Imagine this: You and your soulmate are strolling through the fairytale streets of Bruges, hand in hand. The air is crisp, the canals reflect the golden sunset, and in just a few days, you’ll be saying “I do” in a stunning Belgian château. But wait—do you have all the legal paperwork sorted? Let’s unravel the mystery of getting married in Belgium so that your dream wedding doesn’t turn into a bureaucratic nightmare!
Can Foreigners Get Married in Belgium?
Absolutely! Belgium welcomes lovebirds from all over the world, but there are a few important rules:
💍 Legal Age: You must be at least 18 years old. If you’re younger, you’ll need a special court exemption (and probably a very convincing love story).
💍 Consent is Everything: Both partners must enter the marriage voluntarily—so no shady deals or secret family arrangements.
💍 Residency Matters: At least one of you must have a connection to Belgium—either by being a Belgian citizen or having lived in Belgium for at least three months. A quick “let’s fly to Belgium and get married tomorrow” won’t work here.
💍 Single Status: You must be legally single—meaning if you’ve been married before, you need to provide proof of divorce or widowhood.
For official details, check Diplomatie Belgium.
How to Legally Get Married in Belgium: Step-by-Step Guide
1. Submit Your Notice of Marriage
Before tying the knot, you must file a “Declaration of Marriage” (aankondiging van huwelijk or déclaration de mariage) at the local town hall (maison communale or stadhuis). This should be done at least 14 days before the wedding and is valid for six months.
2. Gather Your Paperwork
You’ll need:
📜 Passports or ID cards
📜 Birth certificates (officially translated if not in Dutch, French, or German)
📜 Proof of residence (utility bill, rental contract, or a formal statement)
📜 Single Status Certificate (proof that you’re not already married)
📜 Prenuptial agreement (optional)
Pro tip: Many town halls require documents to be legalized or bear an apostille stamp, so check in advance!
3. The Civil Ceremony
In Belgium, only civil ceremonies are legally recognized. Religious or symbolic weddings can happen only after the civil marriage is complete.
The ceremony usually takes place at the town hall, led by the mayor or an official. It’s a short but meaningful affair—typically under 30 minutes. After this, you can celebrate with a symbolic or religious ceremony at your dream venue!
Best Wedding Venues in Belgium
Ready for the fun part? Belgium is packed with dreamy wedding locations! Whether you want to say “I do” in a fairy-tale château, a charming cityscape, or surrounded by vineyards, here are a few top picks:
🏰 Château de la Hulpe – A stunning castle just outside Brussels, surrounded by lush greenery. Perfect for a royal wedding vibe! Website
🏰 Château de Modave – A historic castle in the Belgian countryside, ideal for an elegant and intimate wedding. Website
🏙 Bruges City Hall – If you love medieval charm, the Gothic-style town hall in Bruges offers a breathtaking backdrop for your ceremony.
🌳 Orangerie Botanical Garden, Meise – Want a lush, nature-filled wedding? This botanical garden near Brussels is perfect for a romantic outdoor ceremony. Website
🍷 Belgian Vineyards – Yes, Belgium has vineyards! Host your wedding in a countryside vineyard in Wallonia for a relaxed, rustic vibe.
Belgian Wedding Traditions You’ll Love
🇧🇪 The Waffle Wedding Cake – Why settle for a regular cake when you can have a delicious Belgian waffle tower? Your guests will love it!
🍻 A Beer-Lover’s Toast – Belgium has over 1,000 types of beer—so why not serve a selection of Belgian brews at your wedding bar?
👰 A Lucky Coin in the Bride’s Shoe – Belgian brides often place a coin in their shoe for good luck. A bit uncomfortable? Maybe. But hey, it’s tradition!
FAQ: Everything You Need to Know
❓ How much does a civil wedding in Belgium cost?
💰 Fees vary by municipality but generally range from €50 to €250.
❓ Do I need a visa to get married in Belgium?
🛂 If you’re not an EU citizen, you might need a visa to stay in Belgium during the wedding process. Check this guide for visa details.
❓ Can same-sex couples get married in Belgium?
🌈 Yes! Belgium legalized same-sex marriage in 2003, making it one of the first European countries to do so.
❓ Can we have a symbolic wedding without the legal process?
💍 Absolutely! If the legal paperwork is too complex, you can legally marry in your home country and have a symbolic ceremony in Belgium instead.
Final Thoughts: Make Your Belgian Wedding Unforgettable
Belgium is a magical destination for a wedding—whether you’re dreaming of a castle celebration, a cozy city wedding, or a vineyard escape. But let’s be real—between paperwork, translations, and venue hunting, it can get overwhelming.
✨ And that’s where I come in! As an experienced destination wedding photographer, I know exactly how to capture the essence of your love story in Belgium’s most breathtaking locations.
💛 See my wedding photography portfolio: yourhappymoments.net/blog
📷 Choose the perfect photography package: yourhappymoments.net/investment
📩 Let’s chat about your dream wedding: yourhappymoments.net/contact
So, ready to turn your Belgian wedding dreams into reality? Let’s make magic together! ✨
