What do scenic forests, captivating castles, gorgeous lakes, towering mountains, and medieval architecture scream? Romance! And with these and more tourist attractions in Germany, it’s easy to see why it has become the ideal wedding destination for many couples. After all, they can embrace the charming beauty, dive into the rich culture, and enjoy the incredible cuisines while saying “I do”, overlooking one of the picturesque culturally diverse attractions. Does this sound like something you would enjoy? Let’s show you how to get married in Germany as a U.S. citizen:
How to Get Married in Germany As a U.S. Citizen?
Getting married in Germany for foreigners is relatively straightforward if you check all the required boxes. Let’s show you how you can do this:
- Hire a wedding planner: Like many countries, the marriage process in Germany can be quite lengthy due to the paperwork involved. It is best to work with someone who understands the marriage requirements and can step in on your behalf when you are not in the country.
- Choose a wedding option: Germany only recognizes civil weddings. As such, many people choose to combine these weddings with religious or symbolic weddings to personalize the events. Your choice will determine your venue and other preliminaries. For example, if you want to get married in a Catholic wedding, you must inform a German priest and start taking pre-marital classes.
- Book a wedding venue: Civil ceremonies occur in the registrar’s office. However, booking a wedding venue is a good idea if you want to couple this with a symbolic or religious ceremony. Germany has many beautiful options, and your wedding planner can help you select the best option.
- Prepare your marriage application documents: You must prove you are eligible for marriage by presenting the required documents, e.g., birth certificates, passports, single status statements, etc. The documents vary based on your residence, whether you have been married, and your age. In a later section, we will discuss all the document requirements.
- Translate the documents: The official language in Germany is German. Thus, you cannot present English documents and will need to translate your documents to make them acceptable. Travel Visa Pro provides certified translation services and can get you accurate translations within days.
- Get apostilles: Documents issued in the U.S. must have apostilles to verify the integrity of their stamps, seals, and signatures. Without these, the registrar’s office in Germany may not accept them. The issuing authority must do the apostilles. For example, the Texas Secretary of State issues apostilles for Texas birth certificates. TVP can help you complete this step within a few days, as we offer apostille services across all states.
- Arrive in Germany: Foreigners getting married in Germany must arrive in the country at least 21 days before applying for a marriage license. You must prove this by presenting a Meldebescheinigung or other acceptable document. If you live in Germany, you can submit your application immediately by handing over your residence permit.
- Visit the “Standesamt” (Local Registry Office): A clerk will review your marriage application and tell you what documents you should provide. You should attend this meeting as a couple. If one of you cannot make it, the attending partner should present a power of attorney from the absent partner to allow the meeting to take place.
- Submit the required documents: Not only will you fill out a marriage application form, but you will also present translated and legalized documents to prove your eligibility for marriage in Germany.
- Return to the U.S.: The assessment period does not have a standard waiting period, as the registrar’s office must investigate you and determine if you can get married. It can take weeks or months. As such, most couples often travel back to their home countries as they await approval. Your wedding planner can follow up on this on your behalf.
- Obtain approval: If you have submitted all the required documents and have no impediments to marriage, the registrar’s office will okay the marriage. You will get a wedding date and can travel back to Germany to finalize the preparations.
- Inform the registrar about your witnesses: You should notify the registrar regarding your witnesses at least eight days before the wedding. They should be at least 18 years old and have valid IDs to serve in this role.
- Hire an interpreter: Marriage ceremonies take place in German. Thus, if you, your partner, or witnesses do not speak German, you must hire a German interpreter to stand in during the ceremony.
- Get married: The wedding ceremony is very straightforward. You and your partner must be physically present at the registrar’s office and will both consent to the marriage. The registrar will lead the process in the presence of your two witnesses, after which you will say your vows and sign the marriage certificate.
- Receive a marriage certificate: Once the marriage ceremony is complete, you will get a marriage certificate which allows you to live together as a married couple.
Is a marriage in Germany recognized in the United States? All marriage ceremonies that take place per Germany marriage laws are legal in the U.S. So, once you get your marriage certificate, you can translate and legalize it and use it for official reasons back in the U.S.
What are the Different Types of Marriage in Germany?
U.S. citizens getting married in Germany must consider the marriage options and choose one that best aligns with their needs and beliefs. The options are as follows:
1. Civil Ceremonies
Of all the wedding ceremonies in Germany, these are the only legally binding ones. These require you to meet all the marriage requirements and submit supporting documentation. Once you have been approved to marry, the ceremony occurs at the registrar’s office in the presence of your witnesses. Since the ceremony is conducted in German, an interpreter is necessary if one of you does not speak German.
While most processes are standard, you can choose your vows, songs, and other aspects. However, you cannot include religious content. Once the ceremony is complete, you get a marriage certificate that legalizes your union.
2. Religious Ceremonies
A civil marriage in Germany does not leave room for religious rites. As such, some couples follow the ceremony with a religious wedding according to their faiths. Such ceremonies are not legally binding unless preceded or followed by civil ceremonies.
The requirements for these ceremonies differ based on the faith. For example, what applies to Jewish couples is different from Christian couples. You must thus check with the officiant to understand what preliminaries you should observe.
3. Symbolic Weddings
Another way to celebrate your union is to have a symbolic wedding. Like the religious ceremony, it does not have a legal bearing. However, since it features no additional documentation, it is an ideal choice for couples who want to get married on their terms. You can choose the venue, date, time, officiant, and many other things you cannot control in a civil or religious wedding.
Often, people have the civil wedding first and then move to another venue for a symbolic wedding where they can enjoy the reception and take photos and videos.
So, if you get married in Germany, is it legal in the U.S? The marriage will only be legal if it abides by German marriage laws. Per these, only the civil marriage in Germany holds water.
Marriage Requirements in Germany for U.S. Citizens
Once you submit the required marriage application documents to the local registrar, you must wait for the assessment, which determines if you are fit for marriage. The following marriage requirements in Germany are the focus of this process:
- Age: People aged 18 and above can marry without parental consent. Those aged 16 and above can only marry if they have written consent from their parents or guardians. Anyone under 16 cannot get married.
- Consent: The law requires all couples to understand the nature of marriage before they embark on the process. If the registrar determines you cannot enter such a contract, they will not allow the marriage.
- Motivation: Even if both partners consent to the marriage, the ceremony may not take place if the registrar has concerns regarding the reason for the marriage. For example, if you want to marry to gain residency, the registrar will not allow it.
- Residence: You must have lived in Germany for at least 21 days before applying for a marriage license. You will need to provide proof of this.
- Witnesses: You must have two witnesses aged at least 18 years old to oversee the ceremony. They must have valid IDs and should be present during the ceremony.
- Relationship: No blood relation should exist between the partners. Adoption relationships are also forbidden, such as between adoptive parent and child.
You and your partner must be physically present during the wedding. Additionally, you must have an interpreter if one of you does not understand German – you cannot interpret for your partner.
What Documents Do I Need to Get Married in Germany?
The local registrar who will marry you will give you a list of documents to provide. To help you prepare for this, what do you need to get married in Germany?
- A valid passport: You will need a valid passport to enter and leave Germany. You will also use it to verify your identity.
- An original long-form birth certificate with parental details: If you have any children together, include their certificates too,
- A certificate of no impediment to marriage,
- A single status affidavit,
- A divorce decree: This applies to you if your previous marriage ended in a divorce that was not finalized in Germany,
- A death certificate: You will need this if your previous spouse is deceased,
- A complete marriage questionnaire: You will get this from the registrar’s office,
- A residency statement, i.e., Meldebescheinigung,
- A power of attorney: You only need this if you will make the marriage application in the absence of your partner,
- Parental/ guardian consent: If one of you is 16 or 17, parental consent is mandatory. You may also need to liaise with the court for approval.
- Apostilles: You must verify the authenticity of the stamps, signatures, and seals on official documents by getting apostilles from the issuing authorities.
Additional documents may apply based on the registrar’s assessment. Moreover, if you will also have a religious wedding, the officiant may need more documentation, e.g., baptism certificates for a Catholic wedding.
How Old Do You Have to Be to Get Married in Germany?
With many countries capping the marriage age at 18, how old do you have to be to get married in Germany? Anyone aged 16 and above can marry. However, there are two caveats:
- Parental consent: People aged 16 and 17 must have written consent from their parents or guardians to get married.
- State rules: While Germany allows you to get married as young as 16, you must refer to the regulations in your home state. The marriage will only be valid if the age requirements in your home state align with those in Germany.
It’s best to consult an attorney before tying the knot.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Married in Germany?
A U.S. citizen getting married in Germany gets to enjoy the allure of culture, history, and beautiful attractions, which culminate in a memorable wedding. But how much does it cost to get married in Germany? The cost of a 50-guest wedding ranges from $15,000 to $30,000. Of course, you can always tweak the budget by changing aspects such as wedding venues and the type of wedding. For example, a civil wedding with a small reception will likely cost half this range.
How to Choose a City and Wedding Venue in Germany?
No matter your choice of wedding, choosing the best city and venue is always important. Consider the factors below:
- Size: How many people can the venue hold?
- Aesthetics: Do you like how it looks? Does it match your wedding theme?
- Inclusions: Does it come with catering? How about seating? Do you like the options?
- Location: Is it easy to find? Do any of your guests have special mobility considerations?
- Pricing: Does the cost match your budget? Is there room for negotiation?
With so many venues in Germany, you should not settle for less than you deserve. And with a wedding planner, finding a good one should be easy.
How to Find a Wedding Planner in Germany?
Planning a wedding without an experienced wedding planner can be challenging, especially with all the paperwork. Luckily, finding a good one comes down to the factors below:
- Experience: Choose planners with years of experience dealing with foreigners’ weddings.
- Style: Ensure your planner has a similar style to what you want so they can execute your vision.
- Availability: Hire someone with enough time to follow up on the venue, catering, and other integral needs.
- Suitability: You should feel comfortable with the person you are entrusting with this role.
- Pricing: Does the planner charge based on commissions, or do they have fixed pricing? What works for you?
And just like that, you will have excellent options and can choose the best person for the job!
