A Guide to Solemnisation Photography in Singapore

A solemnisation is often the shortest part of a wedding, and the part that means the most. It is also one of the hardest to photograph: it happens once, it moves quickly, and the light is rarely perfect. (Planning the rest of the day too? See our guide to planning your wedding-day photography timeline.)

A little planning makes a big difference. This guide covers where solemnisations take place in Singapore today, and the eight moments worth planning your photography around.

Where Solemnisations Take Place

If you are reading older guides, there is an important change to know about. The Registry of Marriages (ROM) and the Registry of Muslim Marriages (ROMM) moved out of their Canning Rise building in April 2025 while it is redeveloped. Since 14 April 2025 they have operated from an interim site on Level 3 of Esplanade Mall. Solemnisations at external venues were not affected.

Many couples choose their own venue instead: a home, a hall, a hotel, a restaurant or a garden. For a civil marriage at an external venue, you invite a Licensed Solemniser through your marriage application, and two witnesses must be present on the day. Muslim marriages are handled through ROMM.

Requirements change, so check the latest steps on Our Marriage Journey before you plan, and ask your venue what is allowed for photography.

1. Arrival

The walk in sets the tone: nerves, smiles, and the faces of the people already waiting for you.

Characteristics:

• Anticipation: the moment just before it begins.
• Guests: family and friends turning to look.
• Movement: the couple walking in, often separately.

Ideal For: every ceremony. Make sure your photographer arrives early enough to be in position before you do.

2. The Reading

The solemniser, kadi or officiant begins the ceremony. It is a quiet, formal moment, and the expressions around the room say a lot.

Characteristics:

• Stillness: a calm, serious part of the ceremony.
• Faces: parents and elders listening closely.
• Setting: the ceremony table and everyone around it.

Ideal For: couples who want the whole ceremony told, not just the highlights.

3. The Vow

Whether it is the akad in a nikah or the vows in a civil ceremony, this is the moment the marriage happens.

Characteristics:

• Emotion: the most important words of the day.
• Close-ups: expressions, close enough to see.
• Reactions: family visibly relieved, proud or in tears.

Ideal For: every ceremony. Ask your photographer to stay close here without getting in the way.

4. The Signing

The signing makes it official, and it is the moment couples most often want photographed clearly.

Characteristics:

• Detail: hands, the pen, the certificate and henna.
• Witnesses: the people standing beside you.
• Clarity: a clean, well-framed picture.

Ideal For: couples who want a clear record of the day. Keep the table clear of bottles and tissues, which end up in every close-up.

5. The Rings

Often the moment the nerves break and the laughing starts.

Characteristics:

• Joy: relief and happiness, often unplanned.
• Detail: hands, rings and henna.
• Energy: the room relaxing at last.

Ideal For: every couple. These are often favourite pictures from the whole day.

6. Salam and Embraces

Straight after the ceremony come the family moments: salam, hugs, kisses and tears, all happening fast and all at once.

Characteristics:

• Emotion: the most heartfelt moments with parents.
• Speed: many people in a short time.
• Candid: nothing posed, everything real.

Ideal For: families who want the emotion remembered, not just the formal moments.

7. Family Photographs

Short, well-organised group pictures with parents, witnesses and close family.

Characteristics:

• Structured: a planned list of groups.
• Efficient: done quickly while everyone is together.
• Important: especially for parents and grandparents.

Ideal For: every ceremony. Name a family helper to gather people and prepare a short list in advance.

8. Your First Quiet Moment

Once it is all over, a few minutes with just the two of you. It is often the calmest and most honest part of the day.

Characteristics:

• Relaxed: the pressure is off.
• Intimate: just the two of you.
• Fresh: outfits and make-up still looking their best.

Ideal For: every couple. Plan ten minutes for it in your timeline.

Conclusion

A solemnisation may only last twenty or thirty minutes, but it holds some of the most meaningful moments of your wedding. Share the order of the ceremony with your photographer, prepare a family list, and leave a little time afterwards for the two of you.

Khai’s Basic package is three hours with 100–150 edited pictures, from $850, made for solemnisations and engagements. If your solemnisation runs into a bersanding or reception, his packages can be tailored. Get in touch to check your date.

Sources

• MCCY: ROM and ROMM relocated to the Esplanade from April 2025
• Ask.gov.sg: Getting married at an external venue
• Our Marriage Journey (marriage.gov.sg)

Checked 16 October 2026. Rules change, so please confirm the latest with the source.