💍 Dreaming of a wedding in Belgium? Whether it’s a grand château affair or a cozy ceremony in a historic town hall, Belgium offers a magical setting for your big day. But before you exchange vows and toast with world-class Belgian beer, let’s walk through the legal requirements—because even fairy tales need paperwork!
Can You Get Married in Belgium?
Before you pick your venue and start dress shopping, let’s make sure you’re eligible to say “I do” in Belgium.
✅ Minimum Age: Both partners must be at least 18 years old. If one of you is younger, you’ll need a special court exemption (not guaranteed, so maybe wait until your next birthday).
✅ Mutual Consent: Forced marriages are strictly prohibited—both of you need to be on board with this decision (no surprises at the altar, please!).
✅ No Existing Marriage: Already married? Belgium isn’t a fan of double-dipping, so you’ll need to provide proof that any previous marriages have been legally dissolved.
✅ Residency Requirements: At least one partner must be a Belgian resident or have lived in Belgium for at least three months. This can be tricky for international couples, but don’t worry—there are ways to make it work!
👉 More details on eligibility: Belgium Diplomatie
What Documents Do You Need to Get Married in Belgium?
Belgium is known for its efficient bureaucracy (and waffles), so prepare for some paperwork! Here’s your checklist:
📜 Passport or ID card (valid and not expiring soon)
📜 Birth certificate (official, translated, and apostilled if issued outside Belgium)
📜 Proof of residence (for at least one partner)
📜 Certificate of no impediment (proves you’re legally free to marry)
📜 Divorce or death certificate (if you were previously married)
📜 Prenuptial agreement (optional, but good if you want to sort out finances in advance)
🔎 Pro Tip: Some documents may need to be officially translated into Dutch, French, or German, depending on the municipality where you’re marrying. If you’re unsure, contact the local town hall at least three months before your wedding to avoid last-minute panic.
How to Register for Marriage in Belgium?
Once your documents are ready, it’s time to make things official. Here’s what you need to do:
📝 Step 1: Submit a Marriage Declaration
- Where? At the local town hall (commune/gemeente) where at least one partner lives.
- When? Between 14 days and six months before your wedding date.
💰 Step 2: Pay the Registration Fee
- Prices vary by municipality but expect to pay between €30 and €250.
👰 Step 3: Plan the Ceremony
- Your wedding must first be legally registered in a civil ceremony before any religious or symbolic celebration.
👉 Check the full registration process here: Brussels Town Hall
The Wedding Ceremony in Belgium: What to Expect?
In Belgium, civil ceremonies are mandatory and take place at the town hall.
📍 Location: Your local municipality hall
⏳ Duration: Short and sweet—usually 20 to 30 minutes
🗣 Language: The ceremony will be in Dutch, French, or German, depending on the region (hire a translator if needed!)
👀 Witnesses: You need at least 2 and up to 4 witnesses, aged 18 or older
💡 After the civil ceremony, you’re free to have a religious or symbolic wedding anywhere you like—whether it’s in a grand château or a cozy forest retreat!
Best Wedding Venues in Belgium
Now, for the fun part—choosing a stunning venue! Here are some dreamy locations to consider:
🏰 Château de la Hulpe – A fairytale castle with lush gardens, perfect for an elegant wedding. Website
🎭 Concert Noble (Brussels) – If you love grandeur, this 19th-century ballroom is the definition of elegance. Website
🌉 Bruges City Hall – A historic and picturesque setting in the heart of medieval Bruges. Website
🌿 De Hoorn (Leuven) – A trendy industrial-style venue for modern couples who want something unique. Website
🍷 Château de Namur – A vineyard castle with breathtaking views—perfect for wine lovers. Website
FAQs: Getting Married in Belgium
💡 Can foreigners get married in Belgium?
Yes! However, at least one of you needs to have resided in Belgium for at least 3 months, or you may need to establish a temporary residence.
💡 How much does a wedding in Belgium cost?
- Civil ceremony fee: €30-€250
- Venue rental: €1,500-€10,000+
- Catering per guest: €50-€150
- Photographer (for dreamy shots!): €1,500+ (See my packages)
💡 Do I need a visa to marry in Belgium?
If you’re from the EU, no visa is needed. If you’re from outside the EU, you might need a short-stay visa and additional documentation.
💡 Can I get married in Belgium if I don’t speak the language?
Yes, but your civil ceremony will be in Dutch, French, or German, so you may need an official translator.
Final Thoughts: Let’s Make Your Belgian Wedding Unforgettable!
Planning a wedding in Belgium is an exciting adventure, and with the right guidance, it can be stress-free. From romantic castle venues to historic city halls, this country has something magical for every couple.
📷 Want breathtaking wedding photos? Check out my portfolio: Your Happy Moments Blog
💌 Looking for a photographer who captures authentic, timeless moments? See my wedding packages or contact me.
Let’s create memories that last a lifetime! 💕
