Getting Married in Singapore: Everything You Need to Know • 333+ Inspiring Lifestyle Ideas

Getting married is one of the most important days in most people’s lives. It’s the day that couples start a whole new journey together, and most wish to do so by making it as memorable as possible. One way that many people are choosing to do this today is by getting married abroad.

Depending on where the couple are originally from, there can be a number of advantages to getting married overseas. It gives the bride and groom a wider range of stunning wedding venues and backdrops to choose from, wedding packages may be more affordable, and it can make it easier to guarantee good weather on the day.

One destination which has become a very popular wedding destination is Singapore. This guide will cover everything you need to know about the benefits of getting married there and how exactly to do it.

Why have your wedding in Singapore?

There are plenty of reasons why the Southeast Asian city-state makes an amazing wedding destination. You can learn more about them below.

Luxury and hospitality

Despite its small size, Singapore is an economic powerhouse in Southeast Asia. This has led to it becoming a favourite destination of jet-setting business travellers and the world’s wealthy which, while not making it the most affordable wedding destination, means that those looking for lavish and luxurious settings are spoiled for choice. It is home to several five-star hotels like the famous Marina Bay Sands, but even a less well-known wedding hotel in Singapore can be counted on to provide an opulent setting and outstanding hospitality.

Location and Connectivity

For centuries, Singapore has served as the world’s gateway into Southeast Asia, a role the well-connected city still plays today. It is served by Changi Airport, widely considered to be one of the world’s best, which handles flights to far-flung destinations all over the world. This means that it is not a difficult destination for you and your guests to travel to. The city’s public transportation is outstanding, too. It should not be difficult for your guests to get around.

Food

In almost all cultures, meals play a central role during wedding celebrations. Singapore is sure not to disappoint in this regard. It is a well-known foodie paradise which offers outstanding quality food and cuisines from all around the world.

Culture and activities

Most wedding celebrations only last a few days, but many guests might book longer stays if they are coming to the city from somewhere far away. Fortunately, Singapore has plenty to offer to keep them entertained. A sightseeing tour can be a great way to get to know the small city, and there are plenty of historical, cultural and shopping hotspots to seek out.

How to plan a wedding in Singapore

Every country has its own requirements for getting married. The civil marriage process in Singapore is not necessarily more complicated than anywhere else, but it has its quirks and challenges. Here’s how to make sure your wedding goes smoothly.

Plan in advance

This seems obvious, but you probably need to allow more time than you think to plan an overseas wedding, and especially one in Singapore. You should allow at least six months but preferably one year. Why? Well, firstly you will need time to gather all the documents you need to bring with you. But there is also the requirement for either you or your partner to have stayed in Singapore for a continuous period of at least 31 days, not including the day that you arrived. This could have happened at any time before the wedding, but one of you must have spent more than one month in the country on a single visit.

Prepare for the marriage requirements

Check out official government websites or contact the Singaporean embassy, high commission, or consulate in your country to make sure you have the most up-to-date marriage requirements. At the time of writing, the things most people need to get married in Singapore are to be over 21 (or 18 with parents’ permission), currently unmarried, and to have a Letter of No Impediment to Marriage from your own government. Depending on your circumstances, you might also need documents to prove that any previous marriages have been dissolved or, if you have lived in another country for more than six months in the last five years, a document showing that you did not marry while there. The documents should be originals or certified true copies, and they need to be approved by your government’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Singaporean consulate in your country.

Learn about the culture

Singapore is an incredibly safe and tolerant society which receives millions of visitors every year. Its population is also made up from a very diverse mixture of ethnicities, including Malay, Chinese, Indian, and other Southeast and South Asian cultures. However, it does have its own cultural customs and it is always best to avoid unknowingly offending anybody. For example, touching the head of others, pointing at them with your finger, or having the soles of your feet face them are things that might not mean much to you but are considered disrespectful in Singapore.

Set a budget

Generally speaking, Singapore is not trying to compete with other international wedding destinations on cost. This means that you will want to budget carefully, taking into account travel costs, deposits and fees for the venue, and payments to suppliers. Some venues offer wedding packages which may not be cheaper but they can help prevent any surprise expenses that you might forget to take into account.

Pick the right venue

Your options for a wedding venue in Singapore are not limited to hotels in the urban areas. There are beautiful green spaces nearby and even some decent beaches too. Remember to balance the location you have in mind with your budget and logistical considerations.

Conclusion

Marrying in Singapore gives couples the opportunity to exchange vows against beautiful backdrops while creating lifelong memories for themselves and their loved ones. It is easy to fly to and has a booming hospitality industry that is highly adept at meeting guests’ needs. It is one of the world’s premier wedding destinations and promises an amazing experience for well-prepared couples.