Singapore Wedding Guide

What Is the Difference
Between a ROM and a Wedding?

One makes your marriage legal. The other celebrates it. Here is how a Registration of Marriage and a wedding differ, and how to plan beautifully for both.

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Two Milestones, One Love Story

"ROM" and "wedding" are often used as if they mean the same thing, but they are two very different moments. One is the legal step that officially marries you. The other is the celebration that lets you share the joy with the people you love. Here is what each one really means.

The Legal Step

What Is a ROM?

ROM stands for Registration of Marriage. It is the legal ceremony that officially makes you and your partner husband and wife in the eyes of the law. In Singapore, your ROM is conducted by a licensed solemniser, witnessed by two guests, and recorded with the Registry of Marriages. Once it is done, you are legally married.

The Celebration

What Is a Wedding?

A wedding is the celebration of your marriage. It might be a grand banquet, an intimate garden ceremony, a tea ceremony with family, or a trip away with your closest friends. A wedding can be religious or not, big or small, traditional or entirely your own. On its own it carries no legal weight. It is simply where you celebrate.

The One Thing to Remember

A ROM Is Required. A Wedding Is Not.

You can be married without ever holding a wedding, but you cannot be married without registering your marriage. Many couples in Singapore choose to do both, some on the same day, others months apart. There is no wrong way, only the way that feels right for the two of you.

Side by Side

ROM vs Wedding, Compared

ROM

Wedding

Legally required?

ROMYes. The registration is what makes you legally married.

WeddingNo. A wedding is a celebration, not a legal step.

Who conducts it?

ROMA licensed solemniser, witnessed by two guests.

WeddingAnyone you choose to lead it, or no officiant at all.

Religious or not?

ROMCan be either. Your ROM can be a civil or religious ceremony.

WeddingCan be either. It is entirely up to you.

Size and scale

ROMFrom an intimate signing to a fully styled ceremony.

WeddingFrom a small gathering of ten to a grand banquet.

Typical cost

ROMThe registration itself costs very little.

WeddingVaries widely with your guest list and venue.

Planning time

ROMCan be arranged in a matter of weeks.

WeddingUsually planned many months ahead.

Fees and legal requirements are set by the authorities and can change over time. For the latest official details on registering your marriage in Singapore, please refer to the Registry of Marriages at marriage.gov.sg.

Making the Choice

Which One Is Right for You?

Every couple is different, and there is no single right answer. When you are deciding how to shape your ROM, your wedding, or both, three things usually guide the way.

Your Budget

A ROM is generally the more affordable of the two. If you would like to keep things simple for now, an intimate ROM lets you marry beautifully without a large spend.

Your Timeline

A ROM can be arranged in a matter of weeks, while a full wedding usually takes many months to plan. If your date is near, a ROM first is a lovely option.

What Feels Like You

Some couples dream of a big celebration; others want something quiet and personal. Choose the setting and scale that reflects the two of you.

One Studio, Every Detail

Planning Your ROM or Wedding?

Whichever path you choose, our all-in-one packages take care of the details, gowns, suits, makeup, and photography, starting from just S$798. Tell us your date and we will craft something that fits your day and your budget.

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Good to Know

Frequently Asked Questions

No. Once your ROM is registered, you are legally married. A wedding is entirely optional and is simply about how you would like to celebrate.

Yes, and many couples in Singapore do. You can solemnise in the morning and celebrate in the evening, or fold both into one seamless day.

Not at all. A ROM can be an intimate signing with two witnesses, or a beautifully styled ceremony with all of your guests present. The scale is yours to decide.

The registration itself is very affordable. Official fees change from time to time, so please check the Registry of Marriages at marriage.gov.sg for the latest amounts.

Yes. Our all-in-one packages cover gowns, suits, makeup, and photography for your ROM, your wedding, or both, starting from S$798.

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What Is the Difference
Between a ROM and a Wedding?