So, you’ve decided to tie the knot in Belgium—congratulations! 🎉 Whether you’re drawn to the country’s romantic medieval cities, stunning châteaus, or the simple elegance of a European wedding, Belgium is a fantastic place to say “I do.”
But before you get lost in wedding daydreams of sipping champagne under gothic arches or strolling along cobblestone streets, let’s talk legal stuff. Belgium is charming but also very organized when it comes to marriage laws. No spontaneous Vegas-style weddings here!
If you’re wondering how to get married in Belgium, what documents you need, and where to do it, this guide will take you through everything—without boring you to sleep. Let’s dive in!
1. Can You Get Married in Belgium? (Who’s Eligible?)
Before you book that fairytale château, make sure you meet Belgium’s marriage requirements:
✔ At least one partner must be a Belgian resident (if you’re both foreigners with no Belgian address, a legal wedding isn’t possible—but a symbolic one is!).
✔ Both partners must be at least 18 years old (under 18? You’ll need court approval).
✔ You must be legally single (Belgium frowns upon bigamy).
✔ Same-sex marriages are fully legal and recognized—Belgium was one of the first countries to legalize them in 2003!
2. The Marriage Declaration: Your First Legal Step
Unlike in the movies, you can’t just show up at city hall and get married on the spot. First, you have to submit a marriage declaration at the local commune (municipality) where at least one of you lives.
📅 Timeline:
- File at least 14 days before the wedding
- Valid for up to 6 months (so don’t procrastinate too long!)
📝 Documents You’ll Need:
- Passports or ID cards
- Birth certificates (officially translated if not in Dutch, French, or German)
- Proof of residence
- A certificate stating you’re legally free to marry (single status certificate)
- If previously married: proof of divorce or spouse’s death certificate
⚠️ Important: If your documents are from another country, they may need legalization or an Apostille—check with the Belgian authorities.
👉 Find your local commune for more info: Belgian Government Website
3. The Civil Ceremony: Where the Magic (Legally) Happens
In Belgium, only civil marriages are legally recognized. Religious or symbolic ceremonies can happen afterward, but the civil wedding comes first.
📍 Where? The civil ceremony takes place at the town hall (hôtel de ville/stadhuis) in the commune where the declaration was filed.
💰 Cost? Civil weddings are affordable—fees range from €20 to €250 depending on location and day. Some communes even offer free ceremonies on certain days!
👫 Witnesses? You’ll need 1 to 4 witnesses (friends, family, or anyone you trust).
💍 What Happens? Expect a short and sweet ceremony—the official reads the marriage law, you exchange vows, sign the marriage register, and boom—you’re legally married!
4. Best Wedding Locations in Belgium
Once the legal part is done, it’s time to celebrate! 🎉 Whether you’re planning a small intimate gathering or a grand fairy-tale wedding, Belgium has stunning venues to suit every style.
🏰 Dreamy Châteaux & Castles:
- Château de la Hulpe – A romantic castle just outside Brussels with breathtaking gardens. (Website)
- Château du Lac – A picturesque lakeside venue with luxury vibes. (Website)
- Château de Mirwart – A hidden gem in the Ardennes for an exclusive, magical setting. (Website)
🌆 Historic & Elegant City Venues:
- Brussels City Hall – A gothic masterpiece for a sophisticated wedding.
- Antwerp Town Hall – A UNESCO-listed Renaissance beauty.
- Bruges Town Hall – The ultimate fairytale backdrop.
🌿 Unique Outdoor & Rustic Settings:
- Royal Greenhouses of Laeken – Get married surrounded by exotic flowers and grand glass structures. (Website)
- The Ardennes – A dreamy countryside option with forests and rivers.
5. Extra Wedding Tips for Belgium
💡 Language Considerations: Belgium has three official languages (Dutch, French, and German), so make sure you know which language your ceremony will be in! If necessary, hire an interpreter.
💡 Symbolic & Destination Weddings: If you’re a foreign couple who can’t legally marry in Belgium, you can still have a symbolic wedding or vow renewal in an epic Belgian location.
💡 Photography & Videography: Belgium’s stunning backdrops—medieval towns, dreamy castles, and lush gardens—deserve to be captured beautifully. Don’t skimp on your wedding photography!
6. FAQs About Getting Married in Belgium
❓Can foreigners get legally married in Belgium?
Yes, but one of you must be a resident. Otherwise, consider a symbolic ceremony and legally marry in your home country.
❓How long does a civil ceremony take?
Usually 15-30 minutes—short, official, and to the point!
❓Can I have a religious wedding without a civil ceremony?
No. In Belgium, you must have a civil marriage first for any religious or symbolic ceremony to be recognized.
❓How long does it take to get a marriage certificate?
You usually receive it right after the ceremony or within a few days.
Final Thoughts: Let’s Make Your Wedding Unforgettable!
Getting married in Belgium is a blend of romance and paperwork—but once the legalities are out of the way, the magic begins! Whether you’re planning a destination wedding, a castle celebration, or a chic city ceremony, your Belgian love story deserves to be captured in the most stunning way possible.
📸 Looking for a wedding photographer to capture your happiest moments? I’d love to be part of your journey! Explore my portfolio here: Your Happy Moments Blog.
💰 Curious about pricing? Find my photography packages here: Investment.
📩 Ready to chat? Let’s create magic together! Reach out via my Contact Page.
Cheers to love, adventure, and an unforgettable wedding in Belgium! 🥂
