Just want to let the amorous guys/gals out there know that there is a new regulation in place from May 15 2013 (Decree 24/2013/NĐ-CP) concerning the procedures of a foreign citizen getting married to a Vietnamese citizen.
While there are several improvements: speedier processing time, second chance interview..., there is one new important tightening.
Even if the couple wants to get married abroad, the (local) Dept of Justice will, from now, be the ultimate instance to decide whether the Vietnamese citizen can get married (since they from now on will be the one issuing the certificate of eligibility to the foreign authorities).
This practice is result of more Vietnamese trying to get (pro-forma) married abroad and are turned down by the foreign authorities when they see the marriage is a sham.
Prepare your pocket to grease more palms 
New regulations concerning getting marriage to a Vietnamese
Anatta,
Do you have the specific procedures, or do you know where one can go online to read up on this?
Here is the official decree in Vietnamese.
http://www.moj.gov.vn/vbpq/Lists/Vn%20b … emID=28405
Unofficial English translation
http://luatminhkhue.vn/marriage-1/decre … nd-cp.aspx
Too much for that Khanh guy and his Vietnamese citizenship dream...
Where is mister Michael Sestak when we need him most!!.
Many countries don't require certification of marriage/single status.
The VN government accepts documented marriage - post (after) the event. Most governments accept an Official Marriage Certificate as a statement of fact. The United Nations have input on this as well which enables the recognition of people between countries.
In VN only citizens and non-diplomatic 'status' (not tourist) Foreigners can get married here. Since 2015 Jan 01 same sex marriages are legal here in VN.
Same-sex marriages can now take place, though the government does not recognize them or provide legal protections in cases of disputes. The government abolished fines that were imposed on homosexual weddings in 2013.
Tran hung dao hasn't been keeping up with the changes either. Welcome back Annata! long time no hear 
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