Standesamtliche Trauung

In Germany, you cannot get married spontaneously. Rather, the engaged couple must register their marriage - also, there must be no obstacles to the marriage. You can find information on this under "Registration of marriage - general information".

A civil marriage is concluded when the couple (fiancées) declare before the registrar that they wish to enter into marriage with each other. The declaration may only be made in person and in the presence of both spouses. It may not contain any condition or time provision.

The registrar decides whether an interpreter must be called in if necessary.

If the spouses so desire, witnesses to the marriage may be present at the marriage ceremony - this is not mandatory. In addition to the spouses and, if applicable, the witnesses, other persons (e.g. relatives and friends) may also attend.

The registrar performs the marriage ceremony in a dignified manner appropriate to the significance of the marriage. He usually gives a short speech.

Tip: Clarify in good time with your registrar, who will perform the marriage ceremony, whether your ideas of your civil marriage can be realized.

In the Civil Code (BGB), marriage is regulated in §§ 1310 to 1312. The entry in the marriage register is made according to § 15 Personenstandsgesetz.

If the marriage was validly contracted abroad by a German, stateless person, homeless foreigner or foreign refugee within the meaning of the Convention relating to the Status of Refugees, entry in the marriage register is only made on application.

Not only immediately after marriage, but also later, you or other persons may need proof of your marriage. If you need a marriage certificate later, you or authorized persons can apply for it to be issued at any time.