Timeframes, Documents, and How to Speed Up the Process
If you’ve ever dreamed of getting married in Germany—whether for the stunning castle backdrops, the efficiency (hello, German punctuality!), or simply because life brought you here—you’re probably wondering:
How long does it actually take to get married in Germany?
Well, my lovebirds, let’s just say that while German weddings are magical, getting legally married here is a journey that requires patience, paperwork, and maybe a celebratory beer (or two) when it’s all done. 🥂
1. The German Wedding Process: How Long Does It REALLY Take?
If you were hoping for a quick and easy process, I have good and bad news.
✅ Good news: Once you’re approved, the wedding itself takes only about 20 minutes at the Standesamt (Civil Registry Office).
❌ Bad news: The process of preparing, submitting paperwork, and waiting for approval can take anywhere from 3 to 6 months—sometimes longer for foreign couples.
Here’s a realistic timeline for getting legally married in Germany:
| Step |
Estimated Timeframe |
| Gathering documents |
1-3 months (depends on your home country) |
| Submitting paperwork to Standesamt |
2-8 weeks |
| Approval & booking a wedding date |
4-12 weeks |
| Civil wedding ceremony |
20 minutes 🎉 |
So, let’s break this down, step by step!
2. Paperwork, Bureaucracy, and More Paperwork
Germany is famous for many things—cars, castles, Christmas markets—but also for its love of bureaucracy. Before you can say “Ja, ich will,” you need to submit an application at the Standesamt (Civil Registry Office).
What Documents Do You Need?
🔹 Passports (or national ID cards for EU citizens)
🔹 Birth certificates (issued within the last 6 months, with an apostille & translation)
🔹 Certificate of No Impediment to Marriage (Ehefähigkeitszeugnis) – proving you’re single & free to marry
🔹 Proof of residence (Meldebescheinigung) if applicable
🔹 Divorce decree or death certificate (if previously married)
💡 Pro Tip: Some documents take weeks or months to obtain, especially if they require apostilles or embassy verification. Get started as soon as possible!
3. Booking a Wedding Date: How Long Do You Have to Wait?
Once your paperwork is approved, you can finally book your wedding date! But don’t expect next-day availability—Germany doesn’t do spontaneous weddings.
⏳ How long is the wait?
- Small-town Standesämter: 2-4 weeks
- Big cities (Berlin, Munich, Hamburg): 3-6 months (especially in summer)
💡 Tip: If you want a weekend wedding, book as early as possible!
4. Can Foreigners Get Married in Germany?
Short answer: Yes! Long answer: Be prepared for extra paperwork.
If neither of you is a German resident, the Standesamt may ask for proof of a strong connection to Germany (like family ties or frequent visits). Some couples find it easier to get legally married in their home country and have a symbolic ceremony in Germany.
Bonus Hack: Some couples marry in Denmark first (famous for its fast wedding process) and then have a German celebration.
5. The Wedding Day: Civil Ceremony & Beyond
Congratulations! Your paperwork is approved, your date is set, and now it’s time to say “I do.”
The civil ceremony at the Standesamt is short and sweet (20-30 minutes), with:
✔ A legal official leading the vows
✔ Optional witnesses
✔ A translator (if you don’t speak German)
✔ A signed Eheurkunde (Marriage Certificate)—official proof you’re married!
After that? Celebrate however you like! 🎉 Whether it’s a simple dinner or a grand fairy-tale wedding, Germany has stunning venues:
Top Wedding Locations in Germany:
🏰 Neuschwanstein Castle – A real-life fairy-tale wedding Website
🌳 English Garden, Munich – A dreamy outdoor wedding Website
✨ Sanssouci Palace, Potsdam – Elegant & historical Website
6. How to Speed Up the Process? (Wedding Hacks!)
⏩ Start paperwork early (some documents take months to process)
⏩ Consider a less busy Standesamt (big cities = long wait times)
⏩ Plan for a weekday wedding (weekends book fast)
⏩ Check if Denmark is a faster option
Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?
Yes, the process takes time. Yes, the paperwork is a lot. But at the end of the day, it’s not about bureaucracy—it’s about love. ❤️
And when your wedding photos capture that perfect moment—whether in a historic castle or a cozy Berlin café—you’ll realize it was all worth it.
Speaking of photos… 📸
If you want to remember your German wedding forever (without blurry smartphone pics!), let’s make sure your day is captured beautifully.
👉 Explore my wedding photography portfolio here: Your Happy Moments Blog
👉 See my photography packages: Investment
👉 Let’s chat & plan your dream wedding shoot: Contact Me
Let’s create wedding photos that will make you say, “That was the best day of our lives!” 💕
