lifestyle

Here's A Step-By-Step Guide To Getting Married In Malaysia If You're A Non-Muslim

This checklist will make sure you don't miss out anything important!

Cover image via Unsplash

Planning to get married soon? YAYYY, congratulations!! :D

While tying the knot is one of the happiest and most exciting moments in your life, the process of getting there can sometimes be a little stressful.

To help you out, we've come up with a simple step-by-step guide on how to get married in Malaysia, so you can have a hassle-free experience! :)

First of all, to legally get married in Malaysia, you'll have to complete the registration of marriage (ROM)

For non-Muslims, there are a few ways to do this:
1. National Registration Department (JPN)
2. At a church, temple, or association by Assistant Registrar of Marriages
3. At your own venue with the help of a JPN officer

However, due to the recent implementation of the Movement Control Order (MCO), couples planning to get married may face delays

During the MCO, couples are only allowed to register their marriage at JPN offices.

According to The Wedding Notebook, certain National Registration Department (JPN) branch offices are closed. That's why couples are encouraged to check with JPN regarding which offices are open, or make an appointment ahead of time on the MyJanjiTemu site.

Here's a step-by-step guide on having your ROM in a JPN office:

STEP 1:
Go to your nearest JPN branch with your partner about a month before your proposed ROM date.

*If you and your partner are from different states, you'll have to register in your own states or in Putrajaya. Otherwise, you'll need to change the address on your IC to proceed to register in the same state.

STEP 2:
- Fill out the application form (JPN.KC02)
- Bring your original MyKad and photocopies of it
- Bring one colour passport-sized photo for each applicant

STEP 3:
Choose your preferred ROM date, at least 21+1 days after your application date, but not later than six months after that. A notice of marriage will be on display at the JPN branch for 21 days.

STEP 4:
Pay a total of RM30 for the whole process.
- RM30 for Marriage Certificate and certification

STEP 5 - Day of ROM:
Be early and dress up appropriately (T-shirts, jeans, slippers, and shorts are not allowed)
- Invite two friends or family members aged 21 and above to be your witnesses
- Make sure EVERYONE brings along their original MyKad, if not you won't get married. :'(

Here's a step-by-step guide on having your ROM at a church, temple, or association by Assistant Registrar of Marriages:

STEP 1:
First of all, make sure you contact the church, temple, or association beforehand to see if they are willing to help you conduct your ROM. Certain churches, temples, or associations are Assistant Registrar of Marriages, which means they can solemnise your marriage in place of a JPN officer.

STEP 2:
Once they agree, you can arrange to fill out the application form and pass them the necessary documents. You need to appear before a Commissions of Oath to make a declaration in Part D2 of the form.

- Fill out the application form (JPN.KC02)
- Bring your original MyKad and photocopies of it
- Bring one colour passport-sized photo for each applicant

STEP 3:
Choose your preferred ROM date, and set it with the church, temple, or association. Remember to also ask about the fees involved and if there are charges for using the venue.

STEP 4:
Pay a total of RM520 for the whole process.
- RM20 for Marriage Certificate
- RM500 for license fees to solemnise marriage

STEP 5 - Day of ROM:
Dress up and invite your friends and family members to witness the ceremony.

What if I want to have my ROM at my own venue?

Maybe you're thinking of having that dream glass house wedding. Or, perhaps you want to have your ROM at your local church or temple, but it's not an Assistant Registrar of Marriages.

Don't worry, you can still get a JPN officer to come to your venue to conduct your ROM. This service costs RM500 in total.

To do so, just go through the same steps as applying to have your ROM in a JPN office. During your application, mention to them that you would like to have a JPN officer attend and conduct your ROM.

Here are the additional steps involved:
- Submit a form (JPN.KC01E), with Commissioner of Oaths declaration
- Submit photocopied MyKad of your two witnesses
- Pay a total of RM520 (RM500 license fees and RM20 for Marriage Certificate)
- Get the contact of the JPN officer that will solemnise your marriage

And there you go, once you've signed your ROM, you are officially and legally married as a couple in Malaysia. WOOHOO!! :)

Image via Unsplash

While it may seem like a big chunk of information and a whole lot to do, hopefully this guide has helped give you a step-by-step overview!

If you're still unsure of the process, the best way is to ask a married couple you know about their experience. They'll be more than likely to help you navigate the whole process of getting married.

If you're looking for a place to get married in Malaysia, check out one of these unique destinations:

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