Singapore Virtual Weddings During the COVID-19 Pandemic

You’ve probably heard of online dating, but did you know that there’s such a thing as online weddings?

Marriage solemnisation was one of the government services postponed during the initial stage of the circuit breaker period. But good news! Couples may now have their marriages solemnised virtually amid the COVID-19 pandemic, if a coming bill gets passed by the parliament.

Minister for Social and Family Development Desmond Lee wrote on Facebook that a bill will be introduced at the next parliament sitting on 4 May to enable civil and Muslim marriages to be solemnised remotely.

Couples would not have to be present at the Registry of Marriages or the Registry of Muslim Marriages. Also, the bride and groom do not need to be in the physical presence of a marriage solemniser and witnesses provided that:

• At least one party should be a Singapore citizen or permanent resident.
• The couples, their witnesses and in the case of Muslim marriages, the wali, must also be physically in Singapore so that they can sign the statutory declaration.
• During the solemnisation of the marriage, the couple, solemniser and witnesses must all be physically in Singapore as well.

The process will be made available only to couples who present Singapore-issued documents for verification, to ensure that proper safeguards are in place. There’s a possibility that this option may extend even beyond the circuit breaker period.

How do you feel about virtual weddings?

Feeling lonesome for your significant other? Check out these tips for maintaining a long-distance relationship while following safe distancing measures.

Sources: The Straits Times, Facebook Post