Getting legally married in Singapore isn’t just about the rings [59. Engagement Ring vs Wedding band: What’s The Difference?] and romance—it starts with a form, a fee and a very specific countdown. If you’re planning a civil marriage in Singapore, here’s a comprehensive guide on how to apply for your Registry of Marriages (ROM), step by step.
This article is tailored for Singapore Citizens, PRs and foreigners marrying in Singapore, and assumes you are not having a religious or customary ceremony (those are handled under ROMM or by licensed solemnizers, respectively).
🗓 Step 1: Decide Your Wedding Date
You must file a Notice of Marriage at least 21 days in advance, and not more than 3 months before your intended solemnisation date.
So if you’re planning to ROM on 1 October, you can only file between 2 July to 10 September.
✅ Tip: Don’t leave this to the last minute. Popular dates (especially palindromic or “lucky” numbers) get snapped up fast—especially for ROM slots at the Fort Canning building.
📝 Step 2: File Your Notice of Marriage Online
Head to www.marriage.gov.sg and log in with your Singpass. If one or both of you are foreigners, you’ll need passport and travel document details.
Here’s what you’ll need to prepare:- NRIC/FIN/Passport details for both parties
- Personal particulars of your two witnesses (must be over 21 years old)
- Choice of solemnisation venue (ROM building or external)
- Preferred solemnisation date and time
- Credit/debit card for payment
- $42 if both parties are SC/PR
- $380 if one or both parties are foreigners
After submitting, you’ll receive a Notice of Marriage number and confirmation email. This is not your wedding certificate yet—just the beginning of the process.
📄 Step 3: Verify Documents & Make a Statutory Declaration
You’ll be assigned a Verification of Documents & Statutory Declaration (VD/SD) appointment. This usually happens about a week or two before your solemnisation.
Bring along:- Both parties’ original NRICs or passports
- Divorce/birth/death certificates if applicable (for those previously married)
- Printed Summary of Notice of Marriage
This is done in-person at the ROM office (7 Canning Rise). You’ll also sign a statutory declaration affirming you’re legally free to marry and providing truthful information.
Once verified, you’re officially ready to say “I do.”
💍 Step 4: The Solemnisation
On the big day, the solemnisation must be conducted by a licensed solemnizer and attended by:- The bride and groom
- Two witnesses (aged 21 and above)
- The solemnizer
At ROM (Fort Canning): Your ceremony will take place in one of the designated ROM rooms—simple, elegant and perfect for intimate celebrations. You’ll receive your official marriage certificate after signing it during the ceremony.
At an external venue: Your solemnizer must be registered and authorised to solemnise outside of ROM. Bring your own marriage documents provided during the VD/SD session.
🧾 After the Wedding:
You’ll receive a physical copy of your marriage certificate and can request for certified copies (if needed) for immigration or legal use.
To verify your marital status or download a digital version in future, you can access the MyMarriage e-Service portal.
FAQs
Can foreigners marry at ROM? Yes. One or both parties can be foreigners. The process is the same, though additional checks may apply.
Can we change our solemnisation date? Only under exceptional circumstances. You’d have to withdraw and refile the notice.
Do we need a wedding planner for ROM? Not at all. The process is designed to be self-service and straightforward.
The ROM process in Singapore is efficient, legally robust, and refreshingly digital. With a bit of planning, it can be one of the simplest—and most meaningful—parts of your wedding journey.
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