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Marriages in Singapore can be registered online from Sept 25

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From Sept 25, couples in Singapore will be able to register their marriage online on the Registry of Marriages’ (ROM) enhanced portal, Our Marriage Journey.

This was announced in a joint statement by the Ministry of Social and Family Development and the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth on Wednesday.

The enhanced portal turns the entire marriage registration process digital, from application to the issuing of marriage certificates.

Couples can make their statutory declarations digitally with their personal details auto-filled from Singpass instead of having to verify their documents and sign their declarations in person at the ROM at 7 Canning Rise.

This applies to Singaporeans or permanent residents aged 21 and above who are marrying for the first time. Others will still need to make the trip to the ROM to have their documents verified.

For Muslim marriages, the wali – the bride’s lawful guardian – must be her biological father.

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Muslim couples are required to meet their naib kadi, or wedding solemniser, before their solemnisation ceremony. Couples can book the session on the enhanced ROM portal.

The option of video-link solemnisation that was introduced amid the Covid-19 pandemic will also become permanent. A couple getting married must be in Singapore to go through the virtual solemnisation.

During the solemnisation ceremony, couples will no longer be legally required to sign a hard-copy marriage certificate.

Instead, they will be issued a digital certificate via e-mail after the ceremony to serve as proof of marriage for verification purposes.

ROM will issue the digital certificate for couples who submit their marriage application on or after Sept 25, while the Registry of Muslim Marriages (ROMM) will do so in 2024.

Couples can sign a ceremonial certificate as a keepsake during the solemnisation ceremony. They can customise this certificate to their liking and print it themselves, or request one from ROM.

The enhanced ROM portal will also have information on marriage preparation and mentoring programmes such as Journey with You (JOY), which pairs couples with licensed solemnisers who will serve as mentors in their first year of marriage.

ROM registrar Timothy Pak said: “The online declaration will provide greater convenience to couples. They won’t have to take leave to come down to ROM for an in-person interview.”

While not many are now choosing to have video-link solemnisations, Mr Pak said the option is available for couples.

Mr Thirunal Karasu Palaniappan, who has been a licensed solemniser for more than 15 years, said many couples forget to bring their certificate of marriage to sign during solemnisation, but this will not be a problem with a digital certificate.

Said the business consultant: “They’re busy preparing for the wedding and have so many things on their minds.

“On the day of the solemnisation, they don’t need to worry about carrying the physical copy like previously. Now it’s all digitalised... and that is very convenient for them.”

Solemnisers will also no longer have to return the signed certificate to ROM or worry about misplacing it.

Mr Yuvan Mohan, a public policy professional at a technology company, is getting married in 2024.

He is glad to have the option of online declaration and solemnisation, as he will be busy with preparations for two wedding ceremonies – a Chinese one and a Hindu one.

“There could be a lot of things that are expected of us, and having that online option definitely saves time,” he said.

The 35-year-old, who is a Families for Life Council member, has attended a marriage preparation programme called the Prevention and Relationship Education Programme under social service agency Cornerstone Community Services.

He and his fiancee have met their solemniser, who will be with the couple in the JOY programme.

“The wedding is just the first step in the marriage journey. After getting married, that’s when the real work starts,” Mr Yuvan said.

“Having somebody who is a bit older,” he added, referring to the solemniser, “maybe five to 10 years older than you are, to discuss topics and bounce ideas (off) is very important.”

The public may visit https://www.marriage.gov.sg or call the ROM hotline on 6338-7808 or the ROMM hotline on 6337-0207 for queries on the civil and Muslim marriage processes, respectively.

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Marriages in Singapore can be registered online from Sept 25

SINGAPORE – From Sept 25, couples in Singapore will be able to register their marriage online on the enhanced Our Marriage Journey portal by the Registry of Marriages (ROM) and the Registry of Muslim Marriages (ROMM).

This was announced in a joint statement by the Ministry of Social and Family Development and the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth on Wednesday.

The enhanced portal turns the entire marriage-registration process digital, from application to the issuing of marriage certificates.

Couples can make their declarations digitally with their personal details auto-filled from Singpass, instead of having to verify their documents and sign their declarations in person at the ROM at 7 Canning Rise.

This applies to Singaporeans or permanent residents aged 21 and above who are marrying for the first time. Others will still need to make the trip to the ROM to have their documents verified.

For Muslim marriages, the wali, the bride’s lawful guardian, must be her biological father for the couple to be eligible for the online declaration.

Muslim couples are required to meet their naib kadi, or wedding solemniser, before their solemnisation ceremony. Couples can book the session on the enhanced portal.

The option of video-link solemnisation that was introduced amid the Covid-19 pandemic will also become permanent.

A couple getting married must be in Singapore to go through the virtual solemnisation.

During the solemnisation ceremony, couples will no longer be legally required to sign a hard-copy marriage certificate.

Instead, they will be issued a digital certificate via e-mail after the ceremony to serve as proof of marriage for verification purposes.

ROM will issue the digital certificate for couples who submit their marriage application on or after Sept 25, while the ROMM will do so in 2024.

Couples can sign a ceremonial certificate as a keepsake during the solemnisation ceremony.

They can customise this certificate to their liking and print it themselves, or request one from ROM.

The enhanced portal will also have information on marriage preparation and mentoring programmes such as Journey with You (JOY), which pairs couples with licensed solemnisers who will serve as mentors in their first year of marriage.

Bersamamu (Malay for “with you”) provides Muslim couples with mentoring from their solemnisers in their first two years of marriage.

ROM registrar Timothy Pak said: “The online declaration will provide greater convenience to couples. They won’t have to take leave to come down to ROM for an in-person interview.”

While not many are now choosing to have video-link solemnisations, Mr Pak said the option is available for couples.

Mr Thirunal Karasu Palaniappan, who has been a licensed solemniser for more than 15 years, said many couples forget to have their certificate of marriage with them to sign during solemnisation, but this will not be a problem with a digital certificate.

The business consultant said: “They are busy preparing for the wedding and have so many things on their minds.

“On the day of the solemnisation, they don’t need to worry about carrying the physical copy, like previously. Now, it is all digitalised... and that is very convenient for them.”

Solemnisers will also no longer have to return the signed certificate to ROM or worry about misplacing it.

Mr Yuvan Mohan, a public policy professional at a technology company, is getting married in 2024.

He is glad to have the option of online declaration and solemnisation, as he will be busy with preparations for two wedding ceremonies – a Chinese one and a Hindu one.

“There could be a lot of things that are expected of us, and having that online option definitely saves time,” he said.

The 35-year-old, who is a Families for Life council member, has attended a marriage preparation programme called the Prevention and Relationship Education Programme under social service agency Cornerstone Community Services.

He and his fiancee have met their solemniser, who will be with the couple in the JOY programme.

“The wedding is just the first step in the marriage journey. After getting married, that is when the real work starts,” Mr Yuvan said.

“Having somebody who is a bit older,” he added, referring to the solemniser, “maybe five to 10 years older than you are, to discuss topics and bounce ideas (off) is very important.”

The public may visit https://www.marriage.gov.sg or call the ROM hotline on 6338-7808 or the ROMM hotline on 6337-0207 for queries on the civil and Muslim marriage processes, respectively.

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Marriage Registration Goes Digital in Singapore: New Era of Love Convenience

Starting from September 25, a transformative change is on the horizon for couples in Singapore. This groundbreaking shift grants couples the remarkable opportunity to register their marriages online through the newly enhanced “Our Marriage Journey” portal. This collaborative initiative, jointly unveiled by the Ministry of Social and Family Development and the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth, is poised to revolutionize the marriage registration process, prioritizing seamless procedures and enhanced convenience for couples.

At the heart of this revolution lies the enhanced portal, a creation of the Registry of Marriages (ROM) and the Registry of Muslim Marriages (ROMM). This digital platform will guide couples through every stage of marriage registration, streamlining the entire journey from the initial application submission to the moment they receive their digital marriage certificates.

One of the most remarkable aspects of this novel system is its ability to facilitate online declarations by couples. Singpass, the national digital identity system, will automatically populate personal details, removing the need for physical document verification and in-person declaration signing at the ROM’s physical premises on 7 Canning Rise.

This modernized approach specifically caters to Singaporean citizens and permanent residents aged 21 and above embarking on their first marriage journey. However, for individuals in different circumstances, such as those entering non-first-time marriages or foreigners, the traditional in-person document verification process will remain necessary.

For Muslim unions, a distinctive prerequisite is in place: the bride’s biological father must be her lawful guardian (wali) for the couple to qualify for online declaration. Moreover, Muslim couples must arrange a meeting with their wedding solemnizer (naib kadi) before the actual solemnization ceremony. This task is made simple through the enhanced portal, which facilitates easy scheduling.

From September 25 onward, ROM will initiate the issuance of digital marriage certificates for couples submitting their applications on or after this date. The ROMM will embrace this digital shift in 2024.

Beyond the administrative facets, couples will have the delightful option of commemorating their special day with a personalized ceremonial certificate. This thoughtful touch allows couples to customize their certificate and either print it themselves or request it from ROM.

The array of benefits presented by this digital transformation is substantial. Beyond the evident convenience, couples will be freed from the complexities of managing and safeguarding physical certificates. The Ministry of Social and Family Development and the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth underscore the simplification of administrative processes through this transition to digital certificates.

Mr. Timothy Pak, the esteemed ROM registrar, enthusiastically welcomes this change, underlining its potential to alleviate the need for couples to take time off work for in-person interviews at the ROM. This modernization marks a significant stride in simplifying and updating the marriage registration process.

In a continued commitment to adapt to evolving circumstances, video-link solemnisations, introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic, will endure as a viable option for couples. Additionally, couples will no longer be obligated to sign a physical marriage certificate during the solemnization ceremony. Instead, they will receive a digital certificate via email post-ceremony, serving as an official testament to their marital union.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

While Singapore embarks on this innovative journey towards digitizing marriage registration, it’s natural for the public to ponder the potential of online divorce proceedings in the future. However, for the present, the focus remains on enhancing the convenience and efficiency of marriage registration for couples in Singapore, ensuring that each step of the process is as smooth as possible.

Sources: 1 & 2

By Anna Agoncillo

Anna Agoncillo is a Psychology honors graduate, a writer, and a Registered Psychometrician. She is also the author of the book entitled Psychology of Love, Money, & Life and the person behind Miss Psychobabble.

View all articles by Anna Agoncillo

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Marriages in Singapore can be registered online from Sept 25

Wednesday, 16 Aug 2023

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The enhanced portal turns the entire marriage registration process digital, from application to the issuing of marriage certificates. - ST

SINGAPORE (The Straits Times/Asia News Network): From Sept 25, couples in Singapore will be able to register their marriage online on the enhanced Our Marriage Journey portal by the Registry of Marriages (ROM) and the Registry of Muslim Marriages (ROMM).

This was announced in a joint statement by the Ministry of Social and Family Development and the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth on Wednesday.

The enhanced portal turns the entire marriage registration process digital, from application to the issuing of marriage certificates.

Couples can make their declarations digitally with their personal details auto-filled from Singpass instead of having to verify their documents and sign their declarations in person at the ROM at 7 Canning Rise.

This applies to Singaporeans or permanent residents aged 21 and above who are marrying for the first time. Others will still need to make the trip to the ROM to have their documents verified.

For Muslim marriages, the wali, the bride’s lawful guardian, must be her biological father for the couple to be eligible for online declaration.

Muslim couples are required to meet their naib kadi, or wedding solemniser, before their solemnisation ceremony. Couples can book the session on the enhanced portal.

The option of video-link solemnisation that was introduced amid the Covid-19 pandemic will also become permanent. A couple getting married must be in Singapore to go through the virtual solemnisation.

During the solemnisation ceremony, couples will no longer be legally required to sign a hard-copy marriage certificate.

Instead, they will be issued a digital certificate via e-mail after the ceremony to serve as proof of marriage for verification purposes.

ROM will issue the digital certificate for couples who submit their marriage application on or after Sept 25, while the ROMM will do so in 2024.

Couples can sign a ceremonial certificate as a keepsake during the solemnisation ceremony. They can customise this certificate to their liking and print it themselves, or request one from ROM.

The enhanced portal will also have information on marriage preparation and mentoring programmes such as Journey with You (JOY), which pairs couples with licensed solemnisers who will serve as mentors in their first year of marriage.

ROM Registrar Timothy Pak said: “The online declaration will provide greater convenience to couples. They won’t have to take leave to come down to ROM for an in-person interview.”

While not many are now choosing to have video-link solemnisations, Pak said the option is available for couples.

Thirunal Karasu Palaniappan, who has been a licensed solemniser for more than 15 years, said many couples forget to bring their certificate of marriage to sign during solemnisation, but this will not be a problem with a digital certificate.

Said the business consultant: “They’re busy preparing for the wedding and have so many things on their minds.

“On the day of the solemnisation, they don’t need to worry about carrying the physical copy like previously. Now it’s all digitalised... and that is very convenient for them.”

Solemnisers will also no longer have to return the signed certificate to ROM or worry about misplacing it.

Yuvan Mohan, a public policy professional at a technology company, is getting married in 2024.

He is glad to have the option of online declaration and solemnisation, as he will be busy with preparations for two wedding ceremonies – a Chinese one and a Hindu one.

“There could be a lot of things that are expected of us, and having that online option definitely saves time,” he said.

The 35-year-old, who is a Families for Life Council member, has attended a marriage preparation programme called the Prevention and Relationship Education Programme under social service agency Cornerstone Community Services.

He and his fiancee have met their solemniser, who will be with the couple in the JOY programme.

“The wedding is just the first step in the marriage journey. After getting married, that’s when the real work starts,” Yuvan said.

“Having somebody who is a bit older,” he added, referring to the solemniser, “maybe five to 10 years older than you are, to discuss topics and bounce ideas (off) is very important.”

The public may visit https://www.marriage.gov.sg or call the ROM hotline on 6338-7808 or the ROMM hotline on 6337-0207 for queries on the civil and Muslim marriage processes, respectively.

Tags / Keywords: Singapore , register , marriage , online

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Follow our news, recent searches, marriages in singapore can be registered online from sep 25, advertisement.

File photo of a man putting on a wedding ring. (Photo: iStock/PeopleImages)

SINGAPORE: Most couples getting married in Singapore make a trip to the Registry of Marriages (ROM) to sign a declaration and have their documents verified. Many take a customary photo in front of a sign that says "Real Love Works". 

But this may become a thing of the past when the ROM and Registry of Muslim Marriages (ROMM) make changes to the Our Marriage Journey portal.

From Sep 25, instead of heading down to ROM, eligible couples can complete the process online, with their personal details filled out using their Singpass account. Currently, couples must meet with an officer from the ROM or ROMM either online or in person.

Video-link solemnisations will become a permanent option after they were first introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Couples will also no longer be legally required to sign a hard copy marriage certificate during the solemnisation ceremony. They will instead be issued a digital certificate via email after the ceremony, which serves as proof of marriage.

In addition to the digital certificate, couples will also get the option of a ceremonial certificate in hard copy.

Commentary: Virtual weddings are such a great idea, they should stay beyond COVID-19

Mr Yuvan Mohan, who is getting married next year, will be holding a Hindu wedding in April and a Chinese wedding in June. He said the digitalised process will be useful for him.

“Planning one wedding is challenging, planning two – I think my to-do list is a never-ending list,” he said. 

“Anything that allows us to do things online and gives us that flexibility, I think will be most welcome,” added Mr Yuvan.

DIGITAL CERTIFICATES

Switching to a digital certificate of marriage saves couples the hassle of using and keeping a hard copy certificate, the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) and the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth (MCCY) said in a joint press release. 

Couples who submit their application to the ROM on or after Sep 25 will be issued a digital certificate after their solemniser registers the union online.

Those who submit their marriage application before Sep 25, but are scheduled to have their documents verified by ROM after the portal is updated, will also be issued digital certificates. 

The ROMM will start issuing digital marriage certificates in 2024.

Couples will also be offered the option of a ceremonial certificate of marriage, which they can customise and sign during the solemnisation.

“Marriage is one of life’s most important milestones and we expect some couples may still wish to commemorate the occasion using wet ink signatures,” the ministries said.

The digitalisation of the marriage process comes as more services in Singapore go online. Since May 29 last year, physical birth and death certificates are no longer issued and families only receive digital certificates.

Solemniser Teo Lin Lee said the change will make things more convenient for solemnisers, who will be  able to register marriages online instead of mailing a physical certificate back to ROM or ROMM.

“We don’t even need to remember to post back the certificate, we just go online, just a click of a button, registered, and it’s done,” she said. 

Ms Teo also said she expects couples to make use of the customisable ceremonial certificate.

“I’m very sure they will think of all ways to create something that they can remember for the rest of their lives,” she said.

Asked if online solemnisations remain popular now that the COVID-19 situation has stabilised, Ms Teo said many couples like having family and friends around for the celebration.

“I think the new way forward is they do physical as well as digital online (application), I think it is the best of both worlds for them,” she said.

Mr Timothy Pak, the registrar for ROM, said marriage remains an important milestone despite the changes.

"Our licensed solemnisers do take their role very seriously, and so they will conduct the solemnisation with as much decorum and respect for the occasion."

He added that there are still safeguards against sham marriages.

"Regardless of the verification and declaration method, where there’s reason to suspect that the couple has entered in a marriage of convenience (MOC) to circumvent Singapore's immigration facilities, ROM will cooperate with the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority in their investigations."

CONVENIENCE, SUPPORT FOR COUPLES

Mr Pak said the online declaration and verification of documents will provide greater convenience for couples.

“They will not have to take leave to come down to ROM for an in-person interview,” he said.

Those who need to have their documents verified in person are individuals who are below the age of 21, those who had a previous marriage, and foreigners with foreign documents.

Mr Nor Razak Bakar, registrar for the ROMM, said the digitalisation will make it easier for couples to settle the administrative aspects of getting married, while the solemnisers support them in the marriage journey.

“We try to complement where we can, (and) at the same time, try to provide them that convenience,” he said. 

Muslim couples will still need to attend a face-to-face session with religious officials who solemnise Muslim marriages, known as Kadi and Naib Kadi. 

The authorities also announced the expansion of a marriage mentoring initiative called Journey with You. 

The initiative was first trialled in December 2021, with licensed solemnisers mentoring a small group of newly-wed couples throughout their first year of marriage.

To complement solemnisers’ current efforts, the initiative will be expanded to include community volunteers who are trained as mentors to journey with newly-wed couples.

Muslim couples can attend a marriage preparation programme called Cinta Abadi, or Eternal Love. Under the Bersamamu programme, which means With You, couples can also receive mentoring from their marriage solemnisers. 

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