How to getting married in Vietnam: A complete guide for foreigners
Vietnam, with its rich culture and beautiful landscapes, has become an increasingly popular destination for couples looking to get married. Whether you’re planning to marry a local or tie the knot as a foreigner, understanding the legal and cultural aspects of getting married in Vietnam is crucial. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to ensure your wedding day goes smoothly.
Quick answer: Can foreigners marry in Vietnam?
| Your situation | Legal marriage in Vietnam? | What most couples do |
| You marry a Vietnamese citizen | Yes | Register at the local People’s Committee, then hold a celebration. |
| Two foreigners, one with a Vietnam residence permit | Possible in some cases | Ask the local office before you plan around it. |
| Two tourists | Generally not possible | Marry legally at home, then hold a symbolic ceremony in Hoi An. |
This is the most common surprise for visiting couples. New Zealand’s foreign ministry (MFAT) says Vietnamese law does not really provide for marriages between two non-Vietnamese citizens unless residence permits are involved. Easyweddings says at least one partner normally needs temporary or permanent residency (Source: mfat.govt.nz).
Basic information about getting married in Vietnam
Marrying in Vietnam can be an exciting and rewarding experience, especially for foreigners. With its vibrant culture, beautiful landscapes, and welcoming people, Vietnam has become a popular destination for couples looking to tie the knot. However, before you start planning your wedding, it’s essential to understand the legal process and cultural nuances involved in getting married here.
Read more: Top 5 must-see Hoi An Show experiences for tourists
Legal requirements for marriage in Vietnam
Getting married in Vietnam requires foreigners to meet certain legal requirements. Whether you’re marrying a Vietnamese national or another foreigner, understanding the legal aspects is crucial to ensure a smooth and legal marriage process. Below are the key legal requirements that need to be fulfilled to get married in Vietnam:
General conditions
To ensure a legally valid marriage in Vietnam, both parties must meet certain general conditions that are outlined by Vietnamese law.
- Age: Men must be at least 20 years old and women at least 18, under the 2014 Law on Marriage and Family (Source: Thu Vien Phap Luat). If either party is under the legal age, the marriage is not permitted, and they must wait until they reach the legal age before proceeding.
- Marital status: To marry in Vietnam, individuals must be legally single, divorced, or widowed. Foreigners must provide proof of their marital status to demonstrate they are eligible to marry. A certificate of no impediment or a similar document from the foreigner’s home country is required, which certifies that the individual is not currently married. The Vietnamese partner also needs a marital status confirmation from their local authority.
- Health and consent: Both parties must marry voluntarily and have full legal capacity. You must submit a certificate from a competent medical facility confirming that neither of you has a mental illness or another condition that affects your ability to understand and control your behavior.
- Timing: If a marital status document has no expiry date, it and the health certificate are only valid for six months. Plan the order of your steps so nothing expires before you apply.
Document requirements for foreigners
Foreigners wishing to marry in Vietnam must provide specific documents to meet the legal requirements. These documents ensure that the marriage process is valid and complies with Vietnamese law. The key documents required are:
- Passport or equivalent documents: A valid passport with an appropriate visa or residency permit for Vietnam. If the foreigner does not possess a passport, they may provide other official documents that are accepted as a substitute for a passport, such as a national identity card or a valid travel document, as long as it is recognized by the Vietnamese authorities. These documents must be valid and allow the individual to legally reside or stay in Vietnam for the duration of the marriage process.
- Proof of single status: A certificate of no impediment or an equivalent document from the foreigner’s home country. This document certifies that the individual is legally single, divorced, or widowed, and is eligible to marry.
- Divorce or death certificate (if applicable): If the foreigner has previously been married, they must provide an official divorce decree or the death certificate of their former spouse to prove the dissolution of the previous marriage.
- Health certificate: Depending on the local requirements, a health certificate may be requested. This can include a medical check-up to confirm that both parties are physically and mentally capable of entering into a marriage.
- Vietnamese translation of documents: All foreign documents (including the passport, proof of single status, divorce, or death certificates) should have a copy translated into Vietnamese and notarized by an authorized translator or notary public to be valid for submission.
- Additional documents: In some cases, depending on the foreigner’s country of origin, additional documentation such as proof of legal residence or temporary residency card may be required.
Marriage process in Vietnam
The process of getting married in Vietnam involves several important steps, from choosing the appropriate marriage registration authority to completing the ceremony. Below is a detailed guide on what you need to do to marry in Vietnam.
Step 1: Choose the marriage registration authority
Since 1 July 2025, marriages involving a foreign national in Vietnam must be registered at the commune-level People’s Committee (the ward or commune office) where the Vietnamese partner resides (Source: Thu Vien Phap Luat).
Couples should submit their marriage registration application directly to the relevant ward or commune People’s Committee. Before preparing the documents, contact the local authority to confirm the application requirements and procedures.
Step 2: Submitting the marriage application
Once you’ve selected the appropriate authority, the next step is to submit your marriage application. This includes:
- Preparing the necessary documents: Ensure that all required documents, such as your passport, proof of single status, and any other paperwork, are ready and meet the legal requirements.
- Filling out the application form: The registry office will provide a marriage registration form to complete. This form usually asks for personal details, such as names, nationalities, and any prior marriages.
- Paying the required fees: There are typically small administrative fees for processing the marriage registration. The amount may vary depending on the region.
After submission, the local authorities will check the authenticity and completeness of your documents.
Step 3: Document review and interview
Once the marriage application is submitted, the civil status office will review the documents provided. In some cases, the authorities may conduct a brief interview to confirm the details of the relationship and ensure there are no legal impediments to the marriage. The interview may be conducted with both partners present, and for foreign nationals, an interpreter may be required if neither party speaks Vietnamese.
The marriage registration process takes 5 working days from the date the complete application is received. If further verification is required, the processing time may be extended to 10 working days. However, the overall preparation process, including document legalization and translation, typically takes 2-3 months.
Step 4: Marriage ceremony
After the documents are approved, the final step is the marriage ceremony. The civil ceremony is typically conducted at the registry office, where both parties sign the marriage certificate in front of the official.
For couples who wish to hold a more elaborate ceremony, such as a traditional Vietnamese wedding or a religious ceremony, this can take place after the legal registration.
The marriage certificate, once signed and processed, serves as the official record of your marriage. Both parties will receive a copy of the certificate, which is needed for any post-marriage legal processes, such as changing names or applying for visas.
Timeline at a glance
| Stage | Typical time | Good to know |
| Collect, legalize and translate documents | A few weeks to two months | Depends on your home country and embassy. |
| Submit and review the application | 5-10 working days | Confirm the current time with the local office. |
| Sign and receive the certificate | Within the same process | Both partners must attend in person. |
| Whole journey | About 2-3 months | Start early; documents can expire. |
Special considerations when getting married in Vietnam
In addition to the legal requirements and marriage process, there are several important cultural and procedural considerations to be aware of when getting married in Vietnam.
Cultural differences in Marriage Ceremonies
Vietnamese weddings are rich in traditions and customs, which can vary by region, ethnicity, and family preferences. While the civil ceremony is legally binding, many couples also opt for a traditional Vietnamese wedding or a mix of both. If you plan a traditional Vietnamese wedding, here are some key cultural aspects you need to know:
- The engagement ceremony (le an hoi): In many Vietnamese weddings, the engagement (or “xin dau”) is an essential pre-wedding event. During this ceremony, the groom’s family presents gifts to the bride’s family, symbolizing their intention to marry. This is often accompanied by a formal agreement between the families.
- Traditional wedding attire: The bride often wears an elegant áo dài (traditional Vietnamese dress) and the groom may wear a suit or a traditional outfit. The couple may also exchange wedding rings during the ceremony.
Read more: Traditional Vietnamese wedding gifts: Meaning and tips for choosing
Changing your name after marriage
After getting married, foreigners may choose to change their name, especially if they wish to adopt their spouse’s surname. If you decide to change your name:
- Documents: You must provide documentation of your marriage, such as the marriage certificate, to update your passport, visa, and other legal documents.
- Vietnamese name change: If you want to change your name officially in Vietnam, you will need to follow the local regulations, which might involve submitting a request to the relevant authorities.
Residence and visa for foreign spouse
If one of the spouses is a foreigner, there are additional procedures related to immigration and residency. Some of the key points to consider include:
- Visa and residency status: After marriage, the foreign spouse may apply for a visa extension or residency permit, depending on their circumstances. A marriage certificate is required for this process.
- Spouse visa: The foreign spouse can apply for a family visa or a spouse visa to stay in Vietnam for a longer period. The process may involve submitting proof of the marriage and meeting specific immigration requirements.
- Work permits: If the foreign spouse intends to work in Vietnam, they will need to apply for a work permit or a business visa, depending on the type of work they will be doing.
Religious considerations
Vietnam is a predominantly secular country, but there are various religious groups present, including Buddhists, Catholics, and others. If one or both partners follow a religion, you may wish to incorporate religious elements into the wedding ceremony.
- Catholic weddings: Catholic couples may opt to marry in a church. However, they must ensure that their marriage is also registered with the local civil authorities to be legally recognized in Vietnam.
- Other religious ceremonies: Some couples may choose to have their wedding blessed by a monk or religious leader, depending on their faith. These ceremonies are often held in addition to the civil marriage registration.
Read more: Daniel & Kieran: A wedding memory where traditions meet the sea
Celebrate your wedding in Hoi An
Once the legal paperwork is complete, Hoi An offers a beautiful setting to celebrate your marriage. From a quiet beach ceremony to a romantic photo session among lantern-lit streets, the town brings together coastal scenery, historic architecture and peaceful countryside landscapes. Couples can choose a setting that reflects their style, whether they prefer a relaxed outdoor celebration or a more traditional destination wedding.
Here are four locations worth considering for your wedding photos or pre-wedding activities:
- An Bang Beach: Soft sand, gentle waves and an open coastal landscape create a relaxed backdrop for wedding portraits. Sunrise and sunset are particularly appealing times for photography, thanks to the softer natural light.
- Hoi An Old Town and the Japanese Bridge: Yellow historic buildings, tiled roofs and colourful lanterns give the area a distinctive character. The nearby streets and riverside views also offer plenty of opportunities for couple portraits.
- Tra Que Vegetable Village and the Tra Que Water Wheel: Surrounded by green fields and traditional gardens, this area suits couples who prefer a natural, rustic atmosphere away from the busy town centre.
- The boat landing at the end of Bach Dang Street: Stone steps leading down to the Thu Bon River provide a peaceful riverside setting, with views across the Old Town skyline.
Before arranging a photo session, check each location on Google Maps for directions, access and current opening times. Weather is another important consideration, particularly during the rainy season from August to January. If you are planning an outdoor ceremony or photography session, discuss an alternative covered location with your photographer in advance.
Choosing Bliss Hoi An Beach Resort & Wellness for your wedding day
For couples who want to bring their wedding celebration together with a beachside stay, Bliss Hoi An Beach Resort & Wellness offers a coastal setting away from the bustle of the Old Town. Located along Binh Minh Beach, the resort provides a relaxed atmosphere for exchanging vows, celebrating with family and friends, and spending time together after the ceremony.
Couples can choose a wedding collection based on the size and style of their celebration. Options include Sunset Vows, designed for a more intimate occasion, and Lanterns & Tides, for a celebration with a different atmosphere. Each collection offers a starting point for discussing the ceremony and reception arrangements with the wedding team. You can also browse the complete range of options on the resort’s wedding page.
A beach wedding can be followed by a dinner with loved ones, photographs by the sea or a relaxing stay at the resort. For guests travelling from overseas, having the ceremony and accommodation in one destination can also make the celebration easier to organise. If you have already completed your legal marriage registration in your home country, let the wedding team know when making your enquiry so they can plan a symbolic ceremony that reflects your preferences.
To discuss your wedding date, guest numbers and preferred collection, contact the team via WhatsApp at +84 91 188 95 58 or call the reception hotline at +84 235 3874 888. You can also book your stay directly if you are arranging accommodation for the celebration.
FAQs
Can foreigners marry in Vietnam?
Yes. Foreigners can marry in Vietnam if they meet the legal requirements and submit the required documents, including a valid passport and proof of single status.
How long does marriage registration take?
It usually takes 1-2 weeks, depending on the documents and local authority processing times.
Can a foreigner apply for a spouse visa after marriage?
Yes. A foreign spouse can apply for a visa or residency permit by submitting the marriage certificate and meeting immigration requirements.
Do I need to speak Vietnamese to marry in Vietnam?
No. However, an interpreter may be required if neither party speaks Vietnamese. Some documents must also be translated into Vietnamese.
Is a religious wedding legally valid in Vietnam?
No. A religious ceremony alone is not legally binding. Couples must register their marriage with the relevant civil authorities for legal recognition.
Related Posts
Hoi An thrift shopping: 5 local vintage shops, prices and a walkable route
Daniel & Kieran: A wedding memory where traditions meet the sea
Hoi An: The Best Destination in New Year 2027
Hoi An to Mui Ne: 3 Routes Compared for Travel, Scenery and Adventure
Hoi An Indochine Style Resort: How to Choose a Stay With Real Vietnamese Character
