Belgium, a country known for its romantic medieval towns, breathtaking castles, and world-famous chocolates, is also home to some unique wedding traditions that make tying the knot here truly special.
Whether you’re planning a destination wedding in Belgium or simply curious about Belgian marriage customs, this guide will take you through the charming, quirky, and delicious traditions that make Belgian weddings unforgettable.
So, grab a Belgian waffle (or a beer, no judgment here), and let’s dive in!
Traditional Belgian Wedding Customs: What to Expect?
1. The Proposal & Engagement Traditions
In the past, Belgian proposals were more of a family event—the groom would formally ask for the bride’s hand in marriage in front of her parents. Today, proposals have become much more personal and creative, from romantic city rooftop proposals to intimate countryside moments.
💡 Fun fact: Many Belgian engagement rings feature minimalist designs with one elegant diamond—a reflection of Belgium’s rich history in diamond craftsmanship (Antwerp is, after all, the diamond capital of the world!).
2. The Civil Ceremony – A Legal Must!
If you’re dreaming of a church wedding in Belgium, there’s one important thing to know: you must first have a civil ceremony. This takes place at the local maison communale (town hall), often housed in historic buildings with stunning architecture.
💍 Some of the most beautiful places to have a civil wedding in Belgium include:
- Brussels City Hall – a true Gothic masterpiece (brussels.be)
- Bruges City Hall – a fairy-tale location in the “Venice of the North” (bruges.be)
After the civil ceremony, couples can move on to a religious or symbolic wedding in a church, castle, or even outdoors in the countryside.
3. Pre-Wedding Celebrations: Bachelor & Bachelorette Fun
While Belgium doesn’t have the wildest pre-wedding traditions, modern couples enjoy:
🍺 Beer-themed bachelor parties in Brussels (because, Belgium.)
🛁 Spa retreats in the Ardennes for a relaxing bachelorette weekend
🎭 Masquerade parties in Ghent for a stylish and mysterious twist
Some regions also have a Polterabend-style gathering where friends break porcelain for good luck (because who doesn’t love a little chaos before the wedding?).
Belgian Wedding Day: Ceremony & Celebration
4. The Wedding Dress & Groom’s Attire
Belgian brides love classic, sophisticated dresses, often with lace details—think timeless elegance rather than over-the-top princess gowns. Some even incorporate heirloom jewelry for a sentimental touch.
Grooms usually wear well-tailored suits, but here’s a fun trend: quirky accessories like brightly colored socks or patterned bow ties to add personality!
5. Wedding Venues in Belgium: Where to Say ‘I Do’
Belgium is packed with breathtaking wedding venues, from medieval castles to vineyard estates.
🏰 Top Belgian wedding venues to check out:
Many couples also choose Bruges, Ghent, or the Ardennes for their dreamy European-style wedding.
The Reception: Food, Drinks & Dancing
6. Belgian Wedding Feast: Chocolate, Waffles & More!
Forget boring wedding menus—Belgium knows how to do food right!
🍽️ Traditional Belgian wedding dishes include:
- Carbonnade flamande – a delicious beef stew made with Belgian beer
- Vol-au-vent – a creamy chicken and mushroom dish in a pastry shell
- Mussels & Fries – because why not bring a little Belgian seaside charm?
💡 Pro tip: Add a Belgian waffle station at your wedding instead of a traditional dessert table. Guests will LOVE it!
🍫 And of course, there’s chocolate. Some couples even have a chocolate fountain instead of a wedding cake (which is exactly the kind of decision-making we support).
7. Wedding Drinks: Belgian Beer or Champagne?
Belgium produces some of the best beers in the world, so don’t be surprised if instead of champagne toasts, weddings feature craft beer pairings.
🍻 Top Belgian beers to include at your wedding:
- Duvel – a golden strong ale, perfect for celebrating
- Chimay Blue – a rich, Trappist beer for beer lovers
- Kriek – a cherry-infused beer, great for summer weddings
Of course, champagne and fine wines are still a staple at Belgian weddings for those who prefer bubbles!
8. Wedding Party Fun & Games
💃 Belgian weddings don’t end early—expect a long night of dancing!
One fun game played at many Belgian weddings is the bridal shoe game:
👠 The bride and groom sit back-to-back, holding one of each other’s shoes.
❓ The MC asks funny questions like, “Who is the better cook?” or “Who made the first move?”
👞 The couple answers by raising the shoe of the person they think fits the answer best!
It’s always a crowd favorite and a great way to get guests laughing.
9. Wedding Favors: A Sweet Goodbye
Belgian wedding favors often include dragees (sugared almonds) or personalized Belgian chocolates. Some couples get creative and give guests mini bottles of Belgian beer or handmade pralines in elegant packaging.
10. Planning a Wedding in Belgium? Here’s What You Need to Know
💡 Quick FAQ:
❓ Can foreigners get married in Belgium? – Yes, but at least one partner must be a Belgian resident or have a strong connection to Belgium.
❓ Do I need a wedding planner? – If you’re planning a destination wedding, a planner can help with venue selection, paperwork, and logistics.
❓ Best time for a wedding in Belgium? – Spring and summer (April–September) offer beautiful weather and longer daylight hours.
Final Thoughts: Make Your Belgian Wedding Unforgettable!
Belgium is a hidden gem for weddings, offering stunning venues, rich traditions, and the best food and drinks you could ask for. Whether you’re drawn to a medieval castle wedding or a chic city celebration, Belgium has something for every couple.
💍 Looking for a wedding photographer who can capture every laugh, tear, and dance move?
I’d love to tell your love story through authentic, timeless photography.
📸 Check out my portfolio: Your Happy Moments Blog
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📩 Let’s make magic happen! Get in touch: Contact Page
💛 Let’s turn your wedding day into a story that lasts forever!
