For creating lasting memories of your special time, a German marriage offers everything you could desire. A lovely setting will be yours as well as a perfect ceremony and much fun. :-)
Although marriage legal requirements are subject to change, you will find much information below so you can plan your experience of getting married in Germany. The rules aren’t difficult to follow and will allow you an ideal wedding.
You won’t have to let the license laws in Germany put a damper on your wedding. It’s recommended that you start early, however, and you should try to get all the paperwork done about 9 weeks in advance to be safe.
Prerequisites For A Perfect German Marriage
When you are coming from outside of Germany, be aware that each area in the country could have their own special requirements for a German marriage. Always verify with the offices where you will apply. You will at least need your passport and a copy of your birth certificate. You may also need a certificate of no impediment or a certificate attesting to your free status.
Medical tests will also be needed. Both parties often need blood test results. This medical certificate can possibly be obtained in your own country before arriving in Germany. You can verify this with the U.S. Consulate.
Getting married in Germany is really only legal if you have the ceremony conducted in a registrar’s office — the Standesamt. You can always have a religious ceremony afterwards. For a Church wedding, you’ll need your Certificates of Dismission if you are Catholic and your Baptismal Certificates.
You will also need proof that any earlier marriages were terminated. You must bring the final decree of divorce that shows the seal of the court. If you are widowed, you must provide the original or certified copy of your deceased spouse’s death certificate.
When coming from outside of Germany for a German marriage, you won’t find any residency requirement, and some locales will ask for a six-week notice of your marriage. Sometimes fees can run high for non-resident marriages. It’s been reported some were charged around €450.
The best way to go about arranging details and to ensure nothing is missed, you should visit the Standesamt in the region you will marry. Make an appointment to discuss the matters and what papers will be needed.
Wedding Ceremony, Customs And Traditions
Customs and traditions run strong in Germany. There’s one that can be quite profitable! A unique custom is the creating of a newspaper of the wedding. This paper is filled with special photos and articles about the engaged couple. It’s sold at the wedding reception and helps with honeymoon expenses!
A German marriage is quite the event. The wedding party can last a full three days. First would be a civil ceremony, the next night a huge wedding party and then on the third day would be the religious ceremony. After the religious service, a reception follows where the best man may steal the bride and take her to a pub until the groom can find them. ;-)
Some may have a question whether a homosexual marriage is permitted in Germany. Actually there is such a thing as a same-sex registered partnership. This permits gay couples to have rights such as inheritance and health insurance, but there is no marriage tax benefit. This is a compromise between those with differing views.
Getting married in Germany is quite the ideal way to start a life together. It’s filled with celebration and joy. And to go with the traditions can be enlightening and a lot of fun.
Why not do something unique if you are from a foreign country and have a German marriage in some romantic setting. You’ll never regret it and it will remain in memory forever.
