Getting married

Navigating the process of getting married in Germany can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re not a German citizen. On our Facebook page, we often receive questions about marriage in Germany, and two scenarios come up most frequently:

A South African marrying a German citizen.
Two unmarried South Africans want to marry before relocating to Germany (to simplify obtaining visas or residence permits). Please note that there might be situations where you are only able to join your spouse once they are settled in.

Is Getting Married in Germany Worth the Hassle?

Many of our community members agree that it’s often easier to get married outside of Germany and then register the marriage at your local Rathaus.

Popular Alternatives:

South Africa: Familiar, straightforward, and recognized in Germany.
Denmark: Renowned for its quick and simple marriage process, especially for international couples.

If you’re planning to tie the knot, consider your options carefully to save time and avoid unnecessary stress.

Getting Married in Denmark

Getting married in Denmark as a foreigner is indeed a popular option due to its straightforward and relatively quick process compared to other European countries, including Germany. Denmark is known for having a simplified process for international couples. Here are the key steps and requirements:

Basic Requirements:

Valid Passports: Both partners must have valid passports.
Proof of Marital Status: Documentation proving that both parties are legally single. This can include a certificate of no impediment, divorce decree, or death certificate if widowed.
Proof of Residence: Depending on your nationality, you may need proof of residency or a visa for Denmark. However, most EU nationals and many non-EU nationals do not need a visa.
Birth Certificates: Some municipalities may ask for birth certificates, so it’s good to have these documents on hand.
Documents in English, German, or Danish: Any documents not in these languages may need to be officially translated.

Application Process:

Choose a Municipality: Popular choices include Copenhagen, Ærø, and Tønder, known for their efficiency and experience with foreign couples.
Submit Documents: Couples must submit the required documents to the chosen Danish municipality. This can often be done online or via email.
Approval: Once the documents are reviewed and approved, you’ll be given a wedding date.
Wedding Ceremony: You can have either a civil ceremony at the town hall or a more elaborate ceremony if desired.

Duration and Costs:

Quick Process: The entire process can take just a few weeks from submitting documents to the ceremony itself.
Cost: The fees vary by municipality but typically range between €200 and €300.(2024)

On the page below, you’ll find experiences shared by our community about the journey of getting married in South Africa, Germany, or Denmark, and the transition to living in Germany

Getting married – Your stories

Shared experiences We’d love to hear your story! If you’ve gotten married, whether in South Africa, Germany, Denmark, or elsewhere, and have gone through the

Registering your Marriage in Germany

If you got married outside of Germany, you’ll need to register the marriage in Germany for it to be officially recorded in the German system. However, this is only necessary for family reunification purposes, such as when one spouse is a German national.

Important Clarification:

Two married South Africans living in Germany do not need to register their marriage in Germany unless required for a specific legal purpose. However, it’s advisable to have an apostilled copy of your marriage certificate on hand for official matters.
Always consult your local Rathaus or a legal advisor to ensure you have the most accurate and up-to-date information for your circumstances.

German Civil Registry (Standesamt):

Submit Marriage Certificate: Obtain an international marriage certificate (in multiple languages, including German) from the relevant authorities. This will simplify the registration process in Germany. If you got married in South Africa
Apostille Stamp: In some cases, the German authorities may require an apostille (an official certification) on the marriage certificate.
Translation: If you didn’t get an international certificate, you may need to have the marriage certificate officially translated into German by a certified translator.

Required Documents for Registration:

Marriage Certificate (with Apostille if required).
Passports of both partners.
Proof of Residence in Germany.
Birth Certificates (sometimes requested).

Procedure:

Visit the Local Standesamt: Go to the civil registry office (Standesamt) in the area where you reside in Germany to register the marriage.
Application for Registration: Fill out the necessary forms and submit your documents.
Processing Time: The registration process can take a few weeks, depending on the workload at the Standesamt and whether all documents are in order.

Please share your experience with us

We’d love to hear your story! If you’ve gotten married, whether in South Africa, Germany, Denmark, or elsewhere, and have gone through the process of registering your marriage in Germany, please share your experience with us via the link below. Your insights will help others on a similar journey, and we’ll feature your story on our website.

Getting married – Share your experiences

Share your process of getting married with us We’d love to hear your story! If you’ve gotten married, whether in South Africa, Germany, Denmark, or elsewhere and have gone through the process of registering your marriage in Germany, please share your experience with us via the link below. Your insights

Additional Considerations

Name Change: If you change your last name after marriage, you’ll need to update your name on all official documents in Germany, such as your passport, residence permit, bank accounts, and insurance.

Tax and Benefits: Your marriage will also affect your tax class in Germany. You may want to consult with a tax advisor to understand the implications and benefits.

Info on the web

If you want to get married in Germany, you can get info it on the Expatica site
Agentur Heiraten leicht gemacht – a company that can assist with weddings in Denmark