written by Sonder Studio

Choosing to get married in Korea is a meaningful and beautiful decision! Whether this country is part of your shared story, a dream destination, or one that simply feels like the right place to begin the next chapter of your life together, eloping in Korea offers an experience that’s both beautiful and deeply personal.

Still though, foreigners getting married in South Korea does bring a few additional logistics. Embassy appointments, legal paperwork, and translations may feel like a lot at first glance. But with the right guidance, the process becomes much more manageable. This guide walks you through how to elope in Korea step-by-step, so you can enjoy the planning process and focus on what matters most—each other.

How to Get Married in Korea: A Step-by-Step Guide for Foreigners 

Hire a Local, Bilingual Korea Wedding Photographer

If you’re planning on legally getting married in Korea, working with someone local to the country can make a world of difference. When couples work with me, they’re not just hiring a photographer—they’re getting a planner, guide, translator, and partner throughout the entire process.

As your Korea wedding photographer, my role often includes more than just portraits. It also often includes organizing transportation, coordinating vendors, and guiding couples through cultural traditions like tea ceremonies or hanbok styling (click here to learn what is a hanbok). I also take care of the behind-the-scenes logistics—like navigating language barriers, securing reservations, and keeping your timeline on track—so your day flows as smoothly and effortlessly as possible.

To ensure enough time to coordinate your day, I recommend reaching out at least 4–6 months in advance. That gives us space to book locations, stylists, and any cultural or travel elements you’d like to include.

Choose the Right Season and Your Preferred Wedding Location in Korea

Korea’s beauty changes dramatically with the seasons. Spring offers delicate cherry blossoms and soft colors. Summer brings dense green forests and golden evenings. Autumn transforms the country into a canvas of red and golden foliage, while winter is quiet and serene, especially in the mountains or near traditional rooftops.

After you’ve chosen your season, we’ll look at location options that reflect your vision. Whether you want to wander through historic palaces, get married in a private hanok courtyard, or say your vows surrounded by nature, I’ll help you find places that align with your story.

My Favorite Photo Spots for Elopements in Korea:

If you want to get to know the city like a local, here are a few of my favorite places to get married in Seoul.

Changdeokgung Palace + the Secret Garden 

Seoul is filled with traditional architecture and beautiful palaces, but the one that stands out the most is Changdeokgung Palace. This palace was the first and largest of the royal palaces built during the Joseon Dynasty and is a dream to visit in any season—though fall is particularly magical when the trees glow in shades of red and gold. The palace’s Secret Garden offers one of the most beautiful and peaceful garden settings in the city and has several pagodas overlooking the water, perfect for quiet moments to soak in your experience. (Note: Full bridal attire is not permitted at this location, so if you want photos here, we’ll need to get creative).

Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP)

For a modern, architectural aesthetic, DDP is absolutely stunning! Its flowing lines and futuristic curves offer a unique contrast to Korea’s more traditional venues, and the photos here always feel fresh and modern. In fact, one of my images taken at this exact spot won Junebug Weddings’ Best of the Best Engagement Photos of 2025 (see the award-winning image here).

Pro Tip – If you want to get photos at this location, a photography permit is required, which I can assist with.

Authentic Korean nightlife spots

If you want an authentic Korean experience, consider going where the locals go and celebrating with a post-elopement dinner. Going out to dinner after work is big in Korean culture and, in the winter especially, street restaurants set up heated tents and serve authentic Korean food from the street. This creates a really unique and local experience and is always a favorite for many of my couples

Lastly, when thinking about where and when to get married in South Korea, consider the day of the week. When possible, choose to elope in Korea on a weekday. This is the best way to avoid crowds, and we can always include a mix of quiet spots and vibrant cityscapes depending on the mood you want to capture.

Craft a Personalized Timeline and Experience 

Once you’re booked, I’ll send a questionnaire that invites you to reflect on how you want the day to feel. You’ll share details like whether a first look matters to you, if you want to change outfits, what kind of food you love, and which cultural moments feel important to include. I always encourage couples to take this opportunity to plan a little date night. Have a glass of wine, relax together, and brainstorm with each other how you want your day to feel.

From there, I’ll design a full-day timeline tailored to your story. I’ll map out locations, timing, and transitions so that everything flows naturally, while you stay present and relaxed.

Cultural Elements to Consider When Getting Married in Korea

Of course, if you are getting married in South Korea, you may want to include some cultural elements into your day. Here are a few ideas you can include:

• Hanbok rental or traditional Korean wedding attire
• Private tea ceremony with guidance
• Hair, makeup, and wardrobe coordination
• Private transportation – I can manage private drivers so you don’t need to worry about timing

Prepare for the Legalities: What Foreigners Need to Know About Getting Married in South Korea

Step 1: Decide What Type of Ceremony You Want

South Korea separates legal weddings (done at a district office) from religious, cultural, or ceremonial celebrations (non-legal weddings). If you’d like your marriage to be legally recognized in Korea (and in your home country), you’ll need to complete a civil registration at a local district office (called Gu Cheong in Korean).

You can still have a meaningful ceremony at a hanok or a scenic location, just know that these types of ceremonies don’t have any legal standing or recognition. If going through the legal process is how you want to elope in South Korea, then keep reading for the necessary steps.

If you’re a U.S. citizen, you’ll need to make an in-person appointment at the U.S. Embassy in Seoul to obtain an Affidavit of Eligibility to Marry. Appointments must be booked in advance and often fill quickly, so it’s best to schedule early.

Step 2: Book Your Embassy Appointment

If you’re a U.S. citizen, you’ll need to make an appointment at the U.S. Embassy in Seoul and go in person to obtain an Affidavit of Eligibility to Marry. Appointments must be booked in advance and often fill quickly, so it’s best to schedule early. Note, walk ins are not allowed! Click here to learn more about appointments and the necessary steps to book one.

If you are a foreigner getting married in South Korea and are flying in to Seoul, ensure you give yourself enough time to complete this process. I recommend giving yourself at least 2-3 days before leaving the city just in case you run into any issues or scheduling conflicts.

Also, your U.S. Embassy Appointment is not your wedding location. It’s simply your paperwork location and the first necessary step you need to take in order to get married in Korea. 

Step 3: Gather the Required Documents 

Before your Embassy appointment, gather the following documents to bring with you:

• Proof of U.S. citizenship / Valid passport for both partners (ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months past your travel dates)
• Photographic proof of identity for both partners (driver’s license, military ID, etc.)
• A completed Affidavit of Eligibility for Marriage (this will be given to you at your U.S. Embassy appointment in Korea)
• Divorce/Death certificates if previously married

If one parter is a Korean citizen, additional documentation may be needed. Consult the ward or city office nearest you for guidance.

Step 4: Attend Your Embassy Appointment and Get the Affidavit Notarized

Once you arrive in Korea and your scheduled appointment time arrives, head to the U.S. Embassy and bring all your requested documents. 

The Embassy will review your documents and notarize your Affidavit of Eligibility for Marriage. The fee for this notarization is $50 USD and is payable via cash or credit card. 

Step 5: Translate Your Documents into Korean

Every English-language document must be translated into Korean. The easiest and safest route is to work with a local, certified translation office. I am happy to recommend trusted translators near the district office you’ll use, or feel free to contact the district office directly for their local translation preferences if you want guaranteed acceptance.

When getting your documents translated, make sure names, dates, and passport numbers match exactly. 

Step 6: Secure Two Witnesses

You’ll need two adult witnesses to sign your marriage registration form (which can be obtained at your district office). Witnesses don’t need to be Korean citizens, but they do need to write their names in Korean and provide an ID number. If you don’t know anyone in Korea, I can help find witnesses on the day.

In general, witnesses are not required to appear at the local district office.  However, this can vary by local district office, so it’s best to contact the district office directly where you wish to report and register your marriage for the most up-to-date information and requirements.

Step 7: Submit Everything to the Gu-Office to Report + Register Your Marriage

This step allows you to officially get married in Korea! Head to the district office where you’re registering your marriage. Be sure to bring all your documents and translations, including: 

• Passports and ID
• Previous marriage paperwork (if applicable)
• Notarized affidavit from the Embassy
• Translated documents
• A blank marriage registration form (each district office has its own, so ask for a local version)
• Witness information (names, addresses, and signatures)

The office opens at 9 AM, and I recommend arriving early in the day. If anything’s incorrect (wrong form, missing stamp, etc.), the staff will let you know. The good news is that most issues can be resolved same-day if something is missing.

Step 8: Receive Your Marriage Certificate

Once approved, you’ll receive an official Korean marriage certificate with a government seal. This document makes your marriage official and legally binding. Fun fact, it will also be in Korean, which is a really cool touch and a big reason so many foreigners choose to go through the process of making their marriage official in Korea.  

If both partners are foreigners, you will receive this certificate form right away. However, if one spouse is a Korean citizen, the process can take up to five days.

Before you leave the district office, be sure to ask for multiple copies of your marriage certificate. They can’t be reissued or reprinted laters, so it’s best to have a couple extras on hand.

Step 9: Translate and Apostille the Certificate for Use at Home

To make your Korean marriage legal in your home country, the certificate must be translated into English and apostilled by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

If you are getting married in Seoul, there is an office right around the area from the City Hall which makes this step very convenient. They usually offer same-day service. Just remember to bring your passport and the translated certificate.

Celebrate Your Marriage + Enjoy the Rest of Your Time in Korea

It’s official! You’re married! Take the rest of the day to enjoy any activities you have planned, soak in the sights, and celebrate your marriage! 

Final Tips on How to Get Married in Korea (from Real Couples)

I’ve helped lots of couples elope in Korea, so even if it feels difficult, know that it can be done! Here are a few tips some of my past couples have shared from their experience:

• Plan for a 2–3 day buffer around your paperwork appointments in case delays happen
• Bring cash for translation offices and district fees
• Dress nicely and be kind—it genuinely makes a difference in your experience
• Expect some language barriers and bring a translation app to help

Common FAQs About Getting Married in Korea

Can we legally elope in Korea, or should we do the paperwork at home?

Yes, you can legally marry in Korea as a U.S. citizen or foreigner (from most countries). Getting married in Korea can be a very unique and meaningful experience. However, if you prefer to manage paperwork at home, we can still celebrate with a symbolic ceremony here, too.

If I get married in Korea, will my marriage be legal in the U.S.?

Yes, once the certificate is translated and apostilled, it is legally recognized in all 50 states.

Are same sex marriages recognized in Korea? 

Unfortunately, it is not recognized legally at this time. However, symbolic ceremonies can still be deeply meaningful.

Do you help with planning and translation?

Yes. I offer full support throughout the entire process, including planning, translation, and all the in-between details.

If you’re dreaming of getting married in Korea but feeling overwhelmed by the details, you’re not alone. You’re not expected to know how to navigate it all on your own. And, that’s exactly what I’m here for!

Whether you’re exchanging vows in a quiet courtyard or celebrating with dinner under city lights, I’ll be here to walk you through every step.

Ready to elope in Korea? I would love to help bring your wedding vision to life!