Holy Matrimony

Guidelines for Getting Married in the Archdiocese of Singapore

If both of you are baptised Catholics with no previous marriage(s)

1. Notify your Singapore parish 1-year prior to the desired date of marriage.
2. Make an appointment for a pre-nuptial interview with a priest.
3. Gather the necessary documents:
   • Baptismal Extracts for Catholic parties (within 6 months’ validity).
   • Copy of Birth Certificates (Bridegroom & Bride)
   • Copy of Marriage Preparation Course certificate / Engaged Encounter certificate
   • Copy of Civil Wedding Certificate (if civilly married)

If one of you is not a baptised Catholic with no previous marriage(s) for both

1. Notify your Singapore parish 1-year prior to the desired date of marriage.
2. Make an appointment for a pre-nuptial interview with a priest.
3. Inform the priest about the difference in religion at the first meeting. He will do the necessary steps to obtain the permission or dispensation from the Archbishop through the Chancery Office.
4. Gather the necessary documents:
   • Baptismal Extract for Catholic party (within 6 months’ validity).
   • Trinitarian Baptismal Certificate for baptised non-Catholic party (if applicable)
   • Copy of Birth Certificates (Bridegroom & Bride)
   • Copy of Civil Wedding Certificate (if civilly married)
   • Copy of Marriage Preparation Course certificate / Engaged Encounter certificate

If any of you have had previous marriage(s)

1. Inform the priest during the pre-nuptial interview.

Guidelines for Getting Married outside the Archdiocese of Singapore (Overseas)

1. Notify your Singapore parish as soon as possible in order to meet the timeline required by the overseas Diocese you are intending to get married at.
2. Make an appointment for a pre-nuptial interview with a priest from the parish.
3. Gather the necessary documents according to the requirements of the overseas Diocese you will be marrying at.
4. If one of you is not a baptised Catholic, inform the priest about the difference in religion at the first meeting. He will do the necessary steps to obtain the permission or dispensation from the Bishop through the Chancery Office.
5. Fill up the Overseas Wedding Form and make upfront payment to the parish for courier and administrative fee.
6. Parish will send completed prenuptial-inquiry documents and payment to the Chancery of the Archdiocese of Singapore.
7. Chancery of the Archdiocese of Singapore will transmit all the documents and the letter of permission for overseas marriage by courier to the overseas Diocesan office and keep you informed.

Hosting Overseas Wedding

Couples living abroad who plan to marry in the Catholic Church under the Archdiocese of Singapore are required to submit the necessary documents at least six months before their wedding date. These documents must be sent by the Diocesan or Chancery office of their country of residence to the following address:

Chancery of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Singapore
#07-01 Catholic Centre
55 Waterloo Street
Singapore 187954

Documents Required:

1. Copy of Birth Certificates of both bride and groom
2. Completed Prenuptial Inquiry Form done by a priest in the Diocese of your residence (overseas)
3. Latest Extract of Baptismal Certificate for baptised Catholic (not later than 6 months)
4. Baptismal Certificate of baptised non-Catholic Christian
5. Copy of Civil Wedding Certificate (if civilly married)
6. Copy of Marriage Preparation Certificate
7. Dispensation/Permission, and Approval from the Diocese where bride/groom lives
8. Proof of Marriage Registration from Registry of Marriages Singapore, if civil marriage is to be registered in Singapore
9. Details of the wedding venue, date, and the celebrant’s name

If there was previous marriage:

1. Death Certificate of former spouse, or
2. Decree of Nullity of previous marriage bond, or
3. Decree of Dissolution (Pauline Privilege, Ratum et non consummatum, Favour of Faith)

For any questions, please kindly email chancery@catholic.org.sg