Some couples are content to tie the knot at the courthouse down the road. But for those who are more adventurous, a destination wedding -- and an international marriage -- are a must. The Huffington Post's guide to international marriages will tell you everything you need to know to get legally married in Germany. Read on to ensure all of your paperwork is in order before booking your ticket. --Marnie Kunz
Residency Requirement And Waiting Period
There are no residency requirements to wed in Germany. German localities have different requirements regarding waiting periods, with some including up to
once all documents have been filed. Applicants should make an appointment with the local registrar's office -- or Standesamt -- to find out specific regulations regarding waiting periods. American applicants should contact a
.
Intent To Marry
Marriage applicants in Germany need to file a notice of intended marriage with the local registrar's office. Applicants should call to make an appointment. If both applicants can't attend the appointment, the absent partner
to act on his or her behalf. Specific time frames and proceedings for intents to marry vary by Standesamt. Applicants should call to find out what documents to bring to the appointment.
The Ceremony
Marriages must be performed at a Standesamt in Germany. Spouses can hold a religious ceremony later in a church. Wedding officiants are registrars of vital statistics, or Standesbeamters. U.S. consular offices are not authorized to officiate ceremonies. If both partners do not speak German, a translator will be needed for the ceremony.
The Marriage Certificate
After all of the paperwork is completed and the marriage ceremony is held at a Standesamt, a marriage certificate is issued. The U.S. recognizes German marriages, so no more requirements need to be met.
Legal Documentation
American marriage applicants will need to provide a valid photo ID, birth certificate, an
(an agreement stating that documents from either Germany or the U.S. are valid in both countries) and a Certificate of Free Status. The Certificate of Free Status guarantees that each partner is free to marry and not obligated to any past marriages. To obtain a Certificate of Free Status, Americans can go to the
or any
except Munich. Applicants who have been previously married will need to provide a divorce decree, certificate of death or annulment decree. Germany requires that all identification documents be issued in the past six months. Applicants can obtain new issues of
. such as birth certificates.
Same-Sex Marriage
Same-sex marriage is legal in Germany, and has been since
. The 2001 gay marriage law granted same-sex couples most of the same rights as opposite-sex couples, but withheld some benefits such as adoption rights. In
, the federal Constitutional Court of Germany ruled to grant same-sex couples all of the same marriage benefits as heterosexual couples.
Additional Information
Individual requirements for marriage vary by locality, so applicants should check with the office where they will be wed for the most accurate fees and details.
View the full set of laws and regulations regarding marriage in Germany.
Our 2024 Coverage Needs You
It's Another Trump-Biden Showdown — And We Need Your Help
The Future Of Democracy Is At Stake
Our 2024 Coverage Needs You
Your Loyalty Means The World To Us
As Americans head to the polls in 2024, the very future of our country is at stake. At HuffPost, we believe that a free press is critical to creating well-informed voters. That's why our journalism is free for everyone, even though other newsrooms retreat behind expensive paywalls.
Our journalists will continue to cover the twists and turns during this historic presidential election. With your help, we'll bring you hard-hitting investigations, well-researched analysis and timely takes you can't find elsewhere. Reporting in this current political climate is a responsibility we do not take lightly, and we thank you for your support.
Contribute as little as $2 to keep our news free for all.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
The 2024 election is heating up, and women's rights, health care, voting rights, and the very future of democracy are all at stake. Donald Trump will face Joe Biden in the most consequential vote of our time. And HuffPost will be there, covering every twist and turn. America's future hangs in the balance. Would you consider contributing to support our journalism and keep it free for all during this critical season?
HuffPost believes news should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their ability to pay for it. We rely on readers like you to help fund our work. Any contribution you can make — even as little as $2 — goes directly toward supporting the impactful journalism that we will continue to produce this year. Thank you for being part of our story.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
It's official: Donald Trump will face Joe Biden this fall in the presidential election. As we face the most consequential presidential election of our time, HuffPost is committed to bringing you up-to-date, accurate news about the 2024 race. While other outlets have retreated behind paywalls, you can trust our news will stay free.
But we can't do it without your help. Reader funding is one of the key ways we support our newsroom. Would you consider making a donation to help fund our news during this critical time? Your contributions are vital to supporting a free press.
Contribute as little as $2 to keep our journalism free and accessible to all.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
As Americans head to the polls in 2024, the very future of our country is at stake. At HuffPost, we believe that a free press is critical to creating well-informed voters. That's why our journalism is free for everyone, even though other newsrooms retreat behind expensive paywalls.
Our journalists will continue to cover the twists and turns during this historic presidential election. With your help, we'll bring you hard-hitting investigations, well-researched analysis and timely takes you can't find elsewhere. Reporting in this current political climate is a responsibility we do not take lightly, and we thank you for your support.
Contribute as little as $2 to keep our news free for all.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
Dear HuffPost Reader
Thank you for your past contribution to HuffPost. We are sincerely grateful for readers like you who help us ensure that we can keep our journalism free for everyone.
The stakes are high this year, and our 2024 coverage could use continued support. Would you consider becoming a regular HuffPost contributor?
Dear HuffPost Reader
Thank you for your past contribution to HuffPost. We are sincerely grateful for readers like you who help us ensure that we can keep our journalism free for everyone.
The stakes are high this year, and our 2024 coverage could use continued support. If circumstances have changed since you last contributed, we hope you'll consider contributing to HuffPost once more.
Already contributed? Log in to hide these messages.
