Getting married in Hong Kong as a Pinay with a foreigner partner.

 

How to get married in Hong Kong.

A step-by-step guide for Filipinas and their foreign partner, from documents to "I do" and beyond

This guide is based on our personal DIY process, so your own experience may vary depending on your circumstances. We’re simply sharing our journey to give you a clearer idea of what to expect.

If you prefer professional assistance, there are also agents and service providers available who can help guide you through the entire process.

✈ No Residency Required📋 Visa-Free Entry for Filipinos⚡ 🌏 Internationally Recognized

📖 Why Get Married in Hong Kong?

For many Filipino-foreigner couples, getting married in the Philippines can mean weeks of waiting for a marriage license, attending multiple seminars, and navigating complex visa requirements for the foreign partner. Hong Kong offers a faster, simpler, and internationally recognized alternative.

✅ No residency requirement. You do not need to be a resident or citizen of Hong Kong. Tourists can get married there.

✅ Visa-free for Filipinos. Filipino passport holders can enter Hong Kong visa-free for up to 14 days — more than enough time for the entire process.

✅ Fast processing. The entire process — from filing to ceremony — can be done in as little as 5 days on-the-ground, though the Notice must be submitted at least 15 days in advance.

✅ Internationally recognized. A Hong Kong marriage certificate is valid worldwide and eligible for an Apostille stamp under the Hague Convention.

🇵🇭 Philippine Recognition: A marriage valid where celebrated is recognized as valid in the Philippines under Article 26(1) of the Family Code — as long as there are no legal impediments under Philippine law (e.g., no existing marriage).

02 — Eligibility

Basic Eligibility & Who Can Marry

• Minimum age: Both parties must be at least 16 years old (Gregorian calendar).

• Ages 16–21: Written parental consent is required (Form MR4), authenticated by a Notary Public if parents are outside Hong Kong.

• Any nationality: Hong Kong has no nationality restriction. Both foreigners, one local and one foreign, or both Filipinos, are all allowed.

• Previously married? You must show valid proof that the previous marriage was legally dissolved (divorce decree, death certificate, or annulment order).

• Same-sex marriage: Not legally recognized in Hong Kong as of 2025.

• No bigamy: If the Filipino party has a prior marriage that was not legally dissolved, that constitutes a legal impediment, and the marriage cannot proceed.

⚠️ Important for Filipinas: Philippine law does not recognize divorce between two Filipinos. If you were previously married to a Filipino, you must have obtained a court declaration of nullity or annulment — not just a separation — before marrying again.

03 — Requirements

Documents Required — The Filipina's Side

🇵🇭For the Filipino Bride/Partner

• Valid Philippine Passport 

• PSA-authenticated Birth Certificate

• CENOMAR (Certificate of No Marriage Record) — by the PSA. This proves you have no existing marriage. Must be issued within the last 6 months. Bring 1 original + 3 color photocopies.

  *** As for my experience, they only asked whether I had been previously married, and I stated that I was single, so they only requested my passport. However, they may also ask for your CENOMAR or birth certificate, so it is better to come fully prepared. These documents should be apostilled by the DFA.

  
  📌 Order online via psaserbilis.com.ph or walk in to a PSA office.

• If Previously Married (to a foreigner who got a divorce): Authenticated divorce decree + PSA marriage certificate with annotation.

• If Previously Married (annulment/nullity): Court order of annulment/declaration of nullity, authenticated by the DFA, + PSA marriage certificate with annotation.

• If Widowed: PSA-authenticated Death Certificate of the deceased spouse.

• Ages 16–21: Written parental consent (Form MR4) authenticated by a Notary Public.

💡 Tip: Your CENOMAR is valid for only 6 months from the date of issuance. Time your application so it's still valid on your wedding day in Hong Kong.

04 — Requirements

Documents Required — The Foreign Partner's Side

🌍For the Foreign Partner

• Valid Passport 

• Birth Certificate 

• Certificate of No Impediment / Single Status Certificate — issued by the home country's government or embassy. Proves the person is free to marry. This is the foreign equivalent of a CENOMAR. Must be recent (usually issued within 3–6 months).

• If Previously Married: Certified copy of divorce decree (and its translation if not in English), or death certificate of previous spouse.

• Translations: All non-English documents must be accompanied by a certified English translation.

• Ages 16–21: Written parental consent (Form MR4) authenticated by a Notary Public.

⚠️ Country-specific rules: Requirements for the foreign partner's documents vary by nationality. Contact the HK Marriage Registration and Records Office in advance at enquiry@immd.gov.hk or call (852) 2867 2787 to confirm what your partner's country requires.

***Again, it’s always better to be fully prepared—bring all the necessary documents with you, as requirements may vary depending on the marriage registry, and they may ask for additional documents. We are simply sharing our personal experience.

If your partner has been divorced twice or even three times, they must bring the divorce decree for each previous divorce.

05 — The Process

The Exact Step-by-Step Process

There are two ways to file your Notice of Intended Marriage: from outside Hong Kong (recommended for couples living abroad) or in person in Hong Kong.

1 Make an appointment

https://www.gov.hk/en/residents/immigration/bdmreg/marriage/bookgivingmarriage.htm

Here, you set a date for registering your marriage at the registry office. I recommend Friday or Monday so you can combine it with a weekend in Hong Kong. Here you set a wedding date. I recommend Wednesday so you can get the necessary certification done without any problems by Friday.

2. Your ceremony must be officiated by one of the following:

   • A Registrar of Marriages — at an official Marriage Registry (City Hall or Cotton Tree Drive).

   • A licensed Civil Celebrant — can solemnize the wedding at virtually any venue (hotel, restaurant, rooftop, etc.).

   • A competent minister — at a licensed place of worship (church).

   Two witnesses, both aged 18 or above with valid IDs, must be present. If you don't have witnesses, civil celebrants can arrange this for you.

   https://www.immd.gov.hk/eng/marriage/Registration_of_a_Marriage.html

3. Register at the registry office

   You must register in person at the registry office at least two weeks before your wedding date, with the completed registration documents. Your registration is valid for three months, meaning you must register at the registry office no later than three months before your wedding date.

4. Wedding Day

   On your wedding day, you must arrive at the registry office half an hour before your scheduled appointment and sign two documents. Up to 60 guests are permitted (Ceremony Hall). Immediately after the ceremony (approximately 20 minutes), you will receive your Marriage Certificate. With this certificate, you can then apply for an additional copy for yourself/your partner. Issuance of the copy takes three weeks.

5. Receive Your Marriage Certificate

After the ceremony, you will receive your official Hong Kong Marriage Certificate. This document is internationally recognized and eligible for an Apostille stamp from the Hong Kong Court, if needed for use in other countries.

💡 Request multiple certified copies at the registry — they are cheaper to get in Hong Kong than to request later from abroad.

06 — Venues

Wedding Venue Options in Hong Kong

🏛City Hall Marriage Registry

• Edinburgh Place, Central, Hong Kong

• Classic and formal setting

• Official government venue

• Additional fee: HK$715 (within office hours) or HK$1,935 (outside office hours)

🌿Cotton Tree Drive Registry

• Cotton Tree Drive, Mid-Levels

• Surrounded by lush greenery

• Elegant colonial-style building

• Same fees as City Hall Registry

✨Civil Celebrant Ceremony (Any Venue)

• Full flexibility — hotels, gardens, rooftops, restaurants, private estates

• Civil celebrant handles the Certificate of Registrar of Marriages and legal paperwork

• No need to wait in line at the registry on your wedding day

• Celebrant fees typically range from HK$1,880 to HK$3,000+ depending on location

• Plus the HK$305 government fee (usually included in packages)

07 — Costs

Fees & Costs Breakdown

ItemAmountNotice of Intended Marriage (NIM) — government feeHK$305 (~₱2,300)Marriage ceremony at registry (office hours)HK$715 (~₱5,400)Marriage ceremony at registry (outside office hours)HK$1,935 (~₱14,500)Civil Celebrant service (at law firm / venue)HK$1,880–HK$3,000+Apostille of Marriage CertificateHK$400–HK$600 (approx.)PSA CENOMAR (Philippines)₱365–₱650 (varies)PSA Birth Certificate (Philippines)₱365 per copyDFA Apostille / Authentication (Philippines)₱200–₱400 per documentReport of Marriage — Philippine Consulate HKHK$480 (~₱3,600)

*Exchange rates are approximate. Fees are subject to change — always verify with the relevant office before your trip.

08 — Planning

Sample Timeline

Here's a realistic planning timeline assuming you will file the Notice from outside Hong Kong:

3–4 Months Before

Start Document Preparation

Order PSA Birth Certificate and CENOMAR online. Foreign partner requests Certificate of No Impediment from their home country. Decide on your wedding date and budget.

2–3 Months Before

File the Notice of Intended Marriage

Email the HK Immigration Department to request Form MR1(S). Fill out, notarize, and mail the form with all supporting documents and the HK$305 Bank Draft. Receive confirmation of your appointment and wedding date.

1–2 Months Before

Finalize Wedding Plans

Book flights and accommodation. Choose your venue and photographer. Arrange witnesses if needed. Check that all documents are in order.

2–5 Days Before Wedding

Arrive in Hong Kong

If you filed from outside, go to the Marriage Registration and Records Office to complete the affidavit. Claim your Certificate of Registrar of Marriages (if the other party hasn't).

Wedding Day 🎉

Celebrate Your Marriage

Ceremony takes place at the registry or your chosen venue, officiated by a Registrar or Civil Celebrant. Two witnesses must be present with valid IDs. Receive your marriage certificate immediately after.

Day After Wedding

Report of Marriage — Philippine Consulate

Go to the Philippine Consulate General in Admiralty and file your Report of Marriage (ROM). Bring all required documents (see Section 9 below). You have up to 12 months, but do it before you leave HK if possible.

09 — Post-Wedding

After the Wedding: Report of Marriage to the Philippine Consulate

If at least one party in the marriage is Filipino, you are legally required to report the marriage to the Philippine Consulate General in Hong Kong. This ensures your marriage is officially recorded with the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) in Manila.

📅 Deadline: You must report your marriage within 12 months from the date of the wedding. Late registration will require additional requirements.

📍 Where to go:
Philippine Consulate General — Civil Registry Unit
Admiralty, Hong Kong
Civil Registry & Legal Section: (852) 2823-8523 / 2823-8524
Website: hongkongpcg.dfa.gov.ph

📄Requirements for Report of Marriage (ROM)

• Duly accomplished ROM Form — 4 original copies, typed (not handwritten).

• HK Marriage Certificate — original + 3 photocopies. (If solemnized by a Civil Celebrant, submit the Certified True Copy from the HK Marriage Registry.)

• Valid Passport of both parties — original + 4 photocopies of the data page.

• PSA Birth Certificate of the Filipino spouse — original + 3 photocopies.

• PSA CENOMAR — original + 3 color photocopies.

• Processing Fee: HK$480

• Personal appearance of both parties — if possible. Otherwise, a representative with Special Power of Attorney may be arranged.

📬 What happens after? The Consulate transmits the ROM to the PSA in Manila. Your marriage will appear in PSA records after roughly 3 months. You can then request a PSA copy of your Marriage Certificate for use in the Philippines (for name changes, spousal visas, DFA passport updates, etc.).

10 — Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Can we get married in Hong Kong within one week?

The ceremony can happen in Hong Kong within a few days, but the Notice of Intended Marriage must be submitted at least 15 clear days before the ceremony. So the on-the-ground stay is short, but you need to plan and submit documents well in advance.

Is the HK marriage certificate valid in the Philippines?

Yes. Under Article 26(1) of the Philippine Family Code, a marriage valid where it is celebrated is also valid in the Philippines — as long as both parties had no legal impediment (like an existing marriage) at the time of the wedding.

Do I need to get an Apostille on my marriage certificate?

It depends on what you need it for. For reporting to the Philippine Consulate in Hong Kong, an Apostille is not required. However, if using the marriage certificate in other countries (e.g., for a spousal visa in the UK, Germany, or US), an Apostille may be required. You can get it stamped at the Hong Kong courts.

My foreign partner was previously divorced. Is that okay?

Yes, as long as the divorce is valid in the country where it was obtained. The foreign partner must present the certified divorce decree (with translation if not in English) when filing the Notice of Intended Marriage.

Can we have a church wedding in Hong Kong?

Yes. A marriage can be solemnized in a licensed place of worship in Hong Kong by a competent minister. The church must be licensed by the HK government. The Certificate of Registrar of Marriages must be submitted to the church before the ceremony.

Do we need to attend pre-marriage seminars like in the Philippines?

No. Hong Kong does not require couples to attend any pre-marriage seminars, counseling sessions, or family planning talks. This is one of the key advantages over the Philippine process.

Is my Philippine CENOMAR enough, or do I need it apostilled?

For the HK marriage process, a standard PSA-issued CENOMAR on security paper is generally accepted. You do not typically need to apostille it for HK purposes, but confirm with the Hong Kong registry or your civil celebrant to be sure, as this may vary by case.

11 — Final Advice

Important Tips & Reminders

📧 Always email the HK Immigration Department first at enquiry@immd.gov.hk to confirm current requirements for both parties' nationalities before preparing your documents.

• Start preparing documents 3–4 months in advance. Processing PSA documents in the Philippines can take weeks.

• Your CENOMAR has a 6-month validity. Don't get it too early.

• Passports must be valid for at least 6 months from travel dates.

• Request multiple copies of the marriage certificate while in Hong Kong — it's cheaper than ordering certified copies later.

• The Notice of Intended Marriage is non-refundable. Once submitted, the HK$305 fee is not returned if you cancel.

• If you change your wedding date, the new date must still fall within the 3-month validity of your Notice.

• Need witnesses? Most civil celebrants can arrange witnesses for you for a small additional fee.

• Report your marriage at the Philippine Consulate before leaving Hong Kong if possible — it makes the process smoother than doing it after returning to the Philippines.

• After marriage, Filipinas who want to use their husband's surname must update their PSA records, Philippine passport, and other IDs separately.

• Marrying a foreigner in HK does not automatically grant the foreign spouse Philippine residency, nor does it grant the Filipino spouse Hong Kong residency.

"Less paperwork, more love. Hong Kong makes your big day beautifully simple." 💍

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Sources & References
HK Immigration Department — immd.gov.hk  |  GovHK — gov.hk  |  Philippine Consulate General HK — hongkongpcg.dfa.gov.ph
Philippine Statistics Authority — psa.gov.ph  |  Community Legal Information Centre HK — clic.org.hk

This guide is for informational purposes only and was compiled from official government sources. Requirements may change — always verify with the relevant offices before proceeding. Last updated: 2025.