Planning a wedding is like baking a Belgian waffle—exciting, sometimes messy, but oh-so-rewarding. And what better place to say “I do” than Belgium? With its fairy-tale castles, charming cobblestone streets, and world-famous chocolates, this little country is a dream wedding destination. If you’re considering planning a DIY wedding in Belgium, here’s your ultimate guide to making it happen—without breaking the bank or losing your sanity.
Why Choose Belgium for Your DIY Wedding?
Why Belgium? Well, apart from the fact that it’s gorgeous, it offers a blend of history, romance, and top-tier food (hello, waffles and fries!). Whether you’re dreaming of a chic city wedding in Brussels, a rustic barn celebration in Flanders, or an intimate castle affair, Belgium has it all.
And let’s not forget the beer—imagine toasting with authentic Trappist brews instead of the usual champagne. Now, that’s a wedding with character!
Step 1: Choosing the Perfect DIY Wedding Venue
A wedding without a venue is like a waffle without toppings—still good, but missing something special. Here are some incredible DIY-friendly wedding venues in Belgium:
- 🏰 Château de la Hulpe (📍Website): A dreamy castle just outside Brussels, perfect for a fairy-tale wedding.
- 🍺 De Hoorn Brewery (📍Website): An old brewery in Leuven turned industrial-chic wedding venue—ideal for beer lovers!
- 🌳 Domein Vossenberg (📍Website): A rustic barn-style venue with plenty of space for a DIY setup.
- 🌿 Jardin d’Annevoie (📍Website): Stunning water gardens that make for a magical outdoor ceremony spot.
👉 Pro Tip: Many venues offer a “dry hire” option, meaning you rent the space but bring in your own caterers, décor, and suppliers—ideal for DIY couples!
Step 2: Understanding the Legal Side of Getting Married in Belgium
Before you start picking out flowers and cake flavors, you need to sort out the paperwork. Here’s what you need to know:
✅ Residency Rules: At least one of you needs to have been a resident of Belgium for at least three months before the wedding.
✅ Legal Ceremony: The civil wedding must take place at the local commune (town hall) before any symbolic or religious ceremony.
✅ Documents Required: Birth certificates, passports, proof of residence, and sometimes a certificate of celibacy (yes, that’s a thing!).
For up-to-date info, check with the Belgian embassy or your local commune.
👉 Alternative Option: If the residency rule is a hassle, consider doing the legal part in your home country and then having a symbolic ceremony in Belgium.
Step 3: Budgeting Like a Pro
Belgium is known for its exquisite taste (and not just in chocolate), but that doesn’t mean your wedding has to cost a fortune. Here’s how to save big while still having a stunning celebration:
💰 Off-Peak Advantage: Book a weekday or winter wedding for huge discounts on venues and vendors.
🌸 DIY Flowers & Décor: Buy flowers from local markets and create simple yet elegant centerpieces yourself.
📱 Go Digital: Ditch printed invitations—use wedding websites or e-invites instead.
🎶 Music Savings: Skip the expensive live band—hire a DJ or curate your own epic Spotify playlist.
👗 Second-Hand Elegance: Rent or buy a pre-loved wedding dress—no one will know the difference!
For more budget hacks, check out this wedding budget guide.
Step 4: Making Your Wedding Uniquely You
One of the best things about a DIY wedding is that it reflects your personality. Here’s how to add personal touches to your Belgian wedding:
🎨 Custom Wedding Favors: Mini jars of Belgian chocolate spread or local honey? Yes, please!
📸 Polaroid Guestbook: Set up a photo station where guests snap pics and leave handwritten notes.
🚲 Bike Entrance: Belgium is a cycling paradise—why not arrive at your wedding on a tandem bike?
Step 5: Hiring a Photographer Who Gets It
Belgium is stunning, and you need someone who knows how to capture its magic—without making you pose awkwardly for hours. That’s where I come in!
📸 My Style: Natural, romantic, and full of light.
🌍 Destination Wedding Pro: I’ve photographed weddings all over Belgium and know the best hidden gems.
💬 Stress-Free Approach: I’ll help you feel comfortable and confident in front of the camera—no stiff poses, just real moments.
Check out my portfolio here, see my photography packages here, and let’s chat about your big day here.
Final Thoughts: Let’s Make Your DIY Wedding in Belgium a Reality!
Planning a DIY wedding is a wild but beautiful adventure, and Belgium is the perfect setting for it. Whether you’re getting married in a castle, brewery, or garden, your love story deserves to be captured in a way that’s as magical as your day.
So, grab a waffle, start planning, and remember—the best weddings are the ones that feel like YOU. 💕
