getting married in vietnam

Posted by Dancing Queen (1164 days ago)

my fiance and I would love to get married on a beach in vietnam. We've found several resorts that plan the wedding and ceremony, but usually these packages are quite expensive and are too rigid. Only the two of us will be at the wedding and we want it to be simple and low-key. Does anyone know of the legal procedures to get married in Vietnam? Neither of us is Vietnamese and we live in Hong Kong at the moment.
All we really need is someone to officiate the ceremony and ensure that the wedding is legally binding.

Thanks!

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Posted by DakLak (1071 days ago)

14 months ago the rules were that only Foreigners one of whom were legally resident in VN could marry.

The VN goverment offices - where the official knot is tied is very unromatic.

Basically you have to acquire a certified copy of a government letter/form (depending on your home country) that states you are either single or divorced.

If divorced you will require certified copy and translation into VN (same with above letter/form).

After having an AIDS/HIV test (cheap/easy/safe in VN and requires no translation) all the docs are filed along with 2 pictures.

You then wait 30 days whilst their computers grind into action. You are advised of the date of the 'ceremony.'

You roll up (in HCMC I think it is still at 123 Pasteur), hand in your names and hang around until your names are called.

You then sign a register (in front of a clerk) and get a marriage certificate (order a few duplicates).

I've seen more romantic driving licence test centres.

Similar procedures are followed in Cambodia.

I believe it is easier to get married in HK - no 30 day wait.

How about getting married in HK then doing a 'ditto' or solemnisation in VN?

Foreigners marrying VN always need a marriage certificate for hotel stays!
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Posted by blisscreations (1059 days ago)

Check out http://blisscreations.net!

We specialize in destination weddings around the region and offer an initial free consultation.

Posted by DakLak (1053 days ago)

Hi BlissCreations:
You might be a specialist (advertising here) but you will never get around the VN restriction in getting a married of one party must be lawfully resident in VietNam (not visa visitor) and can wait out the 30+ day wait period.