Marriage

The information relating to the legal requirements of getting married in Brunei Darussalam is provided for general information only and may not be totally accurate in a particular case. Questions involving interpretations of specific foreign laws should be addressed to foreign attorneys or foreign government officials.

1. Filing a Notice of Marriage

An applicant must:
- be more than 18 years of age
- reside in Brunei Darussalam for a minimum period of 14 days (this condition may be satisfied by one of the couple)
- not to be married to any other third party
- not to be related to the other party to the marriage
- be of sound mind
- not be of Muslim faith
Before filing the Notice, the applicant couple must attend personally to swear a Statutory Declaration with respect to the condition specified in note 1 above. These Declaration forms will be supplied to the couple at the time of filing the Notice.
To make the Declaration in 2, and to file the Notice of Marriage, the applicant must bring with them the following documents:
- Brunei Identity Card (or, if applicant is a foreigner, his or her Passport)
- Birth Certificates
- Documents to prove the marital status of the applicant:
  - Where Divorced:
    - Original and Photocopy of Decree Absolute
  - Where Widowed:
    - Original and Photocopy of Death Certificate of deceased spouse
    - Original and Photocopy of Marriage Certificate of previous marriage
  - Where a Philippines National:
    - Certification of eligibility to contract marriage issued by the Philippines Embassy in Bandar Seri Begawan
  - Where a Foreigner who has never been married previously:
    - An official certificate which declares the single-hood of the applicant. This could be:
      - Either – A Certificate of No Impediment to Marry issued by the Marriage Registry of the applicant’s Country of Origin
      - Or – Affidavit of Statutory Declaration sworn by the parents of the applicant(s)
  - Where a foreigner intends to marry a Brunei Citizen or Brunei Permanent Resident, the applicant couple must also bring (in addition to any relevant documents stated in note, when filing a Notice of Marriage):
    - A letter granting permission from the Immigration Department. Permission must be sough prior to the filing of a Notice of Marriage.

2. Notice of Marriage Filing Hours

Monday to Thursday:
- 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.
- 2 p.m. to 3:15 p.m.
Notice of Marriage must be filed at the District where the applicants ordinarily reside:
- Marriage Registry
  2nd Floor Supreme Court Building
  Jalan Tutong
  Bandar Seri Begawan
- Marriage Registry
  Court’s Building
  Kuala Belait

3. Fees and Appointments

Marriage fees at the registry are:
- Stamp Duty: B$10.00
- Filing a Notice of Marriage: B$100.00
- Solemnization of Marriage: B$100.00
If it becomes necessary to change the day or time fixed for a marriage, new appointment will be negotiated.
Marriages are solemnized on Thursday mornings only in Kuala Belait and on Saturday mornings only in Bandar Seri Begawan.
The date of solemnization will be fixed on a Thursday for Kuala Belait or Saturday for Bandar Seri Begawan after at least 14 days from the date of filing of the Notice of Marriage.
Upon filing a Notice of Marriage, a Guide on Solemnization will be issued to the applicants. Applicants are strongly advised to read and follow to this guide carefully.

Guide on Solemnization (Please Read This Guide Carefully)

On that day, please bring:

Two non-Muslim witnesses, age 21 year or above. These witnesses must produce their identity cards (or passports).
The identity cards (or passports) and birth certificates of the marrying couple.
Wedding rings for exchange during the solemnization of the marriage (optional).
B$100.00 for registration of marriage fee.

Note:

You and your guests are advised to be punctual and arrive at the courthouse at least 15 minutes before the appointed time. This should allow you and your guests to settle in before the marriage ceremony starts.
The Marriage Registry may refuse to solemnize the marriage, if the marrying couples, the witnesses and their guests attend the ceremony in improper and casual attire such as jeans, shorts, singlets, tee-shirts and slippers. the Bride, female witnesses and female guests must attend the ceremony in dress or skirt (with sleeves and beyond knee-length). You are advised to treat the ceremony with dignity and respect by coming to the registry properly dressed.
The marriage declaration can be read in English, Chinese or Malay as required by the marrying couple. If any other language is required, the parties to the marriage are responsible for providing the interpreter.
Use of cameras and video camera are permitted during the ceremony.
Confetti, petals, rice however, are not permitted in the building or on the pavement outside.