Civil wedding ceremony

In Germany, you cannot get married spontaneously. Instead, the engaged couple must register their marriage - and there must be no obstacles to the marriage. You can find information on this under "Marriage registration - general information".

A civil marriage is concluded when the spouses (engaged couple) declare to the registrar that they wish to marry each other. The declaration can only be made in person and in the simultaneous presence of both spouses. It may not contain any conditions or time limits.

The registrar decides whether an interpreter must be called in if necessary.

If the spouses wish, witnesses may be present at the marriage ceremony - this is not mandatory. In addition to the spouses and any witnesses, other people (e.g. relatives and friends) may also attend.

The registrar performs the marriage ceremony in a dignified manner appropriate to the significance of the marriage. He usually gives a short speech.

Tip: Clarify in good time with your registrar, who will perform the wedding ceremony, whether your ideas for your civil ceremony can be realised.

In the German Civil Code (BGB), marriage is regulated in Sections 1310 to 1312. The entry in the marriage register is made in accordance with § 15 of the Civil Status Act.

If the marriage was validly contracted abroad by a German, stateless person, homeless foreigner or foreign refugee within the meaning of the Convention relating to the Status of Refugees, entry in the marriage register is only made on application.

You or other persons may need proof of your marriage not only directly after the marriage, but also later. If you need a marriage certificate at a later date, you or authorised persons can apply for it to be issued at any time.