How to get married as fast as possible in Hong Kong

Getting married in Hong Kong can be a complicated process, but it doesn't have to be. With the advent of online weddings, couples can now tie the knot from the comfort of their own homes, without the inconvenience and costly travel expenses of getting married abroad. In this article, we'll answer all your questions about getting married in Hong Kong, including how to obtain a legal US marriage certificate that is recognized in Hong Kong.

What is the fastest way to get married in Hong Kong?

Simple answer: online marriage! If you want to get married online, the process is fairly simple. You will need to apply for your marriage certificate online and pay a fee. You'll also need to provide proof that both parties are over 18 years old, such as a driver's license number or passport number. 

Couples using Courtly can complete the entire process online from anywhere in the world. It is painless, paperless, and usually takes less than 48 hours to obtain a legal, US marriage certificate. 

Are online marriages valid in Hong Kong?

Marriages done abroad or virtually are valid in Hong Kong if they are recognized as legal by the country in which they were performed. A legal US marriage certificate is recognized by Hong Kong as a valid document and therefore, a virtual or abroad marriage that is recognized by US is also valid in Hong Kong.

Why would I want a U.S. marriage certificate in Hong Kong?

You can use your U.S. marriage certificate as proof of your marriage both abroad and in Hong Kong. As of 2020, getting married online is 100% legal in all 50 U.S. states. This will help you when the time comes to apply for a visa and other immigration documents. But even if migration isn’t in your plan, a U.S. marriage certificate is recognized by Hong Kong as a valid document, and therefore, it can be used to register your marriage in Hong Kong.

Is there a need to get your marriage registered in Hong Kong?

Yes, once you obtain a legal US marriage certificate, you will need to register your marriage in Hong Kong. This is typically done by submitting your marriage certificate to the appropriate government office, along with other required documentation.

For further clarification, it’s best to contact the officials in your jurisdiction or an immigration or family law attorney. They can help you determine the legal status of your remote appearance wedding and any additional steps or documents you may need for recognition.

What is an apostille and do I need one?

An apostille is a form of certification that is recognized by countries that have signed the Hague Convention. If you plan to use your US marriage certificate in Hong Kong, you will need to have it apostilled, which involves having it certified by the appropriate government office in the United States. Courtly provides Apostille certification, which can take between 15 to 30 business days to reach Hong Kong after the online ceremony. 

You have the option to get an Apostilled copy of your marriage certificate as an add-on. You can learn more about potential add-ons on Courtly’s Pricing Page.

How to apply for an online marriage in Hong Kong?

Couples can complete the full marriage process online from any location. Just make sure that you have a good internet connection. Other than that, there are no bells and whistles when it comes to online marriages. This is how the process goes with Courtly:

1. Our concierge will assist you in obtaining your license utilizing our safe ID verification system. To make sure everything is prepared for your big day, we'll look over everything for faults and coordinate with the authorities.
2. Choose a time and date, and we'll match you with one of our certified US officiants.
3. You can have a simple virtual ceremony in the comforts of your own home (or any other location with a reliable internet connection). The whole ceremony itself should just last a few minutes.
4. You'll receive a copy of your US marriage certificate online shortly after your online ceremony, and a print copy will be shipped to you within the following few business days.

How much does it cost to have an online marriage in Hong Kong?

A traditional wedding in Hong Kong can be costly, with costs including the marriage license fee, ceremony expenses, and more. 

An online wedding, on the other hand, can be more cost-effective. Courtly provides packages that include everything you'll need for a successful online marriage. For HKD $4,000, you will get a valid marriage license, an online ceremony, and a legal, US marriage certificate. If you want to include an apostille stamp or request witnesses, there are additional fees. You can learn more about potential add-ons on Courtly's Pricing Page.

What if I want to get married traditionally in Hong Kong? What are the steps required?

Getting married in Hong Kong involves several steps including submitting a notice of intended marriage to the Registrar of Marriages, providing proof of identity and residential address, submitting a marriage registration form, having a wedding ceremony performed by a registered celebrant in the presence of at least two witnesses, and receiving a marriage certificate as proof of the marriage.

With Courtly, the process is streamlined, as you can obtain a legal US marriage certificate through an online ceremony, and then use that certificate to register your marriage in Hong Kong.

Getting married in Hong Kong can be a daunting process, but with the help of Courtly, couples can obtain a legal US marriage certificate, which can be used to register their marriage in Hong Kong. This eliminates the need for costly travel expenses and the inconvenience of getting married abroad. With the option of an online wedding, couples can easily tie the knot from the comfort of their own homes, making it the fastest and most cost-effective way to get married in Hong Kong.

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