Germany—a land of fairy-tale castles, charming villages, and surprisingly complicated paperwork. If you and your partner are dreaming of tying the knot in this beautiful country, be prepared for a rollercoaster ride of bureaucracy, excitement, and perhaps a few trips to the Standesamt (Registry Office).
But don’t worry—I’ve got you covered! In this guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know about getting legally married in Germany as a foreigner, plus the best locations for a truly unforgettable wedding.
Step 1: Love & Legalities – The Documents You Need
Ah, German bureaucracy. If you’ve ever thought, “I bet getting married in Germany is easy,” prepare for a reality check. To legally say Ja, you’ll need to gather a very specific set of documents.
Essential Documents for a Civil Wedding in Germany:
✅ Valid passports (for both partners)
✅ Birth certificates (official and translated into German)
✅ Certificate of No Impediment to Marriage (Ehefähigkeitszeugnis) – a document proving you’re legally free to marry
✅ Proof of residence (Meldebescheinigung) – if you live in Germany
✅ Divorce decree or death certificate (if applicable)
Heads-up: If you’re from a non-EU country, your documents may need to be legalized via an apostille or authenticated by the German consulate in your home country. Some cases even require approval from a higher regional court in Germany (Oberlandesgericht).
💡 Pro Tip: Call your local Standesamt months in advance to clarify exactly what they need. Every region in Germany has its own slightly different set of requirements, and you don’t want any surprises.
Step 2: The Standesamt Experience – How to Make It Official
The Civil Ceremony – A Must for Every Couple
In Germany, the only legally binding way to get married is through a civil ceremony (Standesamtliche Trauung) at the Registry Office. Even if you’re planning a big wedding with all the bells and whistles, this official step is mandatory.
💡 How to book your Standesamt appointment:
- You can register for marriage up to six months in advance.
- Some cities (like Berlin, Munich, and Hamburg) have long waiting times, so book early!
- If neither of you speaks German fluently, you may be required to bring a certified translator.
Step 3: Religious or Symbolic Weddings – The Fun Part!
Once you’ve survived the paperwork, it’s time for the good stuff—your actual wedding celebration!
- Church weddings are optional but common, especially for Christian couples.
- Symbolic ceremonies (beach weddings, mountaintop vows, elopements) are gaining popularity.
- You can have your wedding anywhere after the civil ceremony—fancy a castle, vineyard, or even a city rooftop?
Step 4: Where to Get Married in Germany? Top Wedding Locations
Whether you dream of a royal wedding in a Bavarian castle, a stylish urban elopement, or a nature-inspired ceremony in the Black Forest, Germany offers breathtaking wedding venues for every style.
🏰 Fairytale Castles & Historic Venues
- Burg Eltz (Website) – A hidden medieval castle, straight out of a storybook.
- Schloss Neuschwanstein (Website) – The real-life Disney castle, perfect for romantic weddings.
- Schloss Heidelberg (Website) – A stunning castle overlooking the Neckar River.
🌆 Urban Chic & Modern Weddings
- Berlin’s Soho House (Website) – A stylish venue with a rooftop view.
- Hamburg’s Elbphilharmonie (Website) – A unique, modern venue on the waterfront.
🌿 Nature & Outdoor Weddings
- The Bavarian Alps – Get married in the mountains, with breathtaking landscapes.
- The Black Forest – Rustic cabins, deep forests, and magical vibes.
💡 Pro Tip: If you want to elope or have an intimate wedding, consider Germany’s wine country (like the Moselle Valley) for vineyard views and cozy guesthouses.
Step 5: Post-Wedding Paperwork (Yes, More Paperwork!)
After your civil wedding, you’ll receive a marriage certificate (Eheurkunde). If you need it to be recognized in your home country, you may require:
- A multilingual version (request this directly from the Standesamt)
- An apostille for international validation
Step 6: Capture the Magic – Wedding Photography in Germany
After all the bureaucracy, it’s time to focus on what really matters—your wedding memories. Germany’s landscapes, historic streets, and breathtaking venues make for stunning wedding photography.
As a destination wedding photographer, I specialize in capturing intimate, romantic, and timeless wedding moments across Germany and beyond. Whether it’s a dreamy castle shoot, a cozy winter wedding, or a spontaneous city elopement—I’d love to be part of your journey.
📸 See my wedding portfolio: Blog
💍 Explore photography packages: Investment
📩 Let’s create magic together: Contact Me
Final Thoughts: Is Getting Married in Germany Worth It?
Absolutely! Yes, the paperwork is a bit of a hurdle race, but Germany offers stunning wedding venues, high-quality services, and a seamless mix of history and modern elegance. If you’re patient with the legal process, you’ll be rewarded with a wedding experience unlike any other.
So, if you’re ready to say Ja, let’s make your dream wedding in Germany a reality! 🎉
