If you are thinking of becoming someone's Frau, and tying the knot in a beautiful bavarian castle surrounded by the endless Black Forests has you reaching for your lederhosen, then a German wedding is for you. And unlike some other EU countries, getting married in Germany is relatively easy for EU citizens and foreigners. The main limitation is you must live there for 21 days before the date of your marriage. 21 days might seem like an obstacle but it may be the perfect time to spend doing the last bits of planning while having a little pre-wedding holiday. Think a German wedding might suit you? We've covered all you need to know before making the decision. 
Must Know Information On Getting Married In Germany
- A period of residence of at least 21 days is needed to give notice of marriage. The formalities for obtaining the relevant documentation may take longer than this and some districts insist on a six-week waiting period.
- Some areas require a 6 week waiting period after applying for a marriage licence.
- Fees vary and are higher for non-nationals.
- If neither party has a permanent residence in Germany, you must contact one of Germany's central registrar's offices. (All contact info. is listed below)
- German law states that only a civil ceremony is legal, if you wish to have any other type of ceremony you can organise a blessing after the legal part is complete.
- Unless you both speak fluent German, you must bring a translator to your ceremony.
- You will need 2+ witnesses over the age of 18. The registrar should be given the witnesses’ names at least 8 days before the wedding.
Civil Wedding Ceremonies in Germany
- The mandatory civil wedding ceremony takes place at the local Office of Vital Statistics (“StandeSamt”). It is located in the Town hail (“Rathaus”) and you must notify your chosen hall previous to your marriage.
Religious Wedding Ceremonies in Germany
- A religious wedding ceremony in Germany is not binding, but you can have a church blessing after your civil ceremony.
- If you are planning on have a Catholic church blessing in Germany, you will need to provide your Baptismal Certificates and Certificates of Dismission which allow you to get married outside your home parish.
The Paperwork For A German Wedding
Both you and your partner will need to provide the following, and all paperwork must be translated into German by a certified translator. Once you have all your papers prepared and turned in, it generally takes 2-6 weeks before the actual wedding. Upon completion of the registry process you have to get married within the following 6 months.
- A valid passport
- Fee (this changes from year to year so it’s best to check DFA in Dublin or Irish Embassy in London beforehand)
- Original birth certificate
- Proof any previous marriages have ended (Divorce Decree or Death Certificate)
- Certificate of Freedom to Marry
- In some cases you may need to provide a medical certificate.
Central Registrar's Offices Contact Information
- Bavaria: standesamt.kvr@muenchen.de
- Southwest Germany: standesamt@baden-baden.de
- North Germany: standesamt@hamburg-mitte.hamburg.de
- Berlin: Info.Stand1@labo.berlin.de
Helpful Information On Getting Married Abroad
This is just a general guide to get you through the basics. If you're considering a wedding in Germany make sure you do your homework. For more, check out the following websites for official information:
Thinking of a destination wedding but still not quite sure where? Check out our Weddings Abroad section for the all of our recommended destination wedding planners.
Image credits: Velvetine Photography via One Fab Day | Carmen & Ingo via One Fab Day
