The Registry of Marriages (ROM) in Singapore is the official gateway for couples to formalise their union. While the legal filing fees are surprisingly modest, the overall cost of a ROM ceremony can vary dramatically based on venue choice, desired photography, and bridal styling. Understanding the components of the ROM cost is crucial for couples to budget effectively for their special day.
The Official ROM Fees: What the Government Charges
The core of your ROM cost comes from the statutory fees required to register your marriage. These are set by the Registry of Marriages and are consistent regardless of where you hold your ceremony. According to marriage.gov.sg, the fees for 2026 are as follows:
- At least one party is a Singapore Citizen (SC) or Permanent Resident (PR): S$42
- Both parties are foreigners: S$380
These fees cover the application for your Notice of Marriage and, if you choose to solemnise at the ROM office itself, the assigned solemniser and use of their facilities.
Additional Statutory Fees
Beyond the primary application fee, there are other statutory charges that may apply:
- Waiver of the 21-day notice period: If circumstances require expediting the process, a waiver can be applied for at a cost of S$280.
- Request to change solemnisation details: Amendments to your solemnisation date or venue after filing incur a fee of S$25.
- Duplicate marriage certificate: A digital duplicate marriage certificate costs S$50.
It is always recommended to verify the latest fee schedule directly on the marriage.gov.sg portal, as these figures are subject to change.
Solemniser Fees: The Cost of Officiating Your Marriage
The role of a licensed solemniser is to officiate your marriage. Their fees differ significantly depending on whether your ceremony is at the ROM office or an external venue.
Solemnisation at the ROM Office
If you choose to have your ceremony at the official ROM premises on Canning Rise, a solemniser is provided as part of the statutory fee. In this scenario, it is strictly not permitted for couples to offer any payment or ang bao to the solemniser, as they are fulfilling an official duty. The only cost is the government filing fee.
Solemnisation at an External Venue
For couples opting for a more personal setting, such as a hotel, restaurant, or garden, engaging an independent solemniser is necessary. These solemnisers, often Justices of the Peace or religious leaders, are volunteers. While no fixed fee is mandated, it is customary to offer a goodwill gesture or ang bao as a token of appreciation for their service. The typical ang bao for an independent solemniser in Singapore ranges from S$120 to S$200. This amount may increase slightly if the solemniser needs to travel a considerable distance or officiates during peak times.
Venue Costs: Where Will You Say 'I Do'?
The choice of venue is one of the most significant factors influencing your total ROM cost. The spectrum ranges from complimentary options to premium event spaces.
Complimentary and Low-Cost Venues
- Registry of Marriages (ROM) office: As mentioned, this incurs no additional venue charge beyond the statutory fees. It's a practical and budget-friendly choice for couples prioritising simplicity.
- Home or HDB flat: For a truly intimate ceremony, your own home offers a free and personal setting.
Mid-Range Venues
- Parks and Gardens: Obtaining a permit for a solemnisation in a public park or garden typically costs between S$50 to S$200. These scenic locations offer a natural backdrop.
- Restaurant Private Room: Booking a private room in a restaurant for a solemnisation and accompanying meal can range from S$500 to S$2,000, often subject to a minimum spend.
Higher-End Venues
- Hotel Ballrooms or Function Spaces: These venues offer dedicated spaces for ceremonies and can cost anywhere from S$1,500 to S$5,000 or more, depending on the hotel's prestige and the inclusions.
- Premium Heritage or Luxury Venues: Exclusive venues like those found in heritage hotels or unique island resorts command higher rates, often starting from S$3,000 upwards.
Solemnisation Packages
Many hotels and restaurants offer all-inclusive solemnisation packages. These packages typically range from S$108++ to S$168++ per person for ceremonies combined with a set lunch or dinner. For a minimum spend format, expect costs between S$3,500 to S$11,000. It is crucial to clarify whether prices are nett or quoted with ++ (service charge and GST), as this can substantially increase the final bill.
Bridal Styling and Photography: Capturing the Moments
Beyond the official registrations and venue, most couples invest in bridal attire, hair and makeup, and professional photography to commemorate their ROM day.
Wedding Gown and Suit Rental
For ROM day, many couples opt for a rented gown and suit. A bridal gown rental in Singapore typically ranges from S$380 to over S$1,000, depending on the designer and collection. Suit rentals can start from S$150. Studios offering an all-in-one package often include this as part of their offering.
Hair and Makeup
Professional hair and makeup services for the ROM day generally cost between S$150 and S$400. This can vary based on the artist's experience and whether a trial session is included. Bundling these services with gown and photography can offer significant savings.
Photography and Videography
Capturing the memories of your ROM is essential for many. Professional ROM photography sessions in Singapore typically range from S$500 to S$1,200 for a two-hour engagement. For couples who desire both stills and video, a combined photo and videography package for ROM can cost between S$800 to S$1,500 for a half-day booking.
A comprehensive ROM package from studios like The Aurora Wedding can bundle gown rental, suit, makeup, and photography together. This approach simplifies vendor coordination and can offer a more streamlined experience for couples seeking fewer touchpoints on their wedding day.
Understanding the Total ROM Cost: Scenarios in 2026
To provide a clearer picture, here are some estimated total cost scenarios for a ROM in Singapore in 2026:
| Scenario | Estimated Total Cost Range (SGD) | Key Inclusions |
|---|---|---|
| Bare legal minimum (ROM office, SC/PR) | 42 | Government filing fee |
| Simple ROM + casual outfit + phone photos | 100 to 300 | Filing fee, own attire, DIY photos |
| ROM + professional photography (2 hrs) | 600 to 1,300 | Filing fee, venue fee (if applicable), photography |
| ROM + photography + hair and makeup | 900 to 1,800 | Filing fee, venue fee, photography, MUA |
| ROM + gown rental + MUA + photography | 1,200 to 2,500 | Filing fee, venue fee, gown, MUA, photography |
| ROM at hotel venue + full bridal styling + photos | 3,000 to 5,000+ | Filing fee, venue package, styling, photography |
These ranges are indicative and based on current Singapore market rates. Individual vendor choices, specific package inclusions, and timing (weekday vs. weekend) will influence the final expenditure. Always request detailed, itemised quotes to ensure clarity on what is included, especially regarding GST and service charges.
Insider Tips for Managing Your ROM Budget
- Prioritise what matters: Decide whether your focus is on the venue, photography, or bridal styling, and allocate your budget accordingly. If photography is key, consider a shorter, more focused session at a lower-cost venue.
- Guest list size: The number of guests directly impacts venue costs, especially for packages priced per person or requiring minimum spends.
- Verify quotes meticulously: Always ensure quotes clearly state all inclusions and exclusions, particularly taxes (GST) and service charges, to avoid unexpected expenses.
2.3. Weekday vs. Weekend: Solemnisations held on weekdays are often less expensive for venues and sometimes for vendors compared to weekend dates.
Navigating the cost of ROM in Singapore requires careful planning. By understanding each component, from government fees to venue and styling choices, couples can create a memorable and financially sensible celebration of their commitment.
Frequently asked questions
If both parties are foreigners, the minimum fee is S$380 for the registration.
Note that this excludes any costs for attire, photography, or a celebratory meal.
Source: [marriage.gov.sg](https://www.marriage.gov.sg/)
Source: [theaurorawedding.com](https://theaurorawedding.com/blog/how-much-does-a-solemniser-cost-singapore)
Solemnisation packages at hotels or restaurants, which often include food, can range from S$108++ per person or a minimum spend of S$3,500.
Source: [vows.sg](https://www.vows.sg/guides/solemnization-package-singapore-2026)
Source: [theaurorawedding.com](https://theaurorawedding.com/blog/how-much-does-rom-cost-singapore)
It is essential to check the specifics of any package to understand what is covered, as inclusions vary widely.
Source: [marriage.gov.sg](https://www.marriage.gov.sg/)
Source: [marriage.gov.sg](https://www.marriage.gov.sg/)