Civil Celebrant

Your wedding day is one of the most significant moments of your life. It is a celebration of love, commitment, and the beginning of a new chapter. But beneath the romance and joy lies a legal reality: in Hong Kong, marriage is a strictly regulated legal contract. If the formalities are not completed correctly, your marriage may not be legally recognised—with serious consequences for your rights, your property, and your family's future.

At Jal N. Karbhari, Solicitors & Notary, we offer professional civil celebrant services that combine legal precision with genuine warmth. As an authorised civil celebrant, we have the legal authority to solemnise marriages in Hong Kong. We guide couples through every step of the legal process—from filing the notice of intended marriage to conducting the ceremony and registering the marriage—so you can focus on what truly matters: celebrating your love with family and friends.

We understand that every couple is unique. Whether you want an intimate ceremony with just two witnesses or a larger celebration with family and friends, we tailor our services to your vision while ensuring full compliance with Hong Kong's Marriage Ordinance.

Hong Kong Residents

Couples who are permanent residents or ordinary residents of Hong Kong.

Cross-Border Couples

Where one or both partners are from overseas or Mainland China.

Expatriates & Foreign Nationals

Couples living in Hong Kong who wish to marry here.

Same-Sex Couples

We provide civil celebrant services to all couples, regardless of gender or sexual orientation.

(Note: Hong Kong does not currently recognize same-sex marriage, but we can advise on alternative legal arrangements.)

Busy Professionals

Couples who need a flexible, efficient, and discreet service.

Couples Seeking a Non-Religious Ceremony

A civil ceremony that is meaningful, personal, and legally binding.

1. Marriage Celebration & Ceremony Officiation

As an authorised civil celebrant, we have the legal authority to solemnise marriages in Hong Kong under the Marriage Ordinance (Cap. 181). We conduct ceremonies that are:

Legally Binding

Every ceremony we officiate complies fully with Hong Kong law.

Personalized

We work with you to craft a ceremony that reflects your values, your story, and your vision.

We guide you through the entire ceremony, including the exchange of vows, the signing of the marriage register, and the presentation of the marriage certificate. We bring warmth, dignity, and professionalism to every ceremony we conduct.

2. Legal Formalities & Documentation

The legal process for marriage in Hong Kong involves several steps. We handle all of them:

Filing the Notice of Intended Marriage

This must be filed with the Marriage Registry at least 15 clear days before the ceremony. We prepare and file the notice on your behalf.

Statutory Declaration

Both parties must make a statutory declaration confirming that they are free to marry (i.e., not already married, and not within prohibited degrees of relationship).

Verification of Identity Documents

We verify passports, Hong Kong identity cards, and other required documents.

Obtaining the Marriage Certificate

After the ceremony, we ensure the marriage is properly registered and that you receive your official marriage certificate.

Advising on Name Changes – If you wish to change your surname after marriage, we advise on the legal process and documentation required.

We ensure that every document is correctly completed, every deadline is met, and every legal requirement is satisfied.

3. Pre-Marriage Legal Advice

Marriage is not just a romantic commitment—it is a legal contract with significant implications for property, inheritance, taxation, and immigration. We advise couples on:

Property Ownership

How marriage affects ownership of property, and whether you should consider a pre-nuptial agreement.

Inheritance Rights

Your rights under Hong Kong's inheritance laws as a spouse.

Tax Implications

How marriage affects your tax status in Hong Kong.

Immigration & Visa Status

For cross-border couples, we advise on dependent visas, right of abode, and other immigration matters.

Pre-Nuptial Agreements

For couples who wish to protect pre-marital assets or clarify financial arrangements, we draft legally enforceable pre-nuptial agreements.

4. Post-Marriage Legal Services

After the wedding, we continue to support you with:

Change of Name Documentation

Assisting with name changes on passports, identity cards, bank accounts, and other official records.

Wills & Estate Planning

Marriage automatically revokes any existing Will. We advise on updating your Will to reflect your new marital status and protect your spouse.

Immigration Applications

Assisting with dependent visa applications, right of abode applications, and other immigration matters for cross-border couples.

Your wedding day should be a celebration of love, not a source of legal anxiety. With Jal N. Karbhari, Solicitors & Notary as your civil celebrant, you can be confident that every legal requirement is met, every document is properly filed, and your marriage is fully recognized under Hong Kong law.

We bring warmth, professionalism, and legal precision to every ceremony we conduct. Whether you are planning an intimate gathering or a grand celebration, we are here to make your wedding day truly unforgettable.

Contact Jal N. Karbhari, Solicitors & Notary today to begin planning your perfect Hong Kong wedding.

Call us: +(852) 2367 7577

Email us: inquiries@karbharilaw.com

Visit us

Rooms 703-705, 7/F, Cheung Lee Commercial Building, No. 25 Kimberley Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong