--- title: Legal requirements to get married in Germany description: >- Requirements for legal weddings in Germany, including documents, timelines, requirements for different nationalities, and answers to the most common questions. canonical: https://peachperfectweddings.com/legal-requirements-for-weddings-in-germany date_updated: '2026-06-26' author: Cristina, Our wordsmith at Peach Perfect Weddings reviewed_by: Vanessza, Peach Perfect Weddings' planner in Germany, Switzerland and Austria image: >- https://edculdonasdlqjrowlzt.supabase.co/storage/v1/render/image/public/cms/att9xcy34viOKRBdp?height=1000&width=1000&resize=contain&quality=80 --- # Legal requirements to get married in Germany The good news: you can get legally married in Germany, even if you are not a German citizen. The paperwork requires some bureaucratic effort but with enough time it is definitely doable. We have been planning weddings in Germany for close to a decade now. In this article we share how to get legally married in Germany so that nothing stands in the way of your [destination wedding in Germany](/germany). ## In this article - Learn which requirements you must fulfil to get legally married in Germany - Get a detailed list of documents (based on your nationality) - Learn step by step how to have a legal wedding in Germany - and when to start preparing ## The most important facts about legal weddings in Germany *At a glance* ### Yes, foreigners can legally marry in Germany But only at a civil registry office (Standesamt) or at an approved location, and only with the correct paperwork. See below for a list of the documents you will need. ### Only civil ceremonies are legal In Germany, no religious or symbolic ceremony type counts as legally valid on its own. Most German couples therefore have a two-fold celebration: The civil wedding before noon and their church wedding or symbolic wedding in the afternoon. ### The process is document-heavy - but doable Expect to gather apostilled and translated paperwork from your home country. Some documents required from the German authorities might not have a direct equivalent in your home country. Don't hesitate to get in touch with us if you are unsure about your specific case. ### You might need two trips Non-residents typically need to visit Germany once to submit documents, and then again for the ceremony itself. Usually, both submitting the paperwork and the ceremony must be done in person and approval can take weeks or months. ### Always contact your local Standesamt (registry office) first Requirements vary by office and by your nationality. If you are not a resident in Germany, contact the Standesamt of the town where you will marry. Their document list is the only fully authoritative source for your specific case. ## Required documents for legal weddings *The paperwork* All documents must be translated into German language by a certified translator. Each Standesamt might have slightly different legal requirements, so please always check with their office for the necessary documents in your specific case. But for most of our couples (who are usually traveling from the USA, UK, or Australia) to get married in Germany, the needed document are as follows. ### 1 - Valid passport The current, valid passport of both partners (or if you are a European Union citizen your EU ID card). ### 2 - Original birth certificates An original birth certificate - not a short-form or hospital copy - stating your full name and your parents' names. Certified copies might not be accepted. It must be current (issued within the last six months) and properly apostilled. ### 3 - Certificate of free status/Certificate of No Impediment (Ehefähigkeitszeugnis) This is the most important and often most difficult document to obtain. It confirms you are legally free to marry. This means that you are not already married, and that under the laws of your home country nothing stands in the way of your marriage. The name of this document and the issuing authority may differ by nationality: - 🇺🇸 **US citizens:** Notarized affidavit of single status from your home state or US Consulate in Germany - 🇬🇧 **UK citizens:** Certificate of No Impediment from the General Register Office - 🇦🇺**Australian citizens:** Certificate of No Impediment from the Australian Embassy or state registry - 🇭🇰 **Hong Kong residents:** Certificate of Absence of Marriage Record from the Hong Kong Immigration Department, apostilled - 🇪🇺 **EU citizens:** Equivalent certificate from your home country's civil registry. (In some cases, you might also be able to give an oath right at the Standesamt that there is no impediment to your marriage) ### 4 - Divorce certificate *If previously married* A certified copy of the final divorce judgment, plus a certificate of finality confirming the divorce was not overturned on appeal. Must be apostilled and translated. ### 5 - Death certificate of former spouse *If widowed* A certified, apostilled, and translated death certificate. ### 6 - Birth certificates of shared children *If you have children together* Birth certificates for any children you have had together prior to the marriage must also be presented. ## Other requirements for a legal wedding in Germany *Germany's wedding requirements* Apart from the paperwork, there are a few further Germany-specific requirements for legal weddings to know about. ### Ceremony in German language All weddings in Germany must be performed in the German language. If one of you does not speak German, an official interpreter must be present. ### Only certified wedding locations In Germany you can only get married at locations that are certified to hold civil wedding ceremonies. Most German weddings take place at the Standesamt (the registry office) which is usually located in the local town hall. There are a few venues such as castles or villas that also have a license to hold civil ceremonies. These are usually quite popular and booked out quite far in advance. We are happy to advise on the best venue for your legal German wedding. ### Only certified officiants Only a certified officiant can marry you. Your wedding cannot be officiated by your friend, a priest, or a celebrant. Your Standesamt will assign your officiant to you. ### The basic requirements You must both be over the age of 18 to get married in Germany and you may not be closely related to each other. ### No witnesses required Witnesses are not a requirement for a legally-binding German wedding. However, you are welcome to have up to two witnesses to sign your marriage certificate if you so wish. ## How to get legally married in Germany? *Step by Step* While we cannot submit your paperwork on your behalf, our [wedding planner in Germany](/wedding-planner-in-germany) can help guide you through the process, point you in the right directions, and help you avoid any language barriers on your way. ### Choose your wedding venue *Step 1* If you are not a resident, the Standesamt (registry office) of your chosen wedding destination in Germany will be responsible for your legal wedding. Choose a venue that is approved for civil ceremonies in Germany (contact us for recommendations), or simply choose the local town hall as your place to exchange vows for the no-frills option of your legal wedding in Germany ### Contact your chosen Standesamt *Step 2* Contact the Standesamt in the district where you plan to marry and request their specific document checklist. Requirements vary by office and by the nationalities of both partners. This is the most important step to get started on your journey to a legal wedding in Germany. ### Gather your documents at home *Step 3* Using the Standesamt's checklist, request and collect all required documents in your home country. This typically includes your birth certificate, proof of single status (Certificate of Free Status / Certificate of No Impediment) - depending on your nationality and your Standesamt), passport, and divorce or death certificates if applicable. Allow several weeks for official documents to be issued and apostilled. ### Have everything translated into German language *Step 4* All non-German documents must be translated by a sworn translator (*vereidigter Übersetzer*). Uncertified translations, however accurate, will be rejected. We can connect you to translation agencies that are approved by the German authorities. ### Submit your application to marry to the Standesamt (first trip) *Step 5* Both partners should appear in person at the Standesamt to file the formal notice of intent to marry (*Antrag auf Eheschließung*). If one partner cannot attend, they may grant written power of attorney to the other. Submit all documents at this appointment. The office will review everything and confirm whether any additional documents are needed. ### Wait for approval *Step 6* The Standesamt reviews your application and documents. Approval can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months, depending on your Standesamt and how "complex" your specific case is. You will be notified once your application is accepted and your wedding date can be confirmed. ### Say "Ja": Attend your civil wedding ceremony *Step 7* Your assigned officiant conducts your ceremony (in German language, if needed with an interpreter). The ceremony usually takes about half an hour. ### Collect your marriage certificate (Eheurkunde) *Step 8* Right after the ceremony, you will be issued the official German marriage certificate. This will be needed to get your marriage recognized back in your home country. We'd recommend ordering several official copies of your certificate right on the spot. You might need the certificate to be apostilled to be recognized back home. ## Timeline for a legal wedding *When to start* We recommend starting the wedding planning process for a legal wedding about a year before your wedding. Some Standesamt offices might be quick to respond and you may have your wedding date approved with just a few weeks. But a wait time of several months is possible for offices in popular destinations and during popular seasons. ### 1 year before: Decide on a location and contact the Standesamt *Planning* Choose a wedding location in Germany and identify which Standesamt (civil registry office) covers that district. Every office has its own document requirements - contact them now for their specific checklist. - Contact the Standesamt directly and request the document checklist for your nationalities - Set a provisional wedding date and confirm availability with the Standesamt - Reserve your chosen wedding venue (if it is not the town hall) ### 8 - 6 months before: Gather documents *Documents* Start the document process well ahead of time. Many official records take weeks to issue, and apostilles add further delays. Do not request birth certificates or free-status documents earlier than 6 months before your wedding date - they have a 6-month validity window, so timing matters. - Identify what Certificate of Free Status or CNI you need (varies by nationality) - Apostille all documents in your home country - Identify a sworn German translator for your documents (search for vereidigter Übersetzer) and send your documents to them - If you need an interpreter, begin searching for one that is properly certified. ### 6 months before: Apply for your marriage in Germany (first trip) *Marriage Application* You can apply for your marriage 6 months before your desired wedding date. Both partners should attend in person to file the formal notice of intent to marry (Antrag auf Eheschließung). Bring all original documents, apostilles, and certified German translations. The office will review everything and may request additional materials. - Both partners attend the Standesamt in person (or one with written power of attorney) - Submit all documents - Confirm the wedding date. It can only be booked once the application is accepted ### 2-3 months before: Wait for approval *Waiting* The Standesamt reviews your application at its own pace. There is no guaranteed processing time, it can take weeks or several months. Stay in contact with the office in case they need anything further. This is also a good time to confirm the availability of your interpreter, if you need one. ### On the day: Say yes *Ceremony* Exchange vows and say yes on your wedding day in Germany. Your officiant will marry you in a ceremony that takes about 30 minutes. - Make sure to bring your passports to the ceremony - Right after your ceremony, order several copies of your marriage certificate - You might have to pay the fee for the ceremony on the day ( between €50 - €200) ### After your wedding: legalise your wedding in your home country *Legalization back home* To use your German Eheurkunde in another country, have an apostille attached by the competent German authority (usually the regional court where the Standesamt is located). Some countries also require a certified translation of the certificate. - Apply for an apostille on your German marriage certificate - Have the certificate translated if your home country requires it - Update your marital status on passports, tax records, and other documents at home ## Frequently asked questions *Everything to know* ### Can same-sex couples get legally married in Germany? Yes. Same-sex marriage has been fully legal in Germany since 1 October 2017. The law - informally known as *Ehe für alle* ("Marriage for All") - gives same-sex couples the same marital and adoption rights as opposite-sex couples. The process for same-sex couples is identical to that for any other couple, including the same document requirements. The only possible obstacle might be receiving the Certificate of No Impediment from your home country. This document proves that, by the laws of your country, there is no impediment to your marriage. If your home country does not allow same-sex marriages, they might refuse you this document. ### Do I automatically get German citizenship by marrying a German citizen? No. Marrying a German citizen does not grant automatic German citizenship to the foreign partner. It does, however, create a simpler pathway to a spousal residence permit and, eventually, naturalisation after meeting residency and other requirements. ### Do we need witnesses at the ceremony? German law does not require witnesses to be present at a civil marriage ceremony, unlike in many other countries. However, you are welcome to bring family and friends, and some couples do choose to have up to two witnesses sign their register. ### Will my German marriage be recognised back home? In most cases, yes. But it depends on your home country's laws. For US citizens, contact the office of the Attorney General in your home state. To make recognition easier, obtain an international marriage certificate from the Standesamt and have a German apostille attached. Some countries may also require a certified translation of the certificate. ### How much does a legal wedding in Germany cost? The fees for the legal part of your wedding will come at around €100 - €300, depending on your chosen Standesamt. For special venues that are not the town hall, additional fees apply. - Marriage application fee: €40 - €100 - Civil ceremony: €50 - €100 - Marriage certificate: €10 - €25 - Optional - Stammbuch (a physical family register book): €20 - €50 - Optional - extra fees for weekend dates: €50 - €200 ### Can I get legally married at any venue? No. Only certified venues are suitable for a civil ceremony. This is usually the local town hall, but there is also a selection of castles or villas that holds the proper licenses. If you want to get married outdoors, in a small castle, a chapel, or at a lavish boutique hotel, we recommend choosing a symbolic venue instead. ## Other ceremony options for your wedding in Germany Most of our couples choose to have a symbolic ceremony in Germany and take care of the legal part of their wedding back home. This way, they keep full control over every part of their day - from the venue choice to the wording of their vows. ### Symbolic ceremony A symbolic wedding in Germany will give you the freedom to choose whatever venue you like for your wedding. Plus, and most importantly, you can avoid all the paperwork and processes before your big day. Most of our couples go for a symbolic ceremony for their destination wedding in Germany. If you choose a symbolic ceremony, you can fly to Germany even as late as a day before your wedding and head straight to your chosen venue without worrying about any legal requirements. Then, you can have a simple legal ceremony back home to legalize your union. ### Religious ceremony Another option is a Catholic or protestant wedding ceremony in Germany. They both do not have a legal effect just like a symbolic wedding. For a Catholic wedding, it's important to make sure that the church has an English-speaking minister to perform your wedding ceremony. Alternatively, you can have a ceremony in a [venue with a privately owned chapel](/germany/venues/medieval-castle-to-marry-in-hessen) in Germany for a more customized religious ceremony. ## Other European wedding destinations If you are set on a legal wedding but want to explore more options, we recommend one of the following wedding destinations. ### Ireland Getting married in Ireland is easy and relatively effortless. Since the language is English, no translation of documents is required. Many ceremony types are accepted as legally binding, and the legal process is straightforward. [Read about getting legally married in Ireland](https://peachperfectweddings.com/how-to-get-legally-married-ireland). ### Portugal Amongst the sunny destinations of Europe, Portugal is the simplest for legal weddings. There are no residence requirements, and you can even get married at the beach with an easy-to-obtain approval. [Read about getting legally married in sunny Portugal](https://peachperfectweddings.com/legal-requirements-for-weddings-in-portugal). ### Italy Not the easiest of our European wedding destinations in Europe, but definitely doable with some patience and a local planner on the ground. Explore how to have a [legally-binding wedding in Italy](https://peachperfectweddings.com/legal-requirements-for-weddings-in-italy). ## Get married in Germany *Ready to say yes?* [Wedding packages in Germany](https://peachperfectweddings.com/germany) *Last updated June 2026. Requirements can change and vary by Standesamt. Always verify current requirements with the relevant registry office and, if needed, a legal professional. We are happy to guide you through the legal steps but we cannot submit any paperwork on your behalf.*