Getting Married in Langkawi
A wedding on the golden sands of Langkawi is truly a special event. Whether it be a small or large function there are a number of locations and options from which to choose. For many, the legal wedding formalities are performed at the local Registry Office but it can also be arranged for the officer to come to a location of your choice by applying for a special license.
Regulations and Procedures
As in every country there are a number of things that must be done and forms to be filled out before your marriage can be solemnised. Please note that you must be in Langkawi for seven days prior to the wedding day.
You have a choice of three different procedures to getting married – all three have the same legal effect.
1. Marriage at the office of the Registrar of Marriages
2. Marriage through a religious ceremony, custom or usage such as a temple or church where the temple/church official is appointed
3. Assistant Registrar or marriage by special licence from the Chief Minister
Firstly you will need to gather together the following documents;
- Passports accompanied by a photocopy of the data page and date of latest entry page into Malaysia.
- Original full birth certificates
- One coloured passport-size photograph
- Application form “Borang JPN KCO1″ for normal or special marriages
- Affidavit of marital status such as a certificate of no impediment
- If previous marriages were terminated by divorce, both parties must submit original or certified copy of final or absolute divorce decree. If terminated by death of a spouse, submit original or certified copy of the death and marriage certificates.
- A copy of the passport of both witnesses
Marriage application forms, translation application forms and the special license form can be obtained from the Registration Office in Kuah. Please note that all forms are in Bahasa Malaysian so a translator will be needed for non-Bahasa Malaysian speakers.
Once you have all your forms filled in and documents checked you will need to make an appointment to have the forms signed by the Court Registrar at the courthouse before making an appointment with the District Officer to have the marriage approved. Please note that this process can take up 4-5 hours. After approval, the forms need to be lodged back at the Registry Office. This process can be done up to 21 days prior to the wedding but should be done at least two working days prior to the wedding to avoid complications.
If you are solemnising your marriage at the Registry Office you will need to make an appointment with them. You will need to take into account working days and public holidays. If you have a special license then you will need to arrange the time and date that you wish the ceremony to take place with the Registry Office.
Key Contacts
Check out your Embassy/High Commission or Consulates website in Malaysia for the correct procedure for your country. The process does differ slightly from place to place in Malaysia but check out:
www.gov.my/MyGov/BI/Directory/NonCitizen/nFamily/nMarriage/ for more information
Wedding Organisers
It is advisable to appoint a wedding organiser due to the three organisations that require information and the possible language barrier. Check with your hotel if they complete their own or please feel free to contact the following for assistance:
Adam Malik: adammalik_sh@hotmail.com
Nasha Hashim : http://langkawiweddingplanner.blogspot.com/
Disclaimer of Information:
Information within this document may change at any time without notice and the writer and organisation can take no responsibility for any loss, injury, or complaint about any business, feature and service mentioned above.