How do I register a Marriage?

A license to marry can be obtained from the Chief Registrar or Registrar at the Supreme Court, any day of the week, during Registry hours (Monday to Friday 9.00am – 12.30pm & 1.30pm – 4.00pm). Specific appointment times cannot be made for the purpose of obtaining a license, however parties are welcome to attend the Registry and will be seen to by the Chief Registrar or Registrar as soon as possible.

At least one working day prior to obtaining a license to marry, the couple will need to pay a fee at the Registry of $35.00 TOP and provide Registry staff with their original birth certificates and a completed Minister’s Form. Blank Minister’s Forms can be collected from the Registry in advance, any day of the week, during Registry hours.

Once a couple has been issued with a license slip, the slip must be solemnized by a Minister and returned to the Registry, along with a Marriage Certificate, within 18 days. The marriage will then be registered.

How do I apply for a Late Registration of Marriage?

Any marriage certificate received more than 18 days after the issuing of a license will require an Application for a Late Registration of Marriage at the Supreme Court Registry Office. This will require a fee of $16.00 TOP as well as the following paperwork in support;

• Joint letter of Application from parties to the marriage
• Affidavit of both Bride and Groom
• Affidavit of one of the witnesses. If no witness is available in Tonga then an affidavit from a person who attended the wedding
• Letter from the Church Minister explaining why the marriage was not registered in time and the whereabouts of the license. The Church Minister’s letter must also provide as much detail about the couple as possible
• Letter of support from a reliable source

All affidavits must be sworn. To swear an affidavit at the Supreme Court Registry will cost $10.00 per affidavit.

What else do I need to know about Marriage in Tonga?

• Parties must be over 18 years of age or have the consent of their parents to marry
• At least one party must have been living in Tonga for the past 6 months
• Any party staying in Tonga on a Tourist Visa must apply for a permit from Tonga’s Immigration Authority before obtaining a marriage license from the Supreme Court Registry. This permit and the party’s passport must be produced before a license can be issued
• Parties in Tonga on Student, employment or residency visas DO NOT need to apply to Tonga’s Immigration Authority for a permit