How to Officiate a Wedding in Taiwan

As a Minister of the Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster

Pastafarian minister officiating a wedding

The Short Version

Taiwan uses a registration-based marriage system — no officiant needed. The couple registers at a Household Registration Office, and that’s the legal marriage. Ceremonies are purely social events, and anyone can lead one.

We do the ceremony, the government does the marriage.

How Marriage Works in Taiwan

Legal marriage happens when the couple registers at any Household Registration Office (戶政事務所). Since 2008, Taiwan switched from requiring a public ceremony to a pure registration system.

  • Both parties appear with ID and documents
  • A marriage agreement signed by both parties and 2 adult witnesses is required (witnesses don’t need to appear — just their signatures)
  • Registration costs under US$5
  • Same-day processing if documents are in order
  • Same-sex marriage has been legal since May 2019 — first in Asia

No officiant. No ceremony. No judge. Just registration.

FSM Ordination Package

The Ordination Package — $79

  • Paper Certificate of Ordination
  • Black/Silver Resin Wallet Card
  • Two Vinyl Car Decals
  • Digital credentials (PDF) delivered same-day
  • Free shipping worldwide

Get Ordained →

You Can Do This

Taiwanese couples typically have elaborate wedding banquets that are considered the “real” wedding culturally. The legal registration is just paperwork. As an FSM minister, you lead the celebration everyone actually remembers.

Get ordained: Get ordained with the Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster

Your Ceremony

  1. Talk to the couple — What style? Traditional? Modern? Pastafarian?
  2. Write your script — Declaration of Intent → Pronouncement → celebrate
  3. Practice — Out loud, at least twice

The couple registers at any Household Registration Office with:

  • Valid ID (national ID for citizens; passport + ARC for foreigners)
  • Marriage agreement signed by both parties and 2 witnesses
  • Foreigners: single status certificate authenticated by Taiwan’s representative office in their country

Taiwan Tips

  • Zero restrictions on who performs ceremonies — they have no legal standing
  • Taiwan is generally very tolerant toward diverse beliefs
  • Progressive on marriage equality — great destination for LGBTQ+ Pastafarian weddings
  • Wedding banquets are the main social event; registration is just paperwork

Questions?

Contact us.

This page is a helpful guide, not legal advice. Laws change. Always verify current requirements with the local Household Registration Office.