Discover whether marrying in Thailand or the UK gives you the best chance for UK Spouse Visa success. Compare requirements and benefits.
If you are a British national planning to marry a Thai partner and live together in the United Kingdom, one of the first decisions you will need to make is where to register the marriage, either in Thailand or in the UK. This decision affects which documents are required, how long the process will take, and whether the visa application begins abroad or within the United Kingdom.
This article explains the legal steps for marriage registration in both countries and how each option influences the visa process as you prepare to begin the next chapter of your lives in the United Kingdom.
Marriage Registration in Thailand
Many couples choose to marry in Thailand, not only for cultural or personal reasons but also because the process can be more practical when planning to apply for a UK Spouse Visa. To register a marriage in Thailand, you must complete the following steps:
- Gathering the Required Documents: British nationals must secure an Affidavit of Freedom to Marry from the British Embassy in Thailand. Thai nationals must present their identification cards and house registration documents. All paperwork must be accurate and, if applicable, translated and certified by an official translator.
- Marriage Registration at the District Office (Amphur): Couples must appear in person at a district office, known as an Amphur, to submit the required documents and register their marriage. Once registered, the Amphur will issue a marriage certificate that is legally recognized in Thailand and accepted by the United Kingdom.
How it Affects the UK Spouse Visa Application
Registering the marriage in Thailand can simplify the process of applying for a UK Spouse Visa. This route allows couples to avoid the UK Fiance Visa, which comes with higher fees and involves a longer processing time. Once the marriage is formally registered, the Thai spouse may apply for a UK Spouse Visa to move to the United Kingdom.
This option is especially common for couples already living in Thailand or wishing to marry before beginning the visa process.
Marriage Registration in the UK
Marriage registration in the United Kingdom can vary slightly depending on the region. To register a marriage in England or Wales, the process includes the following steps:
- Gathering the Required Documents: British partners must provide documents confirming their citizenship and current address, while Thai partners will need to provide additional paperwork related to their immigration status in the United Kingdom. All paperwork must be in English or accompanied by a certified translation.
- Giving Notice at the Local Register Office: Both partners must visit the local register office in person to give notice of the intended marriage. Before doing so, they must have lived in the registration district for at least 7 days. The notice must be submitted no less than 29 days before the ceremony.
- Marriage Ceremony and Certificate Issuance: At the end of the 29-day notice period, the couple may proceed with the ceremony at a register office, approved venue, or licensed religious building. After the ceremony is completed and signed by both parties and witnesses, the register office will issue a marriage certificate that is legally valid in the United Kingdom but must be registered in order to be recognized in Thailand.
How it Affects the UK Spouse Visa Application
Registering the marriage in the United Kingdom adds extra steps to the process of applying for a UK Spouse Visa. Before the marriage can take place, the Thai partner must first apply for a UK Fiance Visa from outside the country, as this visa allows them to enter the United Kingdom specifically to marry. However, the marriage must be registered within 6 months of arrival.
Once the marriage has been legally registered, the Thai spouse may then apply for a UK Spouse Visa from within the country. This route involves higher visa fees and longer wait times, such as the 12-week processing period for the UK Fiance Visa and the 29-day notice period before the marriage can be registered.
Pros and Cons: Marriage Registration in Thailand vs. the UK
The table below provides a clear comparison of the benefits and considerations of marrying in each country, such as the travel requirements, fees, and processing times:
| Marriage in the UK | Marriage in Thailand | |
| Travel Requirements | The Thai partner must apply for a UK Fiance Visa to marry in the United Kingdom. | The British partner does not need to hold a marriage-specific visa and may enter the country with the Thailand Tourist Visa. |
| Marriage Registration Fee (excluding translation and visa fees) | Depending on the type of marriage ceremony, it can be between 56 GBP and 104 GBP. | Including the Affidavit of Freedom to Marry that the British partner must secure, it can be between 90 GBP and 100 GBP. |
| Marriage Registration Timeframe | A 29-day notice period is required before the ceremony can take place. | No notice period is required; registration can proceed once the documents are prepared and accepted by the district office. |
| Marriage Registration Processing Time | Up to 29 days to receive the marriage certificate, which includes 21 days for the office to receive the signed marriage schedule and up to 7 days to process it. | Issued on the same day the marriage is registered at the district office. |
When to Choose to Marry in Thailand or the UK
Your choice will depend on where you are currently living, how soon you plan to move to the United Kingdom, and how you want to manage the visa process. Some couples choose to marry first and then apply for a visa, while others prefer to register the marriage after entering the country. The points below can help you decide which option best fits your situation.
You may prefer to marry in Thailand if:
- You want to avoid applying for a UK Fiance Visa, which involves higher fees and a longer timeline.
- You are already living in Thailand and wish to register the marriage before starting the visa process.
- You plan to apply directly for a UK Spouse Visa after registering the marriage.
You may prefer to marry in the United Kingdom if:
- You want to hold the wedding in the United Kingdom and begin your life there immediately after.
- You are prepared to apply for a UK Fiance Visa from outside the country, complete the 29-day notice period, and then apply for a UK Spouse Visa from within the country.
Professional Assistance With Marriage Registration in Thailand and UK Visa Applications
Registering your marriage in Thailand before relocating to the United Kingdom requires careful preparation and the right legal support. Siam Legal provides professional assistance with both Thai marriage registration and UK visa applications, backed by over 20 years of experience in immigration and family law.
Our bilingual immigration and legal team will prepare all the required documents according to Thai government standards and accompany you and your partner to the district office to register the marriage in Thailand. As most offices do not offer fluent English support, this helps prevent delays and communication issues. Once the marriage is officially registered, we can assist with the application for a UK Spouse Visa.
But if you are planning to marry in the United Kingdom instead, we can also assist with the UK Fiance Visa application, which allows entry into the country for the purpose of marriage.
For assistance with marriage registration in Thailand or to move forward with a UK visa application, contact Siam Legal to schedule a consultation and receive professional guidance throughout the process.