Hong Kong Ordinances

MARRIAGE ORDINANCE - SECT 27

Invalid marriages

(Past version on 30/06/1997).

(1) A marriage shall be null and void on the ground of kindred or affinity as
provided in Schedule 5. (Replaced 23 of 2005 s. 13)

(2) A marriage shall be null and void-

   (a)  if-

        (i)    it is not celebrated- (A) by the Registrar in the office of the
               Registrar; (B) by a competent minister in a
               licensed place of worship; or (C) by a civil celebrant in
               accordance with section 21(3A), and it is not- (D) authorized
               by a special licence; (E) celebrated under paragraph (b) of the
               proviso to section 21(3); or (F) celebrated under section 39;

        (ii)   it is celebrated under a false name; or

        (iii)  no certificate of the Registrar has been issued or no special 
               licence has been granted in respect of the marriage,
and both parties knowingly and wilfully acquiesce in its celebration in such
circumstances; or

   (b)  if at the time of its celebration any party is under 16 years of age.
        (Replaced 23 of 2005 s. 13)

(3) But no marriage shall, after celebration, be deemed invalid by reason that
any provision of this Ordinance, other than the foregoing, has not been
complied with.