How to marry a foreigner in Malaysia [part 3/3]

T'is the day!! We signed the papers for real! We are now legally husband and wife. Here is what we experienced at the National Registration Department (JPN) and the list of people or items to prepare.

When we arrived at JPN Putrajaya, we were requested to produce our identification cards or passports (documents) and those of our witnesses. Once the officer had verified them, the documents were returned to us. We were also given a queue number and asked to wait in line. Don't worry, as there are plenty of seats available.

Once our number was up, we had to go to the JPN counter with our documents again. This time, another officer brought out our marriage application form for our verification. Then requesting our documents again, they proceeded to key in our details into the marriage certificate template (i think) for our verification again. Before keying in the information, they also asked if there was a specific pairing of witness for the groom and the bride respectively, which we did actually have. The verification on our end is to make sure the identification card or passport number and names of our witnesses and those of ours are printed on the marriage certificate in the right order and correctly typed out.

Once the counter procedure was over, we wait again, for our names to be called. This time, we were waiting for the ceremony room to be available. The officer then called out our names and told us which of the rooms we should be entering for the ceremony. We were also reminded of the SOPs to follow. When we were there, the capacity of the room was maxed at 10 people.

Entering the ROM ceremony room

Ooooh, then this was it! Entering the room, we were greeted by the officiant and asked to be seated. The main table where the signing happened seats 5: The officiant, the bride & groom facing the officiant, and our respective witnesses on the both ends of the table. Everyone else could either be seated in the guests seats or stand anywhere around to watch or record the moment.

When everyone had settled down, the officiant proceeded to ask us (the ones at the table) to stand for the oath. The oath was read out to us, and we had to solemnly declare our agreement to uphold it for our marriage. Something about til the end of time, and something about dissolving the marriage can only be done through the legal court, etc... Then the officiant checked with our witnesses if there's any objection to the marriage (LOL). None? Well, let's start signing the life contract!

Groom signed, bride signed, witnesses signed, then the officiant did a final check and signed the marriage certificate. Then, an original copy was given to each of us (the bride and groom). Woohoo! Signed, sealed, delivered!

Marriage certificate should not be folded, laminated, or given for any application submissions. You may get a copy of your marriage certificate from the JPN for RM50 a piece, for your perusal in future.

That's all, folks!

Oh, no ring exchange or kissy kissy the bride? Naaah, that's not part of the legal procedure of the marriage registration. Those are just cultural and societal expectations of getting married. So we did those at our own time after the ceremony. LOL.

What to take note of for your ROM:

1. No slippers, jeans or shorts. Formal and polite attire only.
2. Check for the capacity of guests allowed and SOP of the ceremony. For ours it was no more than 10 people: ourselves, our 2 witnesses, and our photographer.
3. Ensure you and your witnesses bring the original and valid identification card or passport. Copies may be required but not accepted without the original.

Extra items:

• Rings
• A file/envelope to hold the marriage licenses

The End! You can both walk off into the sunset now, I mean walk towards the exit now.