ROM Singapore Weekend: Your Guide to Weekend Solemnisations

Weekend ROM Solemnisations in Singapore: What Couples Need to Know

Securing a Registry of Marriages (ROM) appointment on a weekend in Singapore can feel challenging, but options are increasingly available. For many couples, a Saturday wedding ceremony allows more friends and family to attend, making it a preferred choice. While the traditional weekday-only appointments at the Canning Rise office have shifted, the landscape for weekend ROMs is evolving, offering greater flexibility.

This guide explores the current possibilities for couples aiming for a weekend ROM, including new Saturday slots and important considerations for booking and preparation.

The Shift Towards Weekend ROM Appointments

Historically, Registry of Marriages (ROM) solemnisations were strictly limited to weekdays. This often meant couples had to take time off work or choose a ceremony date that might not be ideal for guests. However, feedback from couples consistently pointed to a desire for more weekend options. In response, authorities have expanded services to accommodate this demand, acknowledging that a Saturday ceremony can significantly enhance the celebratory experience for all involved.

Saturday Solemnisations at Esplanade Mall

The Registry of Marriages (ROM) and the Registry of Muslim Marriages (ROMM) have temporarily relocated to an interim site at Esplanade Mall while their Canning Rise premises undergo redevelopment, slated for completion around 2028. This relocation has brought about significant changes, most notably the introduction of Saturday solemnisation slots for civil marriages.

Starting from May 17, couples can book Saturday slots for civil marriage solemnisations at the Esplanade Mall site. These appointments are available in two blocks: from 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM, and again from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM. Booking opens up to six months in advance via the Our Marriage Journey (OMJ) portal, and couples are encouraged to secure their preferred timeslot early to avoid disappointment.

For Muslim marriages, selected Saturday slots will also become available from October onwards. Couples are advised to monitor the OMJ portal for updates and to consider community venues, such as mosques, as alternative locations for their solemnisations.

This move by ROM and ROMM is a direct response to couple feedback, aiming to provide a more inclusive and accessible solemnisation experience. It allows couples to commence their marital journey surrounded by their loved ones on a day that best suits their guests.

Booking Your Saturday ROM Appointment

To book a Saturday solemnisation at the Esplanade Mall interim site, couples must:

1. Navigate to the Our Marriage Journey (OMJ) portal. This is the primary platform for marriage applications and bookings.
2. Submit a marriage application. This must be done at least 21 days before the intended solemnisation date. The application has a validity period of six months.
3. Select a Saturday slot. If a Saturday appointment is your preference, ensure you check availability on the OMJ portal and book well in advance, as these slots are in high demand.

It's crucial to note that the minimum notice period of 21 days must still be observed, regardless of whether the solemnisation is on a weekday or a weekend. The validity period for a marriage application is six months, meaning your solemnisation must take place within this window from your application date.

Beyond the Esplanade: Other Weekend Solemnisation Options

While the Esplanade Mall interim site offers direct ROM-booked Saturday slots, couples seeking a weekend solemnisation have other avenues to explore. These often involve engaging external solemnisers or utilising different venues.

Solemnisations at External Venues

Solemnisations held at external venues are not affected by the operational changes at the ROM's main office. This means couples can book their solemnisation on any day of the week, including Saturdays and Sundays, provided they can find an available solemniser and venue. This route offers greater flexibility in terms of timing and location.

When planning a wedding at an external venue, ensure:

• Venue Availability: Popular wedding venues, especially those suitable for larger guest lists, often book up months, if not a year, in advance. Consider heritage shophouses in areas like Chinatown or Kampong Glam, hotel ballrooms in the Marina Bay or Orchard districts, or even more unique spaces at Sentosa.
• Solemniser Engagement: Couples must find and engage a solemniser independently. There are many licensed solemnisers available, and their availability can be checked through various wedding directories or directly. The Registry of Marriages website provides a list of solemnisers and their contact details.
• Logistical Coordination: You will need to coordinate the schedule with your solemniser, venue, and any other vendors, such as photographers or makeup artists. The Aurora Wedding, for example, offers an all-in-one package that can streamline the coordination for gown, makeup, and photography, which can be particularly helpful when planning a weekend event.

The Registry of Marriages (ROM) Application Process

Regardless of whether you opt for a weekday or weekend ROM, the core application process remains similar. Both parties must submit a marriage application online via ROM e-Services using Singpass, or in person at the e-Kiosks.

Key Requirements:

• Age: Both parties must be at least 21 years old. If one party is between 18 and 21, parental consent and attendance at a Marriage Preparation Programme are required. For those under 18, a Special Marriage Licence is necessary.
• Marital Status: Neither party can be currently married. Divorcees must provide proof of legal dissolution of their previous marriage.
• Notice Period: A minimum of 21 days' notice is required before the solemnisation date. For example, if you apply on October 1st, the earliest solemnisation date is October 23rd.
• Validity: The marriage application is valid for six months.
• Documents: NRIC (for Singapore citizens/PRs) or Passport (for foreigners) for both parties and two witnesses aged 21 and above are mandatory. For solemnisations outside ROM, these are submitted via the OMJ portal. If applicable, a death certificate of a late spouse or divorce papers are also needed.
• Foreigner Requirements: If one party is not a Singapore citizen or PR, they must have resided in Singapore for at least 31 continuous days before the application can be submitted. This period does not need to be immediately preceding the application and can be in a single trip.

Fees:

• If at least one party is a Singapore Citizen/PR, the application fee is SGD 42.
• If both parties are foreigners, the fee is SGD 380.

These fees are payable via credit card for online applications or NETS for e-Kiosk applications. For solemnisations held at external venues, additional fees may apply for the solemniser's service, which is separate from the ROM application fee. Couples may choose to give a goodwill payment or ang bao to their solemniser if they engage one for an external venue, but this is not permissible if the ceremony is at the ROM office itself.

Insider Tips for Your Weekend ROM

Planning a wedding involves more than just booking a date; it's about managing details that ensure a smooth and memorable event.

• Book Early, Especially for Weekends: Saturday slots at the ROM's interim site and popular external venues get snapped up quickly. Start your planning and booking process at least six months, and ideally a year, in advance for weekend dates.
• Consider the 'Gap' Hour: A common pitfall for weekend weddings is the gap between the solemnisation and the evening reception or dinner. If your ROM is in the morning, you might have several hours to fill. This is often the most expensive hour of the wedding, especially if you're factoring in extended photography and videography. Plan this time wisely, perhaps a relaxed lunch with close family, or a themed photoshoot session.
• Weekend Traffic is Real: Singapore's traffic on a Saturday can be unpredictable, especially during peak hours or around major events. Factor in ample travel time between your solemnisation venue, any photo locations, and your reception venue. This is particularly important if your ROM is in one part of the island and your banquet is in another, such as travelling from the Civic District to a hotel in Orchard or a restaurant in Holland Village.
• Your Photography & Videography Needs: For a weekend ROM, especially if it's a smaller, more intimate affair followed by a separate banquet, consider if you need a full-day PGVG (photographer and videographer) package. Many couples opt for a ROM package that covers the solemnisation ceremony itself, followed by a separate actual day package for the main wedding banquet. Studios like The Aurora Wedding offer various packages that can be tailored to these needs, from ROM-specific bundles to actual day coverage.
• The Ang Bao for the Solemniser: If you are having your ROM solemnisation at an external venue and have personally engaged a solemniser, it is customary to give them a goodwill payment or ang bao. However, if your solemnisation is at the ROM office itself, the solemniser is an appointed official, and accepting any form of payment or ang bao is not permitted.

Frequently Asked Questions about Weekend ROM Singapore

Q1: Can I have my ROM solemnisation on a Saturday in Singapore?

A1: Yes, you can. The Registry of Marriages (ROM) is now offering Saturday solemnisation slots at its interim site in Esplanade Mall. Selected slots are also available for Muslim marriages from October. Additionally, you can arrange for a weekend solemnisation at an external venue with an independently engaged solemniser.

Q2: How do I book a Saturday ROM appointment at Esplanade Mall?

A2: You can book a Saturday slot via the Our Marriage Journey (OMJ) portal. You will need to submit your marriage application first, which must be done at least 21 days before your intended solemnisation date. Bookings can be made up to six months in advance.

Q3: What are the fees for a ROM application in Singapore?

A3: For Singapore Citizens or Permanent Residents, the application fee is SGD 42. For couples where both parties are foreigners, the fee is SGD 380. These fees are for the ROM application itself and do not include potential solemniser fees for external venues.

Q4: How much notice do I need to give for a ROM application?

A4: You are required to give at least 21 days' notice before your solemnisation date. The marriage application is valid for six months from the date of submission.

Q5: What documents do I need for my ROM application?

A5: You will need the NRIC (for Singapore citizens/PRs) or Passport (for foreigners) of both parties and two witnesses aged 21 and above. If applicable, documents such as a death certificate of a late spouse or divorce papers will also be required.

Q6: Can I have my solemnisation at a venue other than the ROM office on a weekend?

A6: Absolutely. You can book a solemnisation at an external venue (e.g. hotels, gardens, heritage buildings) and engage a solemniser independently. This offers more flexibility in dates and times, including Sundays and public holidays, provided the venue and solemniser are available.

Q7: Do I need to pay the solemniser if my ROM is at the Esplanade Mall or Canning Rise office?

A7: No, you do not pay the solemniser if your solemnisation is at the official ROM premises (currently the interim site at Esplanade Mall or the future Canning Rise site). The solemnisers serving at these official locations are appointed officials, and accepting payment is not permitted. Payment or an ang bao is generally reserved for solemnisers engaged for external venues.

Q8: What is the validity period for a ROM marriage application?

A8: A submitted marriage application is valid for six months. You must ensure your solemnisation takes place within this six-month window.

Q9: How can I find a solemniser for a weekend wedding outside of ROM?

A9: You can find a list of licensed solemnisers on the Registry of Marriages website. Many wedding platforms and directories also list solemnisers and their availability, often allowing you to filter by weekend availability.

Q10: What if I'm not a Singaporean or Permanent Resident? Are there special requirements for a weekend ROM?

A10: If one party is not a Singapore Citizen or Permanent Resident, they must have been physically present in Singapore for at least 31 continuous days before the marriage application can be submitted. This rule applies regardless of whether the solemnisation is on a weekday or a weekend. You will also need your passport for the application and to present it on the day of the solemnisation. Bookings through the OMJ portal are still applicable for Saturday slots at Esplanade Mall.