From Teaching Days to Wedding Bells: How We Tied the Knot in Hong Kong in Less Than a Month
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Hello, wonderful readers! ✿
If you've followed my journey from teaching English in China to moving to Hong Kong, you'll know life has been quite the adventure. But the most thrilling chapter? Marrying my Italian soulmate in less than a month in this bustling city, amid my hectic life of work and workouts. Let me share how we made it happen, sprinkling in a bit of fun and a lot of love along the way!
A Meeting of Hearts
Life as an English teacher in Hong Kong was all about schedules—work, gym, repeat. Until one day, I decided it was time to have some fun. That’s when I met my now husband, a charming traveler exploring Hong Kong. We clicked instantly, finding joy in everything from the majestic views at Tian Tan Buddha to dancing nights away in local clubs. Life was suddenly delicious again, filled with pastries, hikes, and even a quick trip to Macau to renew his visa!
The Proposal
Fast forward to October 30th, my love surprised me with a dinner on a rooftop restaurant followed by drinks at another cozy spot - Terrible Baby. That evening, under a starlit sky, he proposed. And of course, I said yes!
Navigating the Paperwork
The first step in our whirlwind wedding planning was tackling the necessary bureaucracy. There are two ways to book a wedding date in Hong Kong; we chose to go directly to the Tseung Kwan O Civil Registry Office. However, you may also submit your appointment for giving notice of intended marriage application online.
In early November, we went to the Tseung Kwan O Civil Registry with our original valid passports, additional government-issued IDs, my husband's visa, and my HKID since I am a working resident in Hong Kong.
We arrived at the office early, and the queue had already started. Initially, the officer informed us that the earliest available wedding date to get married in their civil office was in late January 2024.
Wanting to get married earlier, we were advised to take the earliest date available and then go to another civil registry office to reschedule our wedding date.
We filled out some forms, answered some questions, paid the amount of HKD 305, and took an oath. Afterward, we had lunch and headed to the Tsim Sha Tsui Civil Registry, but looking at their calendar near the entrance door, there were no available dates within the month.
We then went to the Central Civil Registry Office and finally managed to reschedule our wedding to the much sooner date of November 22.
Step by Step Online Booking Guide
To avoid the hassle of an in-person visit, here is a step-by-step guide on how to make an online appointment for giving notice of intended marriage, according to the Immigration Department (IMMD) of the Hong Kong Government:
Prepare Personal Information: Gather all necessary documents, including both parties' passport numbers and HKID if applicable.
Access the Website: Visit the official IMMD website and navigate to the marriage registration section.
Select the Type of Ceremony: Choose whether your marriage will be held at a marriage registry officiated by a Registrar, a competent minister at a licensed place of worship, or by a civil celebrant at another venue.
Remember, if you plan to have your marriage celebrated at a marriage registry on a selected date and wish to reserve a specific marriage hall through the appointment booking system, you should make the appointment within 14 days before the 3-month period from the date of the marriage.
This process can seem daunting, but with a little patience and a lot of excitement, you can navigate through it smoothly, just like we did!
Choose the Date and Time: Input your preferred date for the marriage notice and the ceremony.
Submit and Confirm: Follow the prompts to submit your application. You will need a printer to print out the appointment booking acknowledgment.
The Big Day
D-day was a whirlwind of activity! I started early at Glow Hong Kong salon for a hair and makeup session. The service was impeccable, with talented stylists who knew exactly how to enhance my features, ensuring I looked flawless for our special day. Meanwhile, my fiancé was busy picking up my beautiful bouquet, adding a vibrant touch to our celebration.
Despite a nerve-wracking traffic scare that almost delayed the ceremony, we made it just in time, all thanks to the accommodating staff at the civil office who kindly waited a bit longer for us.
Our wedding was intimate but absolutely magical, largely due to our exceptional photographer. He not only captured every beautiful moment with precision and artistry but also stepped in as a witness when one of our friends couldn’t make it. His ability to seize the essence of our celebration in each photo was nothing short of remarkable. I highly recommend his services to anyone in search of stunning wedding or tour photography in Hong Kong. His professionalism and skill are sure to exceed your expectations, just as they did ours.
Heartfelt Thanks
Though our families couldn't be with us physically, their love and blessings bridged the distance. Thanks to the wonders of modern technology, they were able to share in our joy and celebrate with us virtually. Their presence was felt in every moment, reminding us that true connections are not limited by geography. We are endlessly grateful for their support and love, which made our special day even more meaningful.
Lessons Learned
Our whirlwind wedding in Hong Kong taught us that with a bit of flexibility, a dash of determination, and a whole lot of love, you can make anything happen—even a wedding in less than a month!
I hope our story inspires those of you planning your nuptials, or just dreaming about them. If you’re considering a quick wedding in Hong Kong, it’s totally doable and totally worth it.
Stay tuned for my upcoming blog, where I'll share the exciting journey of moving to Italy after our wedding. I'll detail how I obtained my Schengen Visa as the spouse of an Italian citizen—amazingly, it only took 7 days from application to approval! Until then, keep loving and living life to the fullest!
Q&A
What are the essential documents needed for marriage registration at a civil registry in Hong Kong?
Answer: When registering for marriage at a civil registry in Hong Kong, you'll need to present your original valid passports, additional government-issued valid IDs, the non-resident partner's valid visa, and, if applicable, the resident partner’s HKID.How did you manage to reschedule your wedding to an earlier date despite initial delays?
Answer: After securing the earliest available date at the Tseung Kwan O Civil Registry, we visited other civil registries to find an earlier slot. We were successful at the Central Civil Registry, where we rescheduled our wedding to November 22nd, significantly earlier than the initial date set for late January.
Can you book a marriage registration appointment online, and what are the steps?
Answer: Yes, you can book a marriage registration appointment online. The steps include accessing the Immigration Department’s website, filling out personal information, selecting the type of ceremony, and choosing the preferred date and time for the marriage notice and ceremony. A printer is needed to print the appointment booking acknowledgment.
How did you involve your families in the wedding ceremony given they could not attend in person?
Answer: We used modern technology to involve our families. They were able to partake in our joy and celebrate with us virtually, ensuring they felt present and connected during our special moment.
What advice would you give to someone planning to get married in Hong Kong on a tight schedule?
Answer: It's crucial to be flexible and proactive. Book the earliest possible date at your chosen civil registry, and don’t hesitate to visit other registries to see if earlier dates are available. Also, consider completing as many forms as possible online to save time.
Resources / Important Links:
Hair & Make Up (Glow Hong Kong)
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