How to Get Married in Germany

Only marriages performed at a registrar's office (Standesamt) are legally valid in Germany. A church ceremony may be held later, if desired.

Applications and/or Documents to be Submitted to the Registrar: Bring along original copies of the following (and be sure pack these in your hand luggage, never in your checked bags):

Birth certificate (with certified translation if certificate is not in German)

Marriage certificate of parents (with certified translation if document is not in German). This certificate is not required if the birth certificate gives the parents' personal data and marriage date.

Proof of residence for German citizens (see below for non-residents)

Proof of citizenship (passport)

Health certificate (only if required under laws of American citizen's home state)

Certificate of Free Status (Ehefähigkeitszeugnis). Required of all foreigners marrying in Germany. Registrars will generally accept an Affidavit of Free Status executed before an American Consul.

Certificate of registration (Anmeldenachweis) required of foreigners in Germany. Written statement from local resident registration office that the foreigner is properly registered.

Residency Requirements: none

Waiting Period: none, however, it may take some time to obtain and prepare the necessary paperwork, so be sure to plan ahead.

Blood Test: none, unless required under laws of American citizen’s home state (see above)

Please note:

• If neither the bride nor groom are German nationals and if neither has a residence in Germany, they must initially apply to one of four alien registrars' offices: Hamburg, Munich, Baden-Baden, or Standesamt I in Berlin.
  
• Upon completion of processing by that office, the civil ceremony may be performed at any Standesamt.
  
• Non-German citizens are urged to consult the registrar at the Standesamt in the city or town where they wish to get married.
• Keep in mind that all documents submitted have to be translated into German and that the processing, in most cases, will require time.
  

~ by Liz Stiglets

Related Pages:

• wedding regulations in other destinations

Note: Lovetripper.com provides the above information for guidance purposes only. Couples should verify all information with the consulate from their respective countries and with the local offices before making any plans.