ROM Singapore Guide 2026/2027: 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 registers civil marriages (where at least one party is non-Muslim). Every marriage solemnised in Singapore is registered with ROM, or with ROMM if both parties are Muslim. The filing fee is just S$42 for Singapore Citizens or PRs (source: marriage.gov.sg), making it the most affordable way to get legally married. Singapore registered 24,688 marriages in 2025 (source: Department of Statistics Singapore).

Checked for 2027: We checked ROM's fees and rules on marriage.gov.sg on 30 September 2026. No changes have been announced for 2027, and ROM stays at Esplanade Mall until it moves back to Canning Rise in 2029.

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). 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 either of you is 18–20, a parent or guardian must consent (and attend your ROM appointment), and you must both complete a marriage preparation programme. Under 18? You'll need a Special Marriage Licence, which takes at least 4 months.
• 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 by blood, by marriage (for example a step-parent or parent-in-law) or by adoption. See ROM's list of prohibited relationships.
• Monogamous: Only marriages between one man and one woman are legally recognised under the Women's Charter.
• Residency (when a party is a foreigner): At least one party must have stayed in Singapore for 31 continuous days, excluding the day of arrival, before the marriage application can be submitted. The stay need not be immediately before the application. Check the official civil marriage process for documents and special situations.

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

ROM's Temporary Home: Esplanade Mall (Until 2029)

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:

8 Raffles Avenue, The Esplanade Mall, #03-03/04, 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. It also takes Saturday bookings.

ROM has a second site for ceremonies: the Ficus Room @ Gardens by the Bay (18 Marina Gardens Drive). It holds up to 40 people, and at least one of you must be a Singapore Citizen or PR.

Getting there: Esplanade MRT (CC3) is the nearest station, while City Hall is connected by a sheltered route. If you're driving, check Esplanade's current parking and road-access notice before the ceremony.

For room capacity, arrival timing, parking and nearby photo ideas, use our focused ROM at Esplanade Mall guide.

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 a ROM site (Esplanade Mall or the Ficus Room @ Gardens by the Bay) 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
• Your marriage application expires 6 months after submission

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.

At least one of you needs Singpass to apply online. For help, use the e-kiosks at ROM (Esplanade Mall) or call ROM on 6338 7808.

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:

• You both have Singpass, have never been married and are 21 or older: You may be able to declare entirely online, with no appointment. Both of you must sign at least 10 days before the solemnization.
• Everyone else: book a declaration appointment while filing — in person at the Esplanade Mall office, or by video link if you're both SC/PR.

What to bring (for in-person appointments):

• NRIC (for Singapore Citizens/PRs) or passport (for foreigners)
• Divorce or annulment papers showing the divorce is final (if previously married)
• Widowed: death certificate of your late spouse, plus that marriage certificate if the marriage wasn't registered with ROM
• If you're 18–20: your parents or guardians must attend and give written consent at the ROM appointment; bring their NRICs/passports, your birth certificate and your marriage preparation programme completion certificate

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)
• Religious leaders — ministers, pastors, priests (who are also licensed as solemnizers)
• Grassroots leaders (for example, Community Club chairpersons)

Invite your solemnizer in the OMJ portal. They must accept the invitation there before your ROM appointment; that acceptance is their consent. ROM suggests booking 3 to 6 months ahead.

How much do solemnizers cost? ROM says no fee is expected. Many couples give a red packet (ang bao) or token of appreciation as thanks, commonly S$68 to S$200 (see our solemniser ang bao guide). This is entirely up to you, 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 (optional keepsake): you, your witnesses and the solemnizer can sign a ceremonial certificate. The legal registration is done online by the solemnizer.
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 takes about 10 minutes at a ROM site and about 15 to 30 minutes off-site, 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 filing fee (S$42, or S$380 if you're both foreigners) — no additional ceremony charge
• Vibe: Simple, efficient, no-frills. The ceremony room is clean and functional.
• Guest limit: Up to 20 people in total at Esplanade Mall (up to 40 in the Ficus Room), including the couple and two witnesses; confirm how any vendors are counted
• 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. If styling is important, note that you are not allowed to decorate the ROM solemnisation room at Esplanade Mall or the Ficus Room: ROM sets both up for a basic ceremony. For décor, compare offsite options in our ROM decoration 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 only 10 to 30 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 of 1–2 hours; compare the hours, the number of edited photos and the delivery time.

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 short 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. (The only way round it is a Special Marriage Licence with a waiver of notice, which costs S$280 (S$380 if you're both foreigners), is at the Minister's discretion, and must be used within one month.) File as early as possible (up to 6 months ahead).

2. Forgetting to get your solemnizer's acceptance. If you're solemnizing externally, make sure your solemnizer has accepted your booking in the portal before your ROM appointment. 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, with the return to Canning Rise expected in 2029. 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 stayed in Singapore for 31 continuous days, excluding the day of arrival, before submitting the marriage application. The stay can be a single trip in the past; it need not immediately precede the application. See the official civil marriage process.
• 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) (this includes Training Work Permit holders). 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: divorce or annulment papers showing the divorce is final (for example, the Certificate of Making Interim Judgment Final)
• Widowed: death certificate of your late spouse, plus that marriage certificate if the marriage wasn't registered with ROM

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)
• Check your solemnizer has accepted your booking in the portal (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, up to 5 days before your ROM appointment and subject to available slots. The new solemnisation must still fall within the six-month validity of your marriage application.

Is the marriage certificate issued immediately? A digital marriage certificate is emailed to you after the solemnization is registered: the same day for a ceremony at a ROM site, or within a week for an off-site ceremony. 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? No, not to apply. Under HDB's Fiancé/Fiancée Scheme you can apply before you marry, but you must solemnize within 3 months of completing the flat purchase, and HDB may ask for a copy of your marriage certificate. If you married overseas, you must send HDB a copy.

Can we solemnize via video link? Video-link solemnization is available only in exceptional circumstances (for example, medical reasons), with ROM's approval. All parties — couple, witnesses, and solemnizer — must be physically in Singapore, though they can be at different locations. At least one of you must be a Singapore Citizen or PR, and you must both be 21 or older. 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. 💛

Related Guides

• ROM at Esplanade Mall Singapore — address, capacity, arrival plan, transport and nearby photo ideas
• ROM Decoration Singapore 2026 — what can be styled at an offsite solemnisation and what it costs
• Solemnisation Venues in Singapore — compare the official ROM room with gardens, hotels and restaurants
• ROM vs Wedding Ceremony in Singapore — separate the legal marriage from the wider celebration
• Wedding planning in Singapore: 12-month checklist — where ROM fits among everything else, month by month