Marriage at home and abroad; consummation

In principle, a marriage can be concluded at any German registry office. A marriage abroad is recognized if it was concluded before the competent authority.

Civil marriage ceremony

The registrar asks the couple one after the other whether they wish to marry each other. If they both answer "yes", they are legally joined as husband and wife. Up to two witnesses may be present at the marriage ceremony. The number of other wedding guests present is left to the bride and groom.

The marriage is recorded in the marriage register. In addition, a family record book will be issued at the request of the couple. The family record book is a private collection of documents.

Marriage abroad

In principle, marriages are also recognized in the Federal Republic of Germany if they are concluded abroad. However, the marriage must then be concluded in the form that is customary in the respective foreign country.

Before getting married abroad, the German citizen(s) should obtain a so-called certificate of matrimonial capacity from the competent German registry office. This is required by most foreign registry offices. It should also be noted that foreign marriage certificates may only be recognized in Germany after certification by the foreign authorities or the respective German consulate in the foreign country. As there are different requirements to be met, it is advisable to seek advice from the German registry office in your place of residence before planning a marriage abroad. Information sheets for marriages abroad are also available from the Federal Office of Administration in Cologne (see "Further links"). Information can also be obtained from the respective German consulates or consular sections of German embassies abroad.

Marriages of Germans concluded abroad can be subsequently notarized at the registry office of the place of residence. Your local registry office will be happy to advise you.

For marriages in Germany: prior registration of the marriage at the registry office.

The costs for the marriage ceremony depend on the administrative costs involved. Your competent registry office will be happy to inform you about the fees and expenses incurred for the marriage (see also under "Related topics" - "Marriage; registration").

A fee of EUR 40.00 is always charged for marriages before a registry office other than the one responsible for the registration.

A fee of EUR 55.00 is generally charged for the subsequent certification of a marriage concluded abroad.

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