The legal framework
The Marriage Ordinance allows marriages to be celebrated in a licensed place of worship by a competent minister, in a marriage registry, or by a civil celebrant at another venue — an option introduced in 2006 that has become popular. A notice of intended marriage must be given to the Registrar, and the marriage is valid once the notice period has passed and the ceremony held.
Key points
| Options | Licensed place of worship, marriage registry, or civil celebrant |
|---|---|
| Competent minister | Authorised to celebrate at a licensed place of worship |
| Notice | Given to the Registrar of Marriages; the notice is valid for three months |
| Witnesses | Two |
| Chinese customary marriages | Those before October 1971 remain recognised |
| Minimum age | 16 with parental consent, 21 without |
| Licensed places of worship | A published list is maintained |
| Civil celebrants | May officiate anywhere, at any time |
| Pre-1971 customary marriages | Remain recognised |
In practice
- Check that the person conducting the ceremony is legally authorised to do so: that single fact usually decides whether you are married.
- Give the required notice to the civil authority in advance — the waiting periods are strict.
- Make sure the marriage is registered afterwards and obtain several certified copies.
- If the ceremony has no civil effect, put a written agreement in place to protect the financially weaker partner.
- Check the notice's three-month validity if the date moves.
Where to go
- Marriage Registries of the Immigration Department.
- List of licensed places of worship and civil celebrants.
- Duty Lawyer Service free legal advice.
Worth knowing
The notice of intended marriage is valid for three months only. If the ceremony is postponed beyond that, a fresh notice must be given. Civil celebrants introduced in 2006 made venue and timing flexible. They are now the most common route for non-religious ceremonies.
Official sources and links
- GovHK — official government portal