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Marriage Notice Filed in Hong Kong or from oversea countries

Foreigners can register their marriages in Hong Kong.

A civil celebrant of marriages is recognised to solemnize a valid and legal marriage in Hong Kong. Before you proceed to a wedding, a Notice of Intended Marriage on the prescribed form must be given in advance.

To be safe:

  • 25-30 days in between if the marriage Notice is filed locally
  • 45-90 days in between if the marriage Notice is filed overseas.

Civil Celebrants of Marriages Scheme by Immigration Department

Civil Celebrants of Marriages Scheme

According to section 21 of the Marriage Ordinance, a marriage celebrated by a civil celebrant shall take place at any place in Hong Kong other than a marriage registry and a licensed place of worship.

The Civil Celebrants of Marriages Scheme aims to provide greater flexibility in the choice of venue for marriages and the purpose of which is different from marriages celebrated inside licensed places of worship according to the religious rites.

Civil Marriages vs Religious Marriages

The Civil Celebrants of Marriages Scheme was introduced specifically for secular marriages, which are different from marriages celebrated by ministers according to the rites or usages of marriages observed in their respective religions, denominations or organisations. Should there be a need for the marrying parties to celebrate a marriage by a competent minister outside a licensed place of worship, an application may be made to the Chief Executive for a special licence to be granted for that purpose under section 11 of the Marriage Ordinance.


Validity of foreign marriages in the UK

Marriage in the UK is governed by separate and different legislation in England and Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. None of the Register Offices in England and Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland issue certificates of marital status.

Marriage of British nationals abroad is governed by “THE MARRIAGE WITH FOREIGNERS ACT 1906 (as amended)”. Only a UK court of law can determine whether a particular marriage is valid under UK law, however, generally speaking, if a ceremony is considered valid in the country where the ceremony was performed, both parties to the marriage had the capacity to marry under the law of the country of domicile and consented to marry the other, it is likely to be recognised in the UK.


Our OVER 10 Marriage Registration Offices OR decorated wedding halls with Civil Celebrant of Marriages

We have over 10 marriage registration offices with civil celebrant of marriages taking care of the marriage registration and solemnization need of the intending marrying parties:

Most have nice decor for wedding. To view, please visit:

www.ytt.wedding

ADMIRALTY, HONG KONG
Unit 29C2, 29/F, Tower 1, Admiralty Centre, 18 Harcourt Road, Admiralty, Hong Kong

CNT HOUSE, WANCHAI, HONG KONG
Unit B, 2/F., CNT House, 120 Johnston Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong

CAUSEWAY BAY, HONG KONG
Unit 2503, 25/F, Causeway Bay Plaza 1, 489 Hennessy Road, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong

MONGKOK GRAND TOWER, KOWLOON
Room 2118, 21/F, One Grand Tower, 639 Nathan Road, Mongkok

CENTRAL, HONG KONG
Room1801, 18/F Wing On House, 71 Des Voeux Road Central, Hong Kong

CHUNG KIU COMMERCIAL BUILDING, MONGKOK, KOWLOON
Room 1805, 18/F, Chung Kiu Commercial Building, 47-51 Shan Tung Street, Mong Kok, Kowloon

KWUN TONG, KOWLOON
Unit B1, 11/F, Legend Tower, 7 Shing Yip Street, Kwun Tong

TUEN MUN, N.T.
Rm 2301, 23/F, Tuen Mun Parklane Square, 2 Tuen Hi Road, Tuen Mun

LAI CHI KOK/CHEUNG SHA WAN
Rm 813-4, 8/F, Tower 1, Cheung Sha Wan Plaza, 833 Cheung Sha Wan Road

SHATIN, N.T.
Unit 2109, Level 21, Tower II, Grand Central Plaza, 138 Shatin Rurul Committee Road, Shatin.

TSUEN WAN, N.T.
RM 2301A-6B & 7A, 23/F, Nan Fung Centre, 264-298 Castle Peak Road, Tsuen Wan

YUEN LONG, N.T.
Rm 701, HSBC Building Yuen Long, 150-160 Castle Peak Road, Yuen Long

SHEUNG SHUI, N.T.
Rm 1116-7, 11/F, Landmark North, 39 Lung Sum Road, Sheung Shui


General Information on Marriage in Hong Kong by Australian Nationals

A marriage that is performed legally in Hong Kong will be recognised by law in Australia , provided that the marriage would also be recognised under Australian law.

Once you are married in Hong Kong , the authority performing the marriage say the civil celebrant of marriages or the Government's Marriage Registry will issue an official marriage certificate which is biligual (English and Chinese). You do not need to register your marriage again in Australia . However if you intend to use your marriage certificate in Australia , you may have to contact the Notary Public to arrange for an official notarised copy of the certificate.

Taking your partner to Australia

All enquiries about taking your partner back to Australia should be directed to the Department of Immigration, Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs (DIMIA).


British Nationals wishing to marry in Hong Kong

The British Consulate-General in Hong Kong is not authorised to perform marriages ceremonies. Marriages in Hong Kong performed in accordance with Hong Kong law are generally recognised in UK law. Unlike marrying in Mainland China, Hong Kong does not require a Certificate of No Impediment (CNI), a document which shows there are no objections to your marriage.

Once a British National is married, he can also deposit his Marriage Certificate with the General Records Office (GRO) in the UK but it is not a requirement in UK law.

According to current Hong Kong law, a marriage may not be contracted if either party is under the age of 16. Intending marrying party over 16 but not yet reaching 21 will require the parent/custodian's written consent.

Please note that in UK law, a foreign national does not automatically acquire British nationality through marriage to a British national. If you marry a Hong Kong national, they will require a visa to visit or settle in the UK. English language ability requirements may also apply. Detailed information on how to apply for a visa or settlement can be obtained from the UK Borders Agency.