Virtual & In-Person Marriage Solemnisations
The way we go about our daily lives has changed due to stringent measures implemented to curb the spread of COVID-19. This includes how we get married and celebrate this milestone in life. Wedding plans came to an abrupt halt in early April as couples were not able to get married due to the social distancing measures that were imposed during the Circuit Breaker period. For those who are ready to resume their marriage journey, here’s how you can do so via virtual solemnisations and in-person ROM sessions within or outside ROM Singapore.
2 Ways To Get Married During COVID-19
Virtual solemnisations
To help those who wanted or needed to get married during COVID-19, the government made it possible for couples to get married virtually via video correspondence. Civil and Muslim solemnisations and marriage registration are now allowed to take place virtually, including all the key processes and checks that are usually done in person under normal circumstances.
Since the solemnisation ceremony will take place virtually via a video link, the couple, their witnesses, licensed solemniser, kadi, or naib kadi do not need to be physically present in the same venue, which is in line with social distancing measures. They will, however, all need to be physically present in Singapore for the virtual solemnisation to happen.
In-person ROM
A handy infographic courtesy of ROM
Source
After we exited the Circuit Breaker, in-person solemnisations are now allowed to take place with some restrictions to abide by the social distancing measures that are still in place. During Phase 2, in-person solemnisations at home, ROM and designated areas at the National Museum of Singapore are limited to a maximum of 10 persons, excluding the licensed solemniser. Those taking place outside ROM are allowed to have up to 20 persons or the safe capacity of the venue (whichever is lower), excluding the licensed solemniser.
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What you need to prepare
To help you prepare for your preferred choice of solemnisation ceremony, here’s a quick summary of what you need to do or have for the respective solemnisation options.
Virtual solemnisations
To qualify for a virtual solemnisation, you’ll have to check your eligibility for 2 things:
1. Whether you qualify for the Verification of Documents and Statutory Declaration (VD/SD) to be done via a video link
2. Whether you qualify for a virtual solemnisation via a video link
To be eligible for the VD/SD to be done via a video link, you and your groom must:
1. Both be Singaporean Citizens or Permanent Residents
2. Only have Singapore-issued documents, including identification documents (NRIC only), divorce certificate or death certificate of an ex-spouse (if applicable)
3. Have filed a notice of marriage at least 21 days before your intended date of solemnisation
4. Be physically in Singapore
5. Be above 21 at the point of solemnisation
If you do not meet one or more of the above criteria, you will not be able to qualify for your VD/SD to be done virtually. However, you can still have it done in person at the Registry of Marriages (ROM).
Next, check if you are eligible for a virtual solemnisation via a video link. You are eligible if you meet these criteria:
1. At least one party must be a Singapore Citizen or Permanent Resident
2. The bride, groom and their 2 witnesses must be physically in Singapore
3. Both the bride and groom must be above 21 years old at the point of solemnisation
4. The couple must have completed VD/SD, either via video link or in person at ROM
5. The couple must have a valid notice of marriage filed at least 21 days before the intended date of solemnisation.
In addition, you, your groom and 2 witnesses must have internet access and your own internet-enabled device (e.g. laptop or tablet) with access to a web camera. You all must be able to access to the video conferencing platform as required by your solemniser.
Hid and Tabatha’s virtual solemnisation ceremony was
conducted by solemniser, Dr. Jasbir Singh
Source
Once you have verified your eligibility for a virtual solemnisation, you have to search for a solemniser who has the necessary technical requirements and is able to conduct the ceremony via a video link.
If you meet the criteria for both the VD/SD and virtual solemnisation to be done via a video link, click here to submit your interest, if both you and the groom are Singapore Citizens or Permanent Residents. If you are not eligible for the VD/SD to be done via a video link but are eligible for the virtual solemnisation happen via a video link, click here to submit your interest, if at least one party is a Singapore Citizen or Permanent Resident.
For more information and details on the virtual solemnisation and its processes, please visit ROM’s website.
In-person ROM
Post-Circuit Breaker, couples are now allowed to solemnise in person if they so wish, with safe distancing measures in place.
You will proceed as usual to register your marriage by first applying for a notice of marriage, if you have not done so. You will later be invited down to ROM for the verification of documents and statutory declaration a few days before your intended date of solemnisation.
Puvaneswran and Kayyathiri’s solemnisation ceremony was held at their home and over Zoom
Source
During Phase 2, you are limited to a maximum of 10 people at your solemnisation ceremony, excluding the licensed solemniser. This applies to in-person solemnisations at home, ROM and designated areas at the National Museum of Singapore. If you are hosting your ceremony at the ROM, a licensed solemniser will be assigned to you on the day of your solemnisation.
You may also choose to have your solemnisation done outside of the ROM at a venue of your choice. There should be no more than 20 persons in attendance, excluding the licensed solemniser. You will have to look for a licensed solemniser on your own if you are having your solemnisation outside of the ROM. Do also prepare a token of appreciation to thank him or her for taking time and effort to officiate your wedding. If he or she is driving to your venue, do offer them a parking coupon to waive off any charges.
All parties involved are to wear masks at all times. They should not enter the venue more than 15 minutes before the scheduled time of solemnisation. If you and your guests do not come from the same household, all of you should observe social distancing rules by keeping at least one metre away from each other.
Virtual And In-Person Solemnisations As The New Normal During COVID-19
COVID-19 has altered the way we get married and celebrate this important milestone of our lives. But don’t let it stop you from tying the knot. As we slowly move into a post-Circuit Breaker reopening phase by phase, a gradual ease on social distancing measures, when possible, will allow more flexibility in the way we can celebrate weddings. So, don’t feel discouraged and use this extra time to plan for a wedding of your dreams in the near future.
This article first appeared on SingaporeBrides. Certain edits and updates have been made by Zula’s editors.
Cover: Source
Also read:
How To ROM In Singapore: Best Dates, Solemnisers & Things To Prepare
