Marriage in the United States and Abroad; Consumption of the Marriage

Civil Wedding Ceremony

The registrar asks the two parties to be married, one after the other, whether they wish to enter into marriage with each other. If both answer “yes,” they are legally married by virtue of the law. Up to two witnesses may be present at the wedding ceremony. The number of additional wedding guests is up to the bride and groom.

The marriage is recorded in the marriage registry. In addition, a family register is issued at the request of the couple. The family register is a private collection of certificates.

Marriage Abroad

In principle, marriages are recognized in the Federal Republic of Germany even if they are performed abroad. However, the marriage must then be performed in the manner customary in the respective foreign country.

Before getting married abroad, the German national(s) should obtain a so-called certificate of no impediment to marriage from the competent German registry office. Most foreign civil registry offices require this document. It should also be noted that foreign marriage certificates may only be recognized in Germany after they have been authenticated by the foreign authorities or the relevant German consulate in the foreign country. Since different requirements apply, it is recommended that you always seek advice from the German registry office in your place of residence before planning to get married abroad. Information sheets on getting married abroad are also available from the Federal Office of Administration in Cologne (see “Further Links”). Information is also provided by the respective German consulates or consular sections of German embassies abroad.

Marriages of German citizens concluded abroad can be retroactively registered at the civil registry office in your place of residence. Your local civil registry office will be happy to advise you.

For marriages taking place in Germany: prior registration of the marriage with the civil registry office.

The cost of the marriage depends on the administrative effort involved. Your local registry office will be happy to provide you with information about the fees and expenses associated with the marriage (see also “Related Topics” – “Marriage; Registration”).

For marriages performed at a registry office other than the one responsible for your registration, a fee of 40.00 EUR will be charged in all cases.

Fees of 55.00 EUR generally apply for the subsequent registration of a marriage concluded abroad.

A fee of 12.00 EUR is charged for a marriage certificate.