Steps for Registering Marriage in Brunei for Non-Muslim

In this post, I would like to share you the steps or what should you prepare for registering in Brunei.

Just for your information, I'm born in Brunei but stateless, Permanent Resident of Brunei Darussalam, holding a Certificate of Identity (CI) where as my husband is a Bruneian. We both are Buddhist. For foreigners, I believe there's more documents required and different procedure.

There's actually two places for registering marriage in Brunei - High Court or Chinese Association Club. We went to the High Court so I'm not really sure if it's the same procedure to register in the Association Club.

 

Step 1 - Select the 'Good Date'

For the Chinese trend, we will select a 'good date' (好日子). 

Step 2 - Statutory Declaration

Before you submit the Notice of Marriage, you will need to get your Statutory Declaration form stamped/verified.

Important note: Everything must prepare 2 sets! Fill in details only and do NOT sign.

Documents to prepare:

> Statutory Declaration Form - Make sure it's printed in color and two copies for both side (bride and groom)

> Photocopy Identity Card (Groom, Bride and both side's guardian as stated in the declaration form)

> Photocopy Birth Certificate (Groom, Bride and both side's guardian as stated in the declaration form)

> Photocopy Entry Permit (for Stateless/P.R. Brunei/CI holders)

> Photocopy Certificate of Identity (for Stateless/P.R. Brunei/CI holders)

Bring the documents stated above together with the original hardcopies to the Registry Subordinate Court. Both guardian (as stated in the form) must be present as well.

There will be a fee of BND 7.00 per side (groom and bride).

The reason why you need to prepare 2 copies of statutory declaration form is because one is for court's copy (BND 2.00) and another one is the original copy (BND 5.00) which is required for the Notice of Marriage submission later. Meaning the same, total BND 14.00 for both side.

Optional: You can also prepare another copy of the statutory declaration form for yourself which they will charge additional of BND 2.00 for that. As for me, I just photocopy for my record only.

*Sample contains for the statutory declaration single status sworn by parents*

(Name of parents/guardian), (Identity Card Number), (Home Address)
My son/daughter, ______ (state the name of son/daughter) never been married or enggaged to anybody in my country or anywhere else except with his/her future wife/husband named ______ (state the name of son/daughter-in-law) holding Idendity Card or Passport Number, ______ (state the IC or Passport number) and I don't have any objection for them to get married.

Step 3 - Notice of Marriage Submission

Important note: Everything must prepare 2 sets! Fill in details only and do NOT sign.

Documents to prepare:

> Notice of Marriage Form - Click here for the form

> Checklist - Click here for the checklist. Print and follow the documents required as listed.

** Bring along the original hardcopy of all documents when submit as they will need to verify **

There will be a fee of BND 110.00 for this process - Stamp Duty (BND 10.00) and Notice of Marriage (BND 100.00)

Notice of marriage must be filled at the District where the applicants ordinarily reside
1. Marriage Registry, 2nd Floor Supreme Court Building, Jalan Tutong, Bandar Seri Begawan
    Opening Hours: Monday - Thursday  @ 08:00AM - 11:00AM, 02:00PM - 03:15PM 
2. Marriage Registry, Courts' Building, Kuala Belait

    Opening Hours: Monday - Thursday  @ 08:00AM - 11:00AM, 02:00PM - 03:15PM

There is a 14 day notice period required. For example, if a couple files their Notice of Marriage on 1 January, and giving 14 days’ notice, the earliest solemnization date shall be 15 January. If you are unable to comply with the 14 day notice period you may be permitted to get married under a special license. 

Step 4 : Wait Call for Interview

"Interview" - Sounds serious but nope. All you have to bring is all your original (Identity Card, Birth Certificate, Entry Permit, Certificate of Identity) for both bride and groom. They will just ask you to double check all the information/details, tell you what to do and what to bring during the actual day. As simple as that.

Step 5 : The Actual Day of ROM!

On the day, please bring;

> Both side witness stated during the Notice of Marriage submission. Make sure they bring along their original Identity Card!

> Original Identity Card (groom and bride)

> Wedding rings for exchange during the solemnization of the marriage.

> BND 100.00 for registration of marriage fee.

> (Optional) your photographer/videographer.

Note:

1.  You and your guests are advised to be punctual and arrive at the courthouse at least 15 minutes before the appointed time. This should allow you and your guests to settle in before the marriage ceremony starts.

2.  The Marriage Registrar may refuse to solemnize the marriage, if the marrying couples, the witnesses and their guests attend the ceremony in improper and casual attire such as jeans, shorts, singlets, T shirts and slippers. The Bride, female witnesses and female guests must attend the ceremony in dress or skirt, (with sleeves and beyond knee-length). You are advised to treat the ceremony with dignity and respect by coming to the registry properly dressed.

3.  The marriage declaration can be read in English, Chinese or Malay as required by the marrying couple. If any other language is required, the parties to the marriage are responsible for providing an interpreter.

4.  Use of cameras and video camera are permitted during the ceremony.

5.  Confetti, petals, rice however, are NOT permitted in the building or on the pavement outside.​

That's it! Total fee is BND 224.00 to register marriage at Brunei Court.

 Oh ya! Normally there's no limit in guest coming to witness but due to COVID-19, it's better for you to check with them for the latest update to avoid disappointment.