ROM Singapore Guide 2026: Process, Fees & Tips

So you've said "yes" and now it's time to make things official. Whether you're planning a big banquet or keeping it intimate, every couple in Singapore needs to go through the Registry of Marriages (ROM) to be legally married. And while it sounds bureaucratic, the process is actually pretty straightforward once you know the steps.

This guide walks you through everything — from eligibility requirements and the online application process to fees, documents, and how to turn your ROM ceremony into something genuinely memorable. We've also got the latest on ROM's temporary move to Esplanade Mall, so you won't show up at the wrong address.

What Is ROM and Why Does It Matter?

ROM — the Registry of Marriages — is Singapore's government body under the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) that legally registers and solemnizes all civil (non-Muslim) marriages. Every legally married couple in Singapore must go through ROM (or ROMM for Muslims). The filing fee is just S$42 for Singapore Citizens or PRs (source: ROM.gov.sg), making it the most affordable way to get legally married. Singapore registers approximately 27,000 marriages annually (source: Department of Statistics Singapore).

When people say "we're going to ROM," they mean they're getting their marriage legally registered and solemnized.

Here's the thing that surprises some couples: your wedding banquet, your tea ceremony, your church blessing — none of these make your marriage legal. Only a solemnization officiated by a licensed solemnizer and registered with ROM does that. Everything else is celebration (wonderful, important celebration — but not legally binding).

Muslim marriages are handled separately by the Registry of Muslim Marriages (ROMM) under MUIS. This guide covers the civil ROM process.

Who Can Get Married at ROM? (Eligibility)

Before you start the application, make sure you meet these basic requirements:

• Age: Both parties must be at least 21 years old. If you're 18–20, you'll need written consent from a parent or legal guardian. Under 18? You'll need a Special Marriage Licence — and yes, it's as uncommon as it sounds.
• Single status: Neither party can be currently married. If you've been previously married, you'll need to show proof that the prior marriage has ended (divorce certificate or death certificate of former spouse).
• Not closely related: Singapore law prohibits marriage between close relatives, whether by blood or adoption.
• Monogamous: Only marriages between one man and one woman are legally recognised under the Women's Charter.
• Residency (for foreigners): If neither party is a Singapore Citizen or PR, at least one person must have been physically present in Singapore for a continuous period of at least 15 days before filing the Notice of Marriage.

If both of you are Singaporean citizens or PRs, there's no residency requirement — you can file from anywhere.

ROM's New Location: Esplanade Mall (2025–2028)

If you're picturing the familiar ROM building at 7 Canning Rise — heads up. The Canning Rise site is currently undergoing redevelopment and has been closed since April 2025.

ROM has temporarily relocated to:

Level 3, Esplanade Mall 8 Raffles Avenue, Singapore 039802

This is where you'll go for in-person verification appointments and ROM-site solemnizations until the redeveloped Canning Rise building reopens in 2029. The new building will be larger and modernised, so there's something to look forward to — but for now, Esplanade Mall is your spot.

Getting there: Esplanade MRT (CC3) is right next door. If you're driving, the Esplanade has a carpark, though it can get pricey. Consider taking the MRT — it's one less thing to stress about on the day.

Step-by-Step: The ROM Booking Process

Here's the full process from start to finish. It's simpler than it looks.

Step 1: Choose Your Date, Venue, and Solemnizer

Before you touch any forms, decide three things:

• Your solemnization date — give yourself at least 21 days from when you file (more on this below).
• Your venue — at ROM's premises (Esplanade Mall) or an external venue of your choice.
• Your solemnizer — if you're solemnizing at ROM, one will be assigned to you. If you're doing it externally, you'll need to engage a licensed solemnizer yourself.

Pro tip: Popular dates (weekends, public holidays, auspicious numbers like 08/08 or 10/10) get snapped up fast. If you have your heart set on a specific date, start planning early.

Step 2: File Your Notice of Marriage Online

This is done through the Our Marriage Journey (OMJ) portal at marriage.gov.sg. You'll need Singpass to log in.

Key details:

• File at least 21 days before your intended solemnization date
• You can file up to 6 months in advance
• Once filed, your solemnization must happen within 3 months of the notice date

One party logs in with Singpass and starts the application. If your partner also has Singpass, they'll receive an email invite to join and confirm their details. If only one of you has Singpass, that person fills in both parties' information.

No Singpass at all? You'll need to visit the ROM office at Esplanade Mall for assistance.

Step 3: Pay the Filing Fee

Fees are collected during the online application:

These fees are for the marriage registration itself. If you're solemnizing at an external venue, any venue or vendor costs are separate.

Step 4: Complete Verification and Statutory Declaration

After submitting your application, ROM needs to verify your identity and documents. You'll also make a statutory declaration — essentially a legal statement that you're entering into marriage voluntarily and that the information you've provided is true.

How this works depends on your situation:

• Both parties are SC/PR, first marriage, both 21+, both filed via Singpass: You can likely complete this entirely online. No appointment needed.
• Everyone else: ROM will schedule an appointment — either in-person at the Esplanade Mall office or via video link.

What to bring (for in-person appointments):

• NRIC (for Singapore Citizens/PRs) or passport (for foreigners)
• Divorce certificate or Certificate of Making Interim Judgment Final (if previously married)
• Death certificate of former spouse (if applicable)
• Deed poll documents (if you've changed your name)
• Parental/guardian consent form (if you're 18–20)

Pro tip: Bring originals of everything. ROM may accept scanned uploads beforehand, but having originals on hand prevents any back-and-forth.

Step 5: Confirm Your Solemnizer

Solemnizing at ROM: A solemnizer will be assigned to you — easy.

Solemnizing externally: You need to engage a licensed solemnizer yourself. These can be:

• Justices of the Peace (JPs) — the most common choice for civil ceremonies
• Religious leaders — ministers, pastors, priests (who are also licensed as solemnizers)
• Other appointed officials

You can find a list of licensed solemnizers on the OMJ portal. Once you've confirmed one, you'll need to upload their signed consent form to the portal before your ceremony date.

How much do solemnizers cost? Technically, licensed solemnizers don't charge an official fee. However, it's customary to give a red packet (ang bao) or token of appreciation — typically S$80 to S$200, though some couples give more depending on the solemnizer's involvement (custom vows, rehearsals, etc.).

Step 6: Arrange Two Witnesses

Singapore law requires two witnesses at your solemnization:

• Each must be at least 21 years old
• They can be Singaporean or foreign — just need a valid ID (NRIC or passport)
• They need to be physically present at the ceremony

Most couples choose close friends or family members. It's a small but meaningful role — these are the people who'll officially vouch that they saw you get married.

Step 7: Solemnization Day

This is it — the big moment. Here's what actually happens:

1. Identity check: Your solemnizer verifies the IDs of both parties and both witnesses.
2. The ceremony: Your solemnizer leads the proceedings. At minimum, both parties must verbally consent to the marriage in front of the solemnizer and witnesses. Many solemnizers will also incorporate vows, readings, or personal touches.
3. Signing: Both parties, both witnesses, and the solemnizer sign the marriage certificate.
4. You're married! The marriage is legally registered. A digital marriage certificate will be issued after the ceremony — you can also print out a ceremonial certificate beforehand if you want a physical copy for the signing moment.

The ceremony itself typically takes 15 to 30 minutes, though external ceremonies with personal touches can be longer.

ROM Ceremony vs External Venue: Which Should You Choose?

You have two main options, and each has its appeal.

At ROM (Esplanade Mall)

• Cost: Just the S$42 filing fee — no additional ceremony charge
• Vibe: Simple, efficient, no-frills. The ceremony room is clean and functional.
• Guest limit: Small — typically up to 20 guests (check current capacity)
• Best for: Couples who want to get the legalities done quickly, plan to have a separate wedding celebration, or prefer minimal fuss

At an External Venue

• Cost: Filing fee + venue rental + solemnizer appreciation + any décor/photography
• Vibe: Fully customizable. Gardens, restaurants, hotels, rooftops, your own home — the choice is yours.
• Guest limit: Depends on your venue
• Best for: Couples who want their solemnization to be their wedding celebration, or who want an intimate but beautiful ceremony

Popular external venue ideas:

• Heritage charm: CHIJMES Hall, The Alkaff Mansion, Wheeler's Estate
• Garden romance: Botanico at The Summerhouse, Burkill Hall at the Botanic Gardens
• Rooftop views: Sky Garden Sentosa, 1-Arden (51 floors up!), Grand Park City Hall rooftop
• Hotel elegance: Raffles Singapore, The Fullerton Hotel, Capella Singapore
• Casual & cosy: Your favourite café, a private dining room, even your HDB flat (yes, really!)

For a deeper dive into venue options, check out our solemnization venues guide.

Tips for a Meaningful ROM Ceremony

Your ROM doesn't have to feel like a government transaction. Here's how couples make it special:

Write Personal Vows

Even if your solemnizer has a standard script, ask if you can add personal vows. A few heartfelt sentences from each of you can transform the ceremony from procedural to genuinely moving. You don't need to be Shakespeare — just be honest.

Hire a Photographer

Even if the ceremony is 20 minutes long, you'll want professional photos. The ring exchange, the signing, the first kiss as a married couple — these moments deserve good documentation. Many photographers offer short ROM packages starting from S$300–S$800 for 1–2 hours of coverage.

Add Small Touches

• A simple floral bouquet and boutonnière
• A curated playlist playing softly in the background
• A special outfit — it doesn't have to be a full wedding gown, but something that makes you feel like this is the day
• A celebratory meal after with your closest people

Keep It Intimate

Some of the most meaningful ROMs we've seen had fewer than 10 guests. There's something powerful about saying your vows in front of just the people who matter most. Don't feel pressured to invite a big crowd — save that for the banquet if you're having one.

Plan a Celebration After

Many couples follow their ROM with a nice lunch or dinner — nothing elaborate, just good food with the people who were there. It extends the joy beyond the 20-minute ceremony and gives everyone a chance to celebrate properly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

We've seen couples stumble on these — so you don't have to:

1. Filing too late. The 21-day minimum notice is strict. If you miss it, your date is gone. File as early as possible (up to 6 months ahead).

2. Forgetting to upload solemnizer consent. If you're solemnizing externally, the signed consent form must be uploaded before the ceremony. Don't leave this to the last minute.

3. Witnesses under 21. It happens more often than you'd think. Double-check your witnesses' ages — both must be 21 or older on the day.

4. Not bringing original documents. Copies and scans might not cut it. Bring your NRIC/passport originals, and any divorce or death certificates in original form.

5. Showing up at Canning Rise. ROM is at Esplanade Mall until 2028! Don't go to the old address.

6. Thinking ROM = just paperwork. With a little effort, your ROM can be one of the most intimate, emotional moments of your wedding journey. Don't sleep on it.

Special Situations

Marrying a Foreigner

If your partner is not a Singapore Citizen or PR, the process is mostly the same — but with a few extras:

• At least one party must have been physically in Singapore for 15 continuous days before filing
• The filing fee is S$42 if at least one party is SC/PR, or S$380 if both are foreigners
• Foreign documents may need to be translated into English

Work Permit Holders

If either party holds or has held a Work Permit and is marrying a Singapore Citizen or PR, you'll need prior approval from the Ministry of Manpower (MOM). Apply early — this is a separate process from ROM and can take time.

Previously Married

You'll need to provide proof that your previous marriage has ended:

• Divorced: Certificate of Making Decree Nisi Absolute or Certificate of Making Interim Judgment Final
• Widowed: Death certificate of former spouse

These documents must be originals, and foreign certificates may need translation.

ROM Process Checklist

Here's your at-a-glance checklist to keep things on track:

• Confirm eligibility (age, single status, no prohibited relationships)
• Choose your solemnization date, venue, and solemnizer
• File Notice of Marriage online via marriage.gov.sg (21 days to 6 months before)
• Pay the filing fee (S$42 or S$380)
• Complete verification and statutory declaration (online or at Esplanade Mall)
• Upload solemnizer consent form (if solemnizing externally)
• Confirm two witnesses (aged 21+) with valid IDs
• Prepare documents: NRICs/passports, divorce/death certificates if applicable
• Download/print ceremonial certificate (optional, for signing keepsake)
• Reconfirm with solemnizer 3–7 days before the day
• Show up, say "I do," sign the papers, and celebrate!

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the entire ROM process take? From filing to solemnization, the minimum is 21 days. Most couples take 1–3 months to plan comfortably, especially if booking an external venue and solemnizer.

Can we have our ROM at home? Yes! You can solemnize at any location in Singapore, including your HDB flat, condo, or landed home. You'll just need to engage a licensed solemnizer and have your two witnesses present.

What if we need to change our date after filing? You can request changes through the OMJ portal for a fee of S$25. The new date must still fall within 3 months of your original notice.

Is the marriage certificate issued immediately? A digital marriage certificate is issued after the solemnization is completed and registered. You can download it from the OMJ portal. If you want a physical ceremonial certificate for signing on the day, download and print it beforehand.

Do we need a marriage certificate for HDB applications? Yes — your ROM-issued marriage certificate is required for HDB flat applications. Many couples time their ROM specifically to start their HDB journey.

Can we solemnize via video link? Video-link solemnization is available under exceptional circumstances only (e.g., one party is overseas and unable to return). All parties — couple, witnesses, and solemnizer — must be physically in Singapore, though they can be at different locations. You'll need to submit a request to ROM with reasons for the arrangement.

Final Thoughts

Your ROM is the moment your marriage becomes real in the eyes of the law — but it can also be one of the most personal, intimate moments of your entire wedding journey. Whether you keep it simple at the Esplanade Mall or create a beautiful celebration at a venue that means something to you, it's worth putting thought into making it meaningful.

The paperwork is just the framework. What you build within it — the vows, the people, the feeling in the room when you say "I do" — that's what you'll remember.

Start your journey at marriage.gov.sg, and congratulations on this exciting next step. 💛