We finally got it legalized earlier this month! It was an exciting and nervous moment at the same time! Someone cast confusion on me. So much anticipation for that one blessed day. So let us share with you our ROM(Registration of Marriage) experience.
This is a MUST step if you want to be lawfully recognized as husband and wife.
You can read all about the procedure before the ROM here
That day, we arrived earlier than the time slot given - they did not mention how early before the time slot we have to be there - it's better to be early than late. So we waited until they began calling out the numbers according to the time slot given.
Do be attentive to the numbers that they called out to. They will call for twice, then they will proceed to the next couple. So you will lose your time there. Anyway, no worries, you'll still be able to proceed, after the couple is done that is.
There's only 2 main steps.
1. After your number being called, you will proceed to the counter, where you will need to provide them the couple's MyKad and both witnesses' MyKad. Then you'll sign some documents which verify that the stated documents are correct. Please make sure that the names and IC numbers are all accurate.
2. You will then proceed to the designated room, where there will be an officer who will solemnize the event.
I came to know that we can actually opt for either Mandarin or English. The officer then proceeds with the script of the language we chose.
Here's what to expect: (I forgot which event comes first)
- There will be a point where the officer will ask if you will take your other half as your rightful partner, you will need to reply "I do"
- There will be some oath taking
- Signing, at least 3-4 documents.
- Ring exchange
Then you're done! You're free to take pictures in the room but be considerate of the next couples who might need to use the room.
Don't worry about taking photos in the room, there are plenty of nice scenery out there around the temple to take photos.
Just wander around, you have all the time to yourselves and if you want to, you can also pray in the temple as newlywed for some blessings.
-JO
Well, technically this part is not important. It's really optional. Really.
You can always go for ROM in any formal clothes that you feel comfortable with. The rules states that on the day of registration for both the couples and witnesses:
- Dress neatly
- No sandals or slippers
- No jeans or shorts
- No T-shirt
The guy's dress up is pretty simple (as usual). Just a formal shirt, a long pants and a shoe. Of course, if you want to look good, dress formal.
For the lady, as I've seen many, they wore a white dress - no particular colour code or dress code applies besides the above "No" rules. You don't need to wear a bride's gown. I feel that's a bit exaggerated and out of place. No harm anyway, but if you do wear that, may I suggest that you have the matching make up and accessories? :)
As for me, I wore a white dress.
and to match with it, I brought along my handmade flower bouquet, made of ribbons!
I had manicure sessions the day before the ROM and I finally got to do the design that I love so much for this occasion!
And a hairdo. I am not good at doing this by myself. Look at my mess.
Regardless, these are just some ideas of what you can do for preparation. Like I've said earlier, it's optional. You can do more than that or neither at all.
The final preparation,
BE MENTALLY PREPARED!
You're going to be someone's wife/husband! Just exaggerating. Don't worry, just enjoy the day!
What's more important in marriage than getting the law involved? That's right. This is the important step in marriage if you haven't done so already to make sure that you are lawfully wedded husband and wife.
Mine shall be done in the temple (Thean Hou) but it can also be done at the National Registration Department (JPN). They provide a private room/hall for the marriage solemnization. I'm not sure about the details for this procedure but you can inquire about it at JPN. Their staffs are pretty helpful. Anyway, here's to shine some light if you wish to do it at the temple like us.
It's pretty simple. Here's the guideline from the temple that helped us.
- Enquiry and booking.
- We kind of skipped this step. We only inquire but no booking yet. Anyway, to book (couple need to present in person), both will need to prepare:
- Photocopy of MyKad ( front and back on same page)
- Photocopy of Birth Certificate
- Photocopy of 2 witnesses' MyKad (witness does not need to present during submission)
- Passport sized photo of applicants
- I'm not sure if the item above needs to be prepared during this step or not. No harm in bringing anyway.
- Statuary Declaration
- NOTE: Don't forget to bring your(both of you) MyKad and a passport sized photo
- We were told that we could get all the things done at the Ministry of Home Affairs Complex (Kompleks Kementerian Dalam Negeri) at Jalan Duta. I guess there should be JPN that also provide Commissioner of Oath at the same building, but we were too lazy to find out where else.
- We went straight ahead to the Perkahwinan dan Penceraian department to get the JPN.KC02 form. The staff were friendly and told us what's the next procedure after filling up the form.
- After filling up the form given, OH! and don't forget the to stick on the passport sized photo to the form! We then went to declare it at the Commissioner of Oath. They have it at the same building, but so happen it was closed on that day due to holiday weekend. So we went to the Commissioner of Oath in the High Court which is nearby LHDN building.
- Paid RM 4 for the fee and we're done with the Statuary Declaration. Next, back to JPN.
- JPN Verification
- We passed the completed form back to the JPN officer and after some verification, and payment of RM 20 for the Marriage Register, we were good to go.
- Form Submission
- We went to Thean Hou temple that weekend to submit our forms and photocopied documents of MyKad, birth cert and witness' MyKad and book (since we skipped the booking step, remember?) for our desired ROM date and paid a fee of RM 80.
- They'll choose a time slot for us and now, we wait for the day to come! *I'm so excited*
- ROM!
It'll be some time till our ROM date. Till then... Happy prepping up !
-edit-
Here's the update of the ROM
JO
