StaatsNavigator
Back to search
Civil Status

Register a marriage

Registration of the marriage with the registry office – a prerequisite for the wedding ceremony.

Processing: approx. 2 weeks
Success rate: 98.0 %

How to proceed

  1. 1

    Schedule an appointment at the registry office

    Both partners must register individually.

  2. 2

    Submit documents

    Please submit birth certificates, extended registration certificates, and, if applicable, divorce decrees.

  3. 3

    Schedule a wedding ceremony

    Once eligibility for marriage has been verified, a wedding date will be set (the registration is valid for 6 months).

Required documents

  • Birth certificates for both partnersMandatory
  • Extended Certificate of RegistrationMandatoryOften forgotten

Responsible authority

The authority of your main place of residence is responsible.Find authority →

Fees

Varies by case

Processing time

approx. 2 weeks

Official: max. approx. 1 months

Online application

In person or by post

Common mistakes

  • • Extended registration certificate is not current (no more than 14 days old)
  • • Divorced individuals do not have a final divorce decree

Common reasons for rejection

  • • Incomplete documentation, particularly for foreign nationals

The essentials before applying

Who is eligible?

Couples who wish to get married in Germany.

Income limit

The limit varies by household and region – see the table at the responsible authority or in the application assistant.

Processing time

Nationwide: approx. approx. 2 weeks

Success rate

approx. 98.0 % (estimate)

Most common mistakes

  • •Extended registration certificate is not current (no more than 14 days old)
  • •Divorced individuals do not have a final divorce decree

Common reasons for rejection

  • •Incomplete documentation, particularly for foreign nationals

Alternatives

  • Check related services in the application assistant
  • Use social counselling before applying

If rejected

Read the decision carefully: often submitting missing documents or reapplying helps more than an objection.

Questions & Answers

How far in advance must the marriage be registered?▼

The registration is valid for 6 months; many registry offices recommend making an appointment well in advance (several months ahead of time).

Read more