Embassies and Consulates cannot perform or register marriages. The following information is provided:
A legal marriage in Thailand consists of two parties registering their union with a local Amphur (Thai district office, similar to a county office). It is a process that can take several days to complete.
U.S. citizens wishing to marry a Thai citizen or another U.S. citizen should follow the procedure below. A U.S. citizen wishing to marry a third-country national should follow the procedure below and ensure their prospective spouse follows a similar, but separate, procedure with his or her embassy in Thailand.
1. Contact the Amphur (Thai district office) where you intend to be married to find out what is required of you and your fiancé to be married within that respective district.
2. Most Amphurs require you obtain a notarized marriage/divorce affidavit from the U.S. Embassy Bangkok, or Consulate General Chiang Mai.
Note: An affidavit is a self-sworn statement, NOT a guarantee or certification of single status. Ensure you are prepared to provide proof of divorce, death, etc., to an Amphur should they require it.
IMPORTANT: Some Amphurs require a certified copy of your U.S. Passport. Check with your Amphur before coming to the Embassy as there is an additional service fee for a certified copy of a passport.
Obtain the marriage/divorce affidavit and certified copy of your passport (if required) from your respective American Citizens Services unit by appointment. There are NO walk-in services.
3. On the date of your ACS appointment ensure you bring the following:
- Appointment Confirmation Page
- Passport
- Appropriate fee and method of payment: $50 for the affidavit and $50 for the Certified Copy (if required)
- Completed affidavit (All information must be filled completely and correctly and NOT left blank. The information is REQUIRED by the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs)
- A clear copy of the first page (bio-data page) of your passport if a certified copy is required by your Amphur