With high rankings in safety, education, and standard of living, Hong Kong provides an ideal environment not only for professional growth but also for starting a family. Each year, over 40,000 couples in the city take the significant step of entering marriage, reflecting an enduring culture of commitment, growth, and partnership.
From registration to ceremony, Hong Kong is home to a seamless matrimonial process. By understanding essential steps and expenses as an engaged couple, you and your partner can navigate this exciting new chapter with ease:
Registration of a marriage is the first step towards lifelong commitment. To solemnise your marriage, you or your partner must submit a Notice of Intended Marriage (“the notice”) to the Registrar of Marriages (“the Registrar”), no earlier than 3 months but at least 15 days before the date of the intended marriage. To give the notice, you may make an appointment booking through the GovHK website, or by telephone at 3102 3883. Alternatively, the notice can be given through a Civil Celebrant of Marriages.
Upon successful booking, you or your partner should attend the selected marriage registry/office in person with the relevant documents. Alongside particulars such as age, occupation, and residential address, a prescribed fee (HK$305) for giving and exhibition of the notice will be collected. Note that the information required for giving the notice can also be submitted in advance using the Immigration Department’s online service. If all statutory requirements are met, The Registrar may, at least 15 days after the giving of a notice, issue a certificate of Registrar of Marriages to enable you to celebrate your marriage within three months from the date of notice giving. Keep in mind that a marriage has to take place at a marriage registry by a Registrar, in a licensed place of worship by a competent minister, or at any other place in Hong Kong by a civil celebrant of marriages. The date of marriage that the marrying party select should be 15 days after the date of giving notice but within the 3 months’ validity of the notice.
In Hong Kong, couples have the option of celebrating their marriage at a marriage registry, a licensed place of worship, wedding venues by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD), and other venues with an appointed Civil Celebrant of Marriages. Depending on your choice of venue, the ceremonial procedures and charges will vary accordingly:
| Marriage ceremony at a marriage registry | Marriage ceremony at a licensed place of worship | Leisure venues of LCSD for holding wedding ceremonies | Other venues | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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Booking procedures |
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| Charges | HK$715 and up | Typically HK$4,000 and up | HK$3,490 and up |
Subject to pricing schedule of each venue |
Before the celebration of your marriage by the Registrar or a civil celebrant, you and your partner will be required to sign a written declaration before the Registrar or civil celebrant, acknowledging the monogamy and legality of your marriage. A certificate of marriage will then be signed in duplicate by the Registrar, the officiating minister or the civil celebrant, you and your partner, and two witnesses aged 18 or above. The original certificate of marriage will be delivered to you after the marriage ceremony, while the duplicate will be filed by the Registrar. Additional points to note on your wedding day can be found on the Immigration Department website.
As a city of diversified religions, Hong Kong provides a welcoming environment for all couples to celebrate their marriage. To learn more about rites or usages of marriage observed in churches, temples, and other licensed places of worship, please contact the related institutions on the list.
For further support in building a strong and secure start to your marriage, consider pre-marital planning services offered by The Family Planning Association of Hong Kong:
Marriage is a pivotal milestone in life. With the right preparations and understanding of Hong Kong’s matrimonial process, you and your partner can embark on a new journey together.
The information provided is for reference only and is subject to periodic updates. For the latest information, please visit the relevant website.