Registration of marriages can soon be done online

Marriage certs to go digital solemnisation and video-link option to be made permanent

- Shermaine Ang

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.