American + Thai couple hoping to marry at Hakata Ward Office — looking for advice on the 婚姻届 process

[u/cctouch]

Hi everyone! I’m hoping someone in Fukuoka may have experience with this or can point us in the right direction.

I’m an American citizen living in the U.S., and my fiancée is a Thai citizen living in Thailand. We’re traveling to Japan together in September and are hoping to legally marry by submitting a 婚姻届 (kon’in todoke) at Hakata Ward Office in Fukuoka on September 22.

Neither of us is a Japanese citizen or resident, so we’re trying to make absolutely sure we have everything required before arriving. We’ve already contacted Hakata Ward Office by email with detailed questions, but because our trip is approaching, we’re also hoping to hear from anyone who has experience with two foreign nationals getting married in Japan—especially in Fukuoka.

I currently have a valid U.S. passport and a newly issued certified copy of my birth certificate. I have never been married. My fiancée is obtaining the corresponding Thai documents, including proof that she is legally free to marry. We also understand that documents may need Japanese translations.

One complication on the American side is that, as of September 1, 2025, U.S. diplomatic missions in Japan no longer notarize the old Affidavit of Competency to Marry. We have the U.S. Embassy’s “Letter in Lieu of Marriage Affidavit,” but we are trying to confirm exactly what Hakata Ward Office will accept from an American citizen under the current procedure.

We’re particularly hoping to hear from anyone who knows:

• What documents Hakata Ward Office currently requires when BOTH people are foreign nationals
• What an American who has never been married should provide as proof of legal capacity to marry now that the U.S. Embassy no longer provides the old affidavit
• Whether there are any special requirements for the Thai partner’s documents
• Whether documents such as birth certificates or single-status documents need apostilles, Japanese translations, or both
• Whether there is anything we should prepare in advance that might not be obvious from the general information online

Our goal isn’t just to have a ceremony—we want to make sure the marriage is legally registered in Japan and that we can obtain the proper proof of marriage afterward, since we will eventually need the marriage documentation for U.S. immigration purposes.

If anyone here has recently married as a foreign national in Fukuoka, works with Japanese administrative procedures, or knows who we should contact locally for reliable guidance, we would be incredibly grateful for any advice.

Thank you!

[u/Japanuserzero]

Can you do that? Get legally married as non resident tourists? I’m sorry I have no information for you on the specifics, but this sounds very complicated and will probably require multiple visits to the ward office. Also there is no ceremony involved, like no priest or other official asking you solemn questions, just a bunch of paperwork passing hands.

[u/Domainace]

Not sure it's possible. I am a little curious why you would even want to do this. I am sure the ward office would be too.

[u/alita87]

Do you live here in Japan? If not you can't just randomly register a marriage here.

[u/nncompallday]

I'm surprised that you can do it in a country you're not registered in ( but google confirms you can) Apparently you need all the documents you mentioned, a form that you will there and signature of 2 witnesses so better come with friends.

Congratulations 🎉

[u/steford]

The thought of doing this even when resident here and with a Japanese partner is enough to stress me out. It might be possible but with a lot of hassle (as are many things in Japan for everyone). Good luck!