💍 How-To Guide

How to Get Married in Pattaya

Legal marriage registration, embassy documents, ceremony options, and everything you need to tie the knot in Thailand

Step-by-Step Process

Step 1

Get Affidavit from Your Embassy

1–3 days

Visit your embassy in Bangkok to obtain a 'Certificate of Freedom to Marry' (affidavit). US Embassy charges $50, UK Embassy £50. Takes 1–3 working days. You need your passport and any divorce/death certificates from previous marriages.

Step 2

Translate & Legalize the Affidavit

1 day

Have the affidavit translated into Thai by a certified translator (500–1,500 THB). Then have it legalized at the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Bangkok (400 THB, same-day service).

Step 3

Register at Amphur (District Office)

1 hour

Both parties go to the local Amphur (อำเภอ) office in Pattaya (Bang Lamung District Office). Bring passports, translated affidavit, and 2 witnesses. Registration takes about 1 hour.

Step 4

Receive Marriage Certificate

Same day

You'll receive a Thai marriage certificate (ใบสำคัญการสมรส) on the spot. This is legally binding. Get multiple certified copies for future use.

Step 5

Optional: Western-Style Ceremony

As planned

Many couples hold a separate ceremony at a beach, temple, or hotel. Wedding planners in Pattaya handle everything from ₿30,000 THB for simple ceremonies to 500,000+ THB for luxury events.

Costs Breakdown

Embassy Affidavit1,500–3,000 THB

Translation & Legalization900–2,000 THB

Amphur RegistrationFree (official) / 200 THB (copies)

Simple Beach Ceremony30,000–80,000 THB

Luxury Hotel Wedding200,000–1,000,000+ THB

Thai Traditional Ceremony50,000–200,000 THB

Wedding Planner20,000–100,000 THB

Photography Package15,000–60,000 THB