrar. Civil ceremonies can also be conducted by a civil celebrant of marriages at other venues. Alternatively they may be held in a licensed place of worship by a competent minister (religious ceremony). The normal procedure is to choose either a civil or religious ceremony – both are legally binding.

• To find addresses for marriage registries see the Hong Kong Immigration Department website
• For licensed places of worship for marriage celebrations: Click here
• For appointed civil celebrants of marriage in Hong Kong: Click here (PDF)

The minimum legal age for getting married in Hong Kong is 16. However, if either party is under 21 and is not a widow or widower, written consent to the marriage is required. This is usually provided by a parent or guardian but a district judge may also give permission if there is no one more appropriate.

• Full details are given on the Hong Kong Immigration Department website: Click here

Procedures and Documentation

Whatever type of marriage ceremony is being planned, a written notice of marriage must be given to the authorities at a marriage registry. For marriages that are to take place at a marriage registry, appointments for giving notice of marriage can be made online.

• For the online appointment booking for giving Notice of Marriage: Click here

The exact date and time of the ceremony should be fixed in advance of this application, either with the Registrar at the appropriate marriage registry or with the civil celebrant who will officiate or the minister if it is to be a religious service.

At least 17 days prior to the intended marriage, one or both parties should go in person to the marriage registry (if they are planning a ceremony at a marriage registry or in a place of worship) or make their application directly to their civil celebrant of marriages (if that is the route chosen).

The following documents must be provided for both parties:

• evidence of identity - such as passports and/or Hong Kong Identity cards which clearly show their full names
• evidence of current marital status; in the event of a previous marriage a sealed certified copy of the final divorce decree must be provided
• widows and widowers must provide the former marriage certificate and death certificate of the spouse
• evidence of consent from the relevant person if either party is under 21
• details of current occupation
• evidence of age, such as a birth certificate
• full name of both parents for both parties
• proof of current address
• the necessary fee to process the application

Any documents supplied which are not already in English or Chinese must be accompanied by certified translations (signed by a notary public in Hong Kong or a solicitor of the High Court in Hong Kong). Documents may be submitted by post if neither party is able to go in person (for example because they are out of the country) but there are further requirements on arrival in Hong Kong and these should be checked with the Immigration Department.

Notice of Marriage

The notice of marriage is valid for three months after its receipt by the Registrar. At the end of this period it becomes void and new notice must be given. Notices are displayed at the marriage registry where they are filed and also at the Marriage Registration and Records Office. After posting the notice, 15 "clear" days (17 days including Sundays) must elapse during which time anyone who is authorised by law to do so may file a written objection to the proposed marriage with the Registrar of Marriages. In the event of an objection the Registrar of Marriages will decide if the objection is valid. Should the Registrar decide that the objection is valid either party may appeal to the Court of First Instance. The court's decision will be final. If no valid objection is received by the end of the waiting period, the marriage may take place.

Note: US Armed forces personnel must have written permission to marry from the senior overseas area commander of their particular branch of service. In these cases, registration of marriage may take up to six weeks.

Overseas Notice

If the marrying parties are both abroad and want to get married in Hong Kong a notice of marriage can be given by letter which must be sent to:

• Marriage Registration and Records Office
  3rd Floor, Low Block, Queensway Government Offices
  66 Queensway, Hong Kong
  Tel: 2824 6111
  Fax: 2877 7711
  e-mail

The Marriage Registration and Records Office will send a Notice of Marriage form which should be filled in and sent back by registered post as soon as possible. A request for an appointment for the marriage can be made at the same time. Both signatures need to be authenticated by a Public Notary in the place of residence. The Marriage Office will confirm the appointment for the marriage ceremony by letter.

The Ceremony

Weddings can usually take place any day of the week but there are surcharges for issuing marriage certificates at weekends. Two witnesses are needed; consular staff in Hong Kong cannot witness marriages.

UK citizens may register their marriage with the Hong Kong Marriage Registration and Records Office. For a fee the office then sends the marriage certificate to the General Register Office in the UK so that there is also a record of it there.

• For more information contact Hong Kong Immigration Department

Ceremonies at Marriage Registries

In instances in which the ceremony is to take place at a Marriage Registry Office, the bride and groom and their two witnesses should arrive at least 15 minutes before the scheduled appointment to complete various formalities.

Family and friends are welcome to attend the service. Rings may be exchanged if desired. Two copies of the marriage certificate are signed by the bride and groom and their two witnesses. The Registrar files one and gives the other to the newlyweds. Further copies can be obtained in return for a fee.

Bookings for these ceremonies are made on a first-come first-served basis. It is recommended to book early as it is sometimes difficult to get the exact date desired – particularly around local holidays.

Civil ceremonies at other locations

Other venues that can be used for civil ceremonies. In this case the marriage ceremony is essentially the same as that at a marriage registry, although there is clearly an opportunity to personalise the service. The civil celebrant of marriages officiates and two witnesses are required. The marriage certificate is prepared in the same way.

Religious ceremonies

These are permitted at licensed places of worship by an authorised official. The content of the service will vary according to the religion, but the couple can discuss the contents with the official.

The marriage certificate is prepared as part of the ceremony.

Further Information

• British Consulate-General, Hong Kong
• Consulate General of the United States, Hong Kong
• Hong Kong Catholic Marriage Advisory Council
• ESD Life (booking appointments for giving notice of marriage)