Getting Married in Vietnam: What You Need to Know

Thinking of tying the knot in Vietnam? Whether you're marrying a local or planning a romantic ceremony abroad, here’s your go-to guide to navigating the marriage process in Vietnam.

Who Can Get Married in Vietnam?

The short version: at least one of you needs to be a Vietnamese citizen.

If both partners are foreigners, you won’t be able to legally register your marriage in Vietnam—but you can still hold a celebration or symbolic ceremony here. Just make sure you legally marry back home first.

For foreign nationals marrying a Vietnamese citizen, the rules are fairly straightforward, but there are a few non-negotiables:

• Men must be 20 years or older; women must be at least 18.
• Neither party can already be married under Vietnamese law.
• You can’t be directly related by blood (going back three generations).
• Both individuals must be mentally sound and capable of making decisions independently. This will require a medical certificate.

LGBTQIA+ couples: Same-sex marriage is no longer banned in Vietnam, but it isn’t legally recognised either. You’re free to hold a traditional Vietnamese wedding ceremony—but for a legal marriage certificate, you’ll need to marry in a country where same-sex marriage is recognised.

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Step-by-Step: The Marriage Process in Vietnam

If your partner is Vietnamese, the process begins with them collecting a handful of documents from their local authorities, including:

• Birth certificate
• Certificate of marital status
• National ID card
• Health certificate
• Proof of residency
• Criminal record check
• Marriage registration form

Once that's ready, here's how the process unfolds:

1. Department of Justice Interview
   Both of you will be interviewed to confirm that your relationship is genuine and that you're entering the marriage voluntarily.
2. Public Posting
   Your intent to marry will be publicly displayed for seven working days—first at the Department of Justice, then at your partner’s local commune office.
3. Waiting Period & Decision
   After collecting all the paperwork, authorities have up to 25 days to issue a decision.
4. Civil Ceremony
   Once approved, the head of the Provincial People’s Committee signs the marriage certificate. Then, the Department of Justice arranges a civil ceremony within five working days.

Important Note: Some relationships are not legally permitted, including marriages between adoptive parents and children, or stepparents and stepchildren.

Required Documents for Foreigners

To legally marry in Vietnam, foreign nationals must provide:

• Application for marriage registration
• Affidavit of single status (signed at your embassy or consulate)
• Certificate of no-marriage records
• Medical certificate of mental health
• Biographic information sheet
• Certified copy of your passport
• Valid visa or residency card (temporary or permanent)
• Certificate of no impediment (after 21 days on your embassy’s notice board)

All documents must be officially translated into Vietnamese and notarised. For a smoother process, work with a recognised translation company (contacts below).

If you're not in Vietnam, you can authorise your partner to handle the paperwork on your behalf using a notarised Power of Attorney.

And yes, you must be in Vietnam for at least 21 consecutive days before applying. Previous trips don’t count.

Living Together Before Marriage: What to Expect

Vietnamese culture traditionally expects couples to be married before living together. While many young couples do cohabitate before marriage, it’s technically discouraged. If you're living together, especially in buildings known for housing foreigners, make sure your residency is updated with the local ward police to avoid issues.

How Much Does a Wedding in Vietnam Cost?

Weddings in Vietnam can be surprisingly affordable—or lavish, depending on your style.

On average, a full wedding celebration costs around USD 7,000, though even modest celebrations can run 80 million VND (approx. USD 3,300) or more.

Good news: Guests typically give red envelopes (with cash gifts) at the wedding, which helps offset costs.

Many couples opt to host the celebration at home. Tents and furniture are rented to turn sidewalks or courtyards into cheerful venues, and it’s normal for hundreds of guests to attend. Be prepared for plenty of toasts!

Helpful Contacts

Here are some useful contacts for getting started with your paperwork or translation needs:

Department of Justice – Hanoi
1B Tran Phu Street, Ha Dong District
☎️ (04) 33546163

Department of Justice – Ho Chi Minh City
141-143 Pasteur, Ward 6, District 3
☎️ (08) 38290230

Department of Justice – Danang
16 Bach Dang Street, Hai Chau District
☎️ (0511) 3822822

Translation Services
📍 AM Vietnam Translation Company – Hanoi
Capital Tower, 21F, 109 Trần Hưng Đạo
☎️ +8424 38789800

📍 Thao & Co. – Ho Chi Minh City
VietPhone Building, 1F, 64 Nguyễn Đình Chiểu
☎️ +84396773374

Final Thoughts

Getting married in Vietnam involves a bit of paperwork, but with the right preparation, it’s totally doable—and definitely worth it if you’re planning to spend your life with someone here. Always check in with your embassy and your partner’s local authorities for the most up-to-date info.

And don’t forget: a marriage license may be issued in Vietnam, but whether it's recognised in your home country depends on your local laws. It’s always a good idea to have the marriage registered back home, just to be safe.