Service content
Description of the
Civil wedding
ceremonyThe registrar asks the couple, one after the other, whether they wish to enter into marriage. 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 at the discretion of the bride and groom.
The marriage is recorded in the register of marriages. In addition, a family register is issued at the request of the couple. The family register is a private collection of documents.
Marriage abroadIn principle
, marriages are recognised in the Federal Republic of Germany even if they are contracted abroad. However, the marriage must then be contracted in the form customary in the respective foreign country.Before getting married abroad, the German citizen(s) should obtain a so-called certificate of no impediment to marriage 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 recognised in Germany after legalisation 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 contracted abroad can be subsequently notarised at the registry office of the place of residence. Your local registry office will be happy to advise you.
Prerequisites
For marriages in Germany: prior registration of the marriage at the registry office.
Costs
The costs for the marriage ceremony depend on the respective administrative costs. Your local 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 charged in all cases for marriages performed before a registry office other than the one responsible for the registration.
As a rule, fees of EUR 55.00 are charged for the subsequent certification of a marriage concluded abroad.
A fee of EUR 12.00 is charged for a marriage certificate.
Legal basis
- § Section 14 of the Civil Status Act (PStG)
Marriage
- § Section 1310 of the German Civil Code (BGB)
For a marriage in Germany
- Art. 11 para. 1 Introductory Act to the German Civil Code (BGBEB)
Form of legal transactions
- Art. 17b Introductory Act to the German Civil Code (EGBGB)
Registered civil partnership and same-sex marriage
- § Section 14 of the Civil Status Act (PStG)
Further links
Responsible departments
Telephone
Visiting address
New cemetery
BuchbrunnerStrasse 61, 97318 KitzingenTown hall
Kaiserstraße13/15 , 97318 Kitzingen