Photography: AntonChia
So you've secured a date and venue for your perfect solemnisation. What's next? Don't forget about your Justice of Peace! A good time frame to engage them is about 3 months before your ROM date.
While the Registry of Marriages provides a long list of licensed solemnisers (literally hundreds) for your reference, the officiant you engage will make a big difference to your ceremony, so choose wisely. Make sure they have a clean track record for punctuality, good diction, eloquence and can make the crowd laugh.
Researching on forums or getting recommendations from friends are always great to have an idea of what to expect from your officiant. Here are 10 recommended on various blogs and Bridestory's real wedding couples.
Dr Baey Lian Peck, JP
Language preferred: English
Licence expires on 31 Dec 2016
Tel: 6274 8157
"He spent an hour teaching us how he maintained his marriage and lived on his vows till date. He was a role model." - Enna & Malvin
Mr Ng Chin Fah Francis (Tampines GRC)
Language Preferred: English or Mandarin
Licence expires on 31 Dec 2017
Tel: 9100 0967
Email: francis.ncf@gmail.com
"Mr Francis Ng Chin Fah comes highly recommended on the internet. He is meticulous and helpful. Arranged to meet us to discuss the details before the wedding so that all will be well on the actual day. Bilingual, eloquent and humorous … we had lots of laughter during the ceremony." - Gavin & Annie
Mr Chiang Heng Liang (Moulmein-Kallng, GRC)
Languages preferred: English or Mandarin
Licence expires on 31 Dec 2016
Tel: 9684 6260 / 6878 3876
They call him the celebrity JOP because he officiated Fann Wong and Christopher Lee's wedding. He has plenty of good online reviews!
Mr. Lim Cheng Kheng (Tanjong Pagar GRC)
Languages preferred: English or Mandarin
Licence expires on 30 Jun 2016
Tel: 6276 7749 / 9475 3150
Email: chengkheng@gmail.com
"My husband and I Googled for JOPs and went through the recommended lists. Mr. Lim was the first to say yes!" – Melissa & Calvin
Dr Phua Tan Tee (Nee Soon GRC)
Language Preferred: English or Mandarin
Licence expires on 30 Jun 2016
Tel: 6753 1028 / 6731 9575
Email: phua_tan_tee@nea.gov.sg
A veteran in his craft, Dr Phua is one of the most popular solemnisers in Singapore. He may look like a granddaddy but he certainly doesn't act it – he loves to crack jokes to liven up the mood!
Dr Kwoh Chee Keong (Chua Chu Kang GRC)
Language preferred: English or Mandarin
Licence expires on 31 Dec 2018
Tel: 6790 6057 / 9037 1256
Email: asckkwoh@ntu.edu.sg
An amiable JOP who is friendly and funny but gets straight to the point…so don't expect lengthy speeches at your solemnisation.
Mr Alex Tan Yan Boon (Sembawang GRC)
Language preferred: English, Mandarin or Cantonese
Licence expires on 31 Dec 2016
Tel: 9850 0689
Email: alexyanboon@gmail.com
Aka officiant to celebrity blogger Xiaxue, Mr Tan is a bubbly character who puts on a big smile for everyone. "He's very funny!" – Ah Loke & Lydia
Ms Joanna Portilla (Ang Mo Kio GRC)
Language preferred: English or Mandarin
Licence expires on 31 Dec 2018
Tel: 9101 1935
Email:joanna_portilla@yahoo.com
A nurturing and positive person, Ms Portilla has a calm and caring way about her. Couples have been known to stay in touch with her even after they get married and have children!
Mrs Chia Swee Tin, JP
Language preferred: English
Licence expires on 30 Jun 2018
Tel: 6342 1381 / 9735 1533
Email: ckldex@gmail.com
A professional in the field, Mrs Chia is very approachable and likes to make couples write their own vows to make the moment extra special…bring on the tears!
Mr Sim Khee Wang, Simon (Familymatters@Work)
Language preferred: English
Licence expires on 30 Jun 2018
Contact: 6563 6081
Email: simontco@gmail.com
One of the most sought-after JOPs, Simon is very fatherly and passionate about the sanctity of marriage. He may take verses from the Bible when he delivers his speech as he's a devout Christian.
