The Registry of Marriages (ROM) Building is a pivotal location for couples seeking to formalise their union in Singapore. For those planning their civil marriage, understanding the current process, location, and requirements is essential for a smooth experience.
It is important to note that the iconic ROM Building at 7 Canning Rise is currently undergoing redevelopment and is expected to be closed until 2028. As of 2026, ROM services and solemnisations have temporarily relocated to an interim site at Level 3 of the Esplanade Mall. This ensures that couples can still proceed with their legal marriage registration without significant disruption.
Understanding the ROM Process in Singapore
The ROM, a department under Singapore's Ministry of Social and Family Development, is responsible for legally registering and solemnizing all civil marriages. While the physical location has changed, the core steps remain consistent.
Filing Your Notice of Marriage
The first official step is filing your Notice of Marriage through the Our Marriage Journey (OMJ) portal, accessible via marriage.gov.sg. This must be done at least 21 days before your intended solemnisation date, and you can file up to six months in advance. Once filed, your solemnisation must occur within three months of the notice date. The portal requires Singpass for login, streamlining the process for Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents.
Key Requirements for Notice Filing:
- Identification: Valid NRIC (for Singapore Citizens/PRs) or passport (for foreigners).
- Previous Marriages: Divorce certificate or Certificate of Making Interim Judgment Final, if applicable. For deceased former spouses, a death certificate is required.
- Name Changes: Deed poll documents if you have legally changed your name.
- Under 18: Parental/guardian consent form.
- Monogamy: Singapore law only recognises monogamous marriages between one man and one woman.
- Residency for Foreigners: If neither party is a Singapore Citizen or PR, at least one person must have resided in Singapore for at least 15 continuous days before filing the notice.
- Relationship: Marriage is prohibited between close relatives.
Verification and Statutory Declaration
After filing, the ROM will verify your identity and documents. This stage includes making a statutory declaration, a legal statement confirming your voluntary intention to marry and the truthfulness of the information provided. Depending on your circumstances (e.g. if both parties are SC/PR, first marriage, and over 21 with Singpass), this can sometimes be completed entirely online. Otherwise, an appointment, either in-person at the Esplanade Mall office or via video link, will be scheduled.
Confirming Your Solemnizer
For civil marriages, you may have your solemnisation at the ROM premises or an external venue. If you opt for an external venue, you must engage a licensed solemnizer yourself. These can include Justices of the Peace (JPs), religious leaders licensed as solemnizers, or other appointed officials. A list of licensed solemnizers is available on the OMJ portal. Once confirmed, their signed consent form needs to be uploaded to the portal. If you choose to solemnise at the ROM's interim location, a solemnizer will be assigned.
Solemnisation Day
On the day of your solemnisation, you will need two witnesses who are at least 21 years old and possess valid identification. These witnesses can be Singaporean or foreign but must be physically present. The solemnizer will oversee the ceremony, which involves the couple verbally consenting to the marriage in front of the solemnizer and witnesses. After the ceremony, the marriage certificate is signed by the couple, witnesses, and solemnizer. A digital marriage certificate is typically issued afterwards, with an option to print a ceremonial copy for the signing moment.
The ROM Location: A Temporary Change
As of 2026, the Registry of Marriages has temporarily moved from its long-standing address at 7 Canning Rise to Level 3, Esplanade Mall. This interim location is conveniently accessible via Esplanade MRT (CC3) and offers a functional setting for solemnisations. While the original ROM building undergoes redevelopment, this new setup ensures continuity of service. Couples planning external solemnisations will engage their own venues, while those opting for ROM-officiated ceremonies will use the facilities at Esplanade Mall. The duration of this relocation is expected until the redevelopment of the Canning Rise building is complete, anticipated around 2028 or 2029.
Fees and Costs Associated with ROM
The cost of getting legally married in Singapore through ROM is notably affordable. The primary fee is the marriage registration filing fee, which varies based on the parties' residency status:
- Singapore Citizen or PR: S$42
- Both Foreigners: S$380
- Special Marriage Licence: S$280, S$380 (for waivers or specific circumstances like being under 18).
These fees are collected during the online application process. For solemnisations held at the ROM premises (currently Esplanade Mall), there is no additional venue charge; the fee covers the registration and the assigned solemnizer. If you choose an external venue, you will incur separate venue rental costs. While licensed solemnizers do not charge an official fee, it is customary to offer a token of appreciation, often in the form of an ang bao (red packet), typically ranging from S$80 to S$200 or more, depending on the solemnizer's involvement and your discretion. However, it is crucial to remember that if the solemnisation occurs at the ROM office itself, the assigned solemniser performs an official duty and is not permitted to accept any payment or ang bao.
Insider Tips for Your ROM
- Book Early: Popular dates, especially Saturdays, can book out quickly. File your notice well in advance.
- External Venue Nuances: If choosing an external venue, confirm their policies on external solemnizers, guest capacity, and any decor restrictions.
- Document Readiness: Have all necessary original documents ready for verification to avoid delays.
- Solemniser Engagement: If engaging a solemnizer for an external venue, discuss their style and any specific requirements they may have. Some couples opt for a ROM ceremonial package for convenience.
- Digital Certificates: The digital marriage certificate is legally valid. Consider printing a ceremonial copy for the signing moment if you desire a physical keepsake for that part of the ceremony.
Couples drawn to a simple, efficient registration process often find the ROM offers a straightforward path to legal matrimony.
FAQ: Your ROM Building Singapore Questions Answered
What is the current location of the ROM Building?
As of 2026, the ROM Building at 7 Canning Rise is undergoing redevelopment. The Registry of Marriages has temporarily relocated its services and solemnisation ceremonies to Level 3, Esplanade Mall.
How do I file my Notice of Marriage?
You can file your Notice of Marriage online via the Our Marriage Journey (OMJ) portal at marriage.gov.sg using your Singpass. The notice must be filed at least 21 days before your intended solemnisation date and is valid for three months.
What are the fees for marrying at the ROM?
The filing fee is S$42 for Singapore Citizens or PRs, and S$380 for foreigners. This fee covers the registration and solemniser if the ceremony is held at the ROM's interim location at Esplanade Mall. No additional venue fee applies for solemnisations conducted by ROM.
How much do solemnizers cost in Singapore?
Licensed solemnizers do not charge an official fee. However, it is customary to give them a red packet (ang bao) or token of appreciation, typically between S$80 to S$200, though this can be higher based on their involvement. This applies to external venue solemnisations only; ROM-assigned solemnisers at the ROM office do not accept payment.
How many witnesses do I need for my ROM ceremony?
You are required to have two witnesses for your solemnisation. They must be at least 21 years old and present physically at the ceremony. They will need to present valid identification (NRIC or passport).
Can foreigners get married at the ROM in Singapore?
Yes, foreigners can marry at the ROM. If both parties are foreigners, the filing fee is S$380. Additionally, if neither is a Singapore Citizen or PR, at least one must have been in Singapore for a minimum of 15 continuous days before filing the Notice of Marriage.
What documents are needed for marriage registration?
Required documents typically include NRICs or passports, divorce decrees or death certificates of former spouses if previously married, and deed poll documents if a name change has occurred. Special consent forms are needed for those aged 18-20. It's advisable to have originals available for verification.
How long does the ROM solemnisation ceremony take?
The solemnisation ceremony itself is usually brief, taking approximately 15 to 30 minutes, depending on whether personal vows or additional elements are included. The administrative process on the day may take slightly longer.
Can I have my ROM ceremony at a location other than the ROM Building?
Yes. You can choose to solemnise your marriage at an external venue of your choice, such as a hotel ballroom, a garden, or a restaurant. You will need to engage a licensed solemnizer yourself for ceremonies held outside the ROM premises.
What is the notice period for marriage in Singapore?
You must file your Notice of Marriage at least 21 days before the solemnisation date. You can file up to six months in advance, and the notice is valid for three months from the date of filing.
