Imagine this: You and your partner, standing hand in hand in the heart of a historic European city, the sound of distant church bells ringing as you say, “I do.” No legal drama, no judgment—just love, pure and simple. Welcome to Belgium, one of the most LGBTQ+-friendly countries in the world and an absolute gem for destination weddings.
If you’re wondering whether Belgium is the right place for your LGBTQ+ wedding, let me save you some time—yes, it is. And in this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know: legalities, dream venues, local traditions, and some juicy planning tips to make your wedding unforgettable.
🌈 Why Belgium Is a Top LGBTQ+ Wedding Destination
Belgium was way ahead of the game when it comes to marriage equality. It became the second country in the world to legalize same-sex marriage back in 2003 (take that, slowpokes!). But here’s the best part: Belgium doesn’t just tolerate LGBTQ+ weddings—it celebrates them.
Unlike some destinations where you might encounter legal loopholes or social resistance, Belgium offers a seamless, inclusive, and stress-free wedding experience. From picturesque city halls to grand castles, there’s something magical for every couple.
📜 LGBTQ+ Marriage Laws in Belgium: The Legal Stuff (But I’ll Keep It Fun)
Before you book the DJ and start dreaming of Belgian chocolate fountains, let’s talk legalities. The good news? Getting married in Belgium is pretty straightforward.
✅ Who Can Get Married in Belgium?
- LGBTQ+ couples have had the same marriage rights as heterosexual couples since 2003.
- You don’t need to be a Belgian citizen, but at least one of you must have lived in Belgium for three months before the wedding.
- You must be 18 or older (because, duh, it’s a legal contract).
✅ The Wedding Process
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Civil Ceremony is Mandatory
- All legal marriages in Belgium must be conducted as civil ceremonies at the local town hall (romantic, right?).
- If you want a religious or symbolic ceremony, it has to be after the civil wedding.
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Documents You’ll Need
- Valid passports or ID cards
- Birth certificates (officially translated if necessary)
- Proof of residence (at least one of you must have lived in Belgium for 3+ months)
- If previously married: Divorce or death certificates
- “Declaration of Marriage” form (submitted at the local municipal office)
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Waiting Period
- Once you file your marriage application, there’s a minimum two-week waiting period before you can get hitched.
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Changing Your Last Name?
- Unlike in some countries, getting married in Belgium doesn’t automatically change your last name—you’ll need to file a separate request for that.
💒 Best LGBTQ+ Wedding Venues in Belgium
Okay, now that we’ve covered the boring (but necessary) part, let’s talk venues! Whether you want an intimate elopement or a grand celebration, Belgium has some of the most stunning wedding spots in Europe.
✨ Brussels: Classic & Chic
Brussels is vibrant, diverse, and full of iconic wedding backdrops. Imagine exchanging vows at Grand Place, one of the most breathtaking squares in the world. And after the wedding? Treat yourselves to waffles and beer—because why not?
📍 Visit Brussels
✨ Bruges: Fairy-Tale Romance
If you’ve ever dreamed of a medieval love story (minus the plagues and dragons), Bruges is your place. With cobbled streets, canals, and dreamy stone bridges, it’s basically a real-life fairy tale.
📍 Visit Bruges
✨ Antwerp: Modern & LGBTQ+-Friendly
Antwerp is stylish, artistic, and incredibly inclusive. The city has a thriving LGBTQ+ scene, making it a fantastic option for a wedding. Plus, the MAS Museum rooftop offers jaw-dropping city views for those golden-hour wedding photos.
📍 Visit Antwerp
✨ A Castle Wedding? Yes, Please!
Belgium has over 3,000 castles, and many of them host weddings. Imagine tying the knot in the grand Château de la Hulpe or the stunning Alden Biesen estate. Absolute royalty vibes.
📍 Château de la Hulpe
🍫 Belgian Wedding Traditions (Steal These for Your Own!)
If you want to add a Belgian touch to your wedding, here are some fun traditions:
💍 The Wedding Ribbon Tradition – Couples cut a ribbon stretched across the entrance, symbolizing their journey into married life.
🍫 Chocolate Over Cake? – Belgian weddings often swap traditional cakes for decadent chocolate fountains. Yes, please!
💌 The Surprise Wedding Letter – Couples write secret letters to each other and read them privately before the ceremony. Tissues required.
📸 Find the Perfect LGBTQ+ Wedding Photographer in Belgium
Your wedding is going to be epic, and your photos should reflect every joyful, intimate, and fun moment. As an LGBTQ+-friendly wedding photographer, I specialize in capturing authentic love stories in the most magical places.
👉 Want to see more dreamy wedding photos? Check out my portfolio: Your Happy Moments Blog
👉 Curious about wedding photography packages? Here’s what I offer: Investment
👉 Ready to plan your perfect wedding shoot? Let’s make it happen! Contact Me
💍 Final Thoughts: Why Belgium is The Place for LGBTQ+ Weddings
Belgium isn’t just a country where LGBTQ+ marriage is legal—it’s a place where love is celebrated, period. Whether you dream of a city wedding in Brussels, a romantic elopement in Bruges, or a fairy-tale castle ceremony, Belgium offers the perfect setting.
And when you’re ready to capture those unforgettable moments, I’d be honored to be part of your journey. Let’s turn your Belgian wedding dream into a reality—one happy moment at a time! 🎉✨
