How to get married in NL? A comprehensive Dutch wedding guide for non-Dutch residents, English-speaking or foreign couples marrying in the Netherlands. Learn how to register as a Dutch citizen or resident. Find requirements and documentation needed for eligibility for legal marriage rights and non-legal weddings.
What are your Dutch marriage rights? Who can marry you? Did you immigrate from the Netherlands to another country? As a foreigner, non-resident or expat, an informal or formal marriage ceremony (ceremonial or official) is allowed. ONLY Dutch residents are eligible to get legally married in the Netherlands. Notice of marriage must be given for a civil wedding ceremony performed by a government official.
So, where do you start planning a registered partnership, cohabitation agreement, or non-traditional wedding? Are you not eligible to legally marry in NL? Whether a Dutch immigrant, English-speaking expat, or a foreigner wishing to marry in the Netherlands, you must follow the procedures of this comprehensive Dutch wedding guide! Read on…
Dutch Wedding Ceremonies – Requirements
Apply for Dutch Citizenship
What are your marriage rights if you plan to host a legal wedding in the Netherlands? Travelling to Amsterdam with your fiancé(e) for an official marriage ceremony has its challenges. Your eligibility to marry depends on Dutch wedding regulations. It requires that one of the partners apply for Dutch Citizenship. Otherwise, both partners should reside in the Netherlands. It is a requirement for legally marrying. Non-Dutch citizens are obliged to apply for a residence permit. This is referred to as a verblijfsvergunning in Dutch. Before a civil wedding ceremony (official marriage) in the Netherlands you need Dutch citizenship. Source www.government.nl
Appoint witnesses
Are you eligible for a civil Dutch wedding? Or are you planning a multilingual, or multicultural wedding? Your guests don’t need to speak the local language. At the core of an official Dutch wedding are witnesses. Arrangements should be put in place to appoint at least 2 to 4 witnesses. They must be over 18 years old. Witnesses can be of any nationality, gender, or faith. Be aware that witnesses must provide valid identification. This can be in the form of a passport or ID card. This requirement ensures a smooth transition between your marriage registration and the celebrant-led ceremony.
Attend a Dutch wedding
Attending a wedding in the Netherlands? Dutch weddings give couples the freedom to marry at the beach, heritage sites or a cathedral. These weddings are often casual, informal, and laid-back. However, some can be formal, luxurious, and grand. Such as the marriage celebration of King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima Zorreguieta at the Nieuwe Kerk Amsterdam. The Netherlands rich cultural heritage offers numerous creative ideas to incorporate into your English-speaking wedding party! Learn about Dutch wedding customs and traditions! — www.iamexpat.nl.
Budgeting for a Dutch wedding
- Couples seeking a legally binding marriage contract in the Netherlands can opt for a budget-friendly civil Dutch wedding. The brief ceremony is held at the city wedding registry office. And the minimum registration fee is €193.30 – Amsterdam 2025
- You can hire a professional marriage officiant for a day. This person is eligible to conduct a legal Dutch wedding: a civil ceremony. Family members, best friends, or celebrants may lead the ceremony. However, they don’t have the authority to officially marry you. Therefore, a registrar from the Netherlands is present at your licensed venue to conduct the ceremony. This ensures the legality of the couple’s marriage.
- Alternatively, couples can research and book a venue. Thereafter, celebrate their marriage with a non-legal wedding ceremony. This can be done without an official marriage license (civil ceremony).
Co-presenting a Dutch wedding
In the Netherlands, particularly in Amsterdam, it is common to have a co-presenter at Dutch weddings. A co-presenter is typically a family member, friend, or independent celebrant. This person is a Marriage officiant for a day. And they co-present the ceremony with an official Dutch marriage registrar (BABS). A certification must be obtained through the courts. Please note: the co-presenter will not read your marriage rights. It is the official BABS task. Therefore, additional costs apply for the marriage certificate, BABS, and your Marriage Officiant for the day.
Ordained Officiant vs Registrar NL
How do you as a Dutch citizen declare your intention to marry a foreign partner? In the Netherlands, you must give notice of marriage, and an ordained officiant has the legal authority to marry you. It’s important to note that celebrant wedding services are not legally binding and should not be confused with civil ceremonies. Couples can also choose a friend or family member to act as a one-day marriage officiant. The ordained officiant or registrar from the local authority must be present for the legal part of the wedding. Please be aware that additional costs may apply. Source: alletrouwambtenaar.nl
Contact a Dutch registrar of marriages
In the Netherlands, only civil ceremonies and partnership registrations are permitted. A marriage registrar can unite two people in matrimony or civil partnership. What is a marriage registrar? A marriage registrar works independently or on behalf of the municipality. A licensed official, known as a Trouwambtenaar, is responsible for issuing a legal certificate of marriage. This serves as proof of registration. According to civil marriage law, they are authorised to officially marry you. Registrars issue official documents: Deaths, Births & Marriages. They are also proficient in multiple languages, including English, French, Spanish, German, and Italian.
Convert a partnership into marriage
If you’re in a civil partnership and are ready to take the next step by converting it into marriage, it’s possible! This seamless process allows you and your partner or fiancé (e) to formalize your commitment. How do you find out about your marriage rights? Simply visit your local municipality or town hall (het Stadshuis) and sign the “conversion into marriage” declaration. Don’t wait—start your journey to a beautiful Dutch wedding today!
Declare Your Intention to Marry in NL
Hosting your dream wedding in the Netherlands? What are the Dutch marriage formalities for registering a legal marriage? To validate a Dutch wedding in the Netherlands you must submit a formal notification of your intention to marry. This is done via the ‘Registrar of Births, Deaths, Marriages and Civil Partnerships at least 2 weeks before an official Dutch wedding. Source: www.government.nl
Discover Dutch ceremonies
The Netherlands boasts a diverse culture, influenced by a range of traditions and religions. Whether you are a Sikh, Muslim, Buddhist, Hindu, atheist or churchgoer you can marry in NL. So, create a moment in time at your non-legal Dutch wedding or civil marriage service in the language that’s meaningful to both of you.
Dutch Wedding ceremony rehearsals
Generally speaking, a wedding ceremony rehearsal is not required. However, if you have a large wedding party, known as a processional, I recommend doing it. What is a processional? It includes the bridesmaids, the bride of honour, the best man, and the groomsmen who escort the bride and groom down the aisle to the altar. Is your wedding party between 100 and 1000 guests? A wedding ceremony rehearsal may be necessary. Please note: an officiant will incur extra costs to attend the rehearsal wedding.
Dutch dual nationals’ wedding
What is a marriage registrar? A marriage registrar works independently or on behalf of the municipality to unite couples in matrimony. The licensed official issues a legal certificate as proof of marriage and registration.
Dutch wedding civil ceremony
Official Dutch wedding ceremonies and civil partnerships take place in licensed venues approved by Dutch law. These locations range from municipal buildings, historical castles to town halls, where a registrar certifies the marriage contract.
Dutch wedding interpreters and translators
Seeking support during your legal Dutch wedding proceedings at the town hall in the Netherlands? Many skilled translators and interpreters are ready to cater to your language needs. These professionals can help ensure clear communication, enabling you to engage fully in the process. This way, you celebrate your Dutch wedding without any language barriers.
Dutch wedding timeline
Dutch wedding ceremonies and personalised marriage services can occur 24 hours a day. In the morning, afternoon and evening you can host a civil marriage service between 8 am – 8 pm and 8 pm – 8 am. This rule applies ONLY to Dutch residents and foreign citizens of the Netherlands.
Dutch wedding start and finish time
What’s the duration of a civil wedding ceremony in the Netherlands? What time does it start and finish? A legal ceremony at the municipality can be held during the day between 11 am and 4 pm and lasts 30 – 45 minutes. In contrast, a non-legal wedding typically takes place at any location and at any time, lasting 30 to 60 minutes. Find below a Dutch wedding order of service schedule:
- Prelude – welcome guests and announcements
- Processional
- Opening speech
- Special reading, poetry or couples love story
- personal vows (optional)
- Contracting words, official marriage vows (Yes, I do!)
- The first kiss
- Exchanging rings
- Signing of the marriage certificate
- Postlude – final words
- Recessional
Engage an interpreter/translator
To legally marry in the Netherlands, you must say the official contracting words (‘het officiële gedeelte’) in Dutch. If your language skills are limited, you need a certified interpreter or translator. This person will assist you at the town hall or authorised wedding venue.
Explore Dutch wedding traditions
Are you bewildered by wedding planning? Hosting your first or second wedding? From celebrating your wedding, anniversary, to an elopement, the Netherlands is the perfect destination. So, immerse yourself in Dutch wedding ceremony traditions! Known for their liberal approach, these traditions offer an unforgettable experience filled with intriguing customs, styles, and tastes. Visit www.iamexpat.nl.
Fees for Dutch Civil Weddings & Registering A Partnership in NL
The following costs for marrying and registering a partnership in the Netherlands apply ONLY to Amsterdam & Weesp. Outside of the capital, fees vary between €0 and €1,900.00 depending on whether it’s a FREE, weekday or weekend legal marriage ceremony.
• International Officiants
Researching and booking an international officiant is easy. But an international officiant cannot legally marry you in the Netherlands. To ensure a legal marriage, you must file, complete, and return a marriage license to your municipality or embassy in the country where you reside. Source: www.theamm. org
• Get declaration for non Dutch citizens
If you marry in another country, you must register the marriage in the Netherlands. Foreign passport holders need a declaration of non-Dutch citizenship. Non-Dutch speaking residents must provide an authenticated birth certificate and identity documents, along with a certified translation of divorce papers or an unmarried status declaration.
• Have a friend officiate your Dutch wedding
In addition to registrars, individuals such as parents, friends, or a celebrant/officiant may officiate a Dutch wedding ceremony. This arrangement is referred to as a marriage officiant for 1 day (BABS voor 1 dag). It must be applied for through the municipality three to four months prior to the wedding date. Notification of intent to marry (ondertrouw) is required. Please note that a registered office marriage should occur, or a registrar must be present at the licensed venue to oversee the ceremony. Source: alletrouwambtenaar.nl
• Legally binding religious ceremonies
Are legally binding religious ceremonies permitted in the Netherlands? Yes! Combining a Dutch wedding with a religious ceremony is possible. However, couples who want a lawfully binding religious ceremony must first complete a civil ceremony.
• Legal requirements
The minimum age for a legal Dutch wedding is 18 years old. This means both the bride and groom must be of age. Whether heterosexual or a same-sex couple you can get married in the Netherlands. First, enter into a registered partnership or host a Dutch wedding.
• Legal words of marriage
What are the legal words of marriage in the Netherlands? The term ‘legal words’ refer to the contractual words during the celebration of your marriage. An official marriage registrar will ask you to say these legal words (declaratory and contracting) in Dutch. This also occurs during an official English-speaking ceremony at the town hall or authorised venue. To make your Dutch wedding legally binding, it is essential to use these specific words. Please find the wording here; note that it is in Dutch.
What’s a life partnership ceremony? It’s the perfect way for couples to officially acknowledge their relationship and celebrate their commitment without legal registration. This ceremony is for individuals who are unable to marry in the Netherlands.
• Documents required to marry in NL
Dutch descendants, non-Dutch citizens, non-Dutch residents and expats cannot legally marry in the Netherlands. Obtain a valid marriage license during a standard ceremony from the country where you live, at the local register office where you reside. Or apply for settled status in NL.
• Official Dutch Wedding for (dual) nationalities
Additionally, you must meet certain criteria for couples of dual nationalities who wish to hold a legal Dutch wedding in the Netherlands, and hold a Dutch citizen permit; please apply at your local municipality.
• Outdoor Dutch non-legal weddings
An outdoor non-legal wedding event, renewal of vows or park wedding requires permission from Amsterdam. For most small-scale outdoor events, a notification is sufficient. For larger events, contact the Amsterdam municipality.
• Your marriage license
Option 1.
In the Netherlands, the only legally recognised wedding ceremonies are civil ceremonies officiated by a registrar. Civil weddings are non-religious ceremonies and take place at the municipality. This is the general register office of births, deaths, and marriages. Couples who desire a legally binding religious ceremony must have a civil ceremony first.
Option 2.
Only citizens or residents of the Netherlands can book a registrar. The registrar has the authority to register a marriage for free. In Amsterdam and many other Dutch municipalities, it is common to get married for free. However, free civil ceremonies are limited to specific days and times. Tuesdays at 10:30, 10:50, and 11:10, free marriages take place in Amsterdam.
Partners should attend along with two witnesses.
• Produce divorce marriage certificate
Are you divorced? If you are preparing for a second or third legal wedding in the Netherlands a divorce certificate is required. The document must be converted into Dutch in the Netherlands or abroad. Along with a copy of your translated divorce decree, you need a birth certificate, passport, and a residence permit. These official documents ensure your 2nd or 3rd marriage is valid and legally recognised. Complete this checklist before your Dutch wedding in NL.
• Register Your Dutch wedding witnesses
You do not need to be a Dutch national to serve as a witness at your Dutch wedding. You can choose a minimum of 2 to 4 witnesses of any nationality who must be at least 18. Please register your witnesses when giving notice of marriage.
• Research Dutch non-legal wedding costs
Planning a wedding in NL? Costs for getting married in NL? Dutch weddings typically cost between € 15.000 – € 25.000 (without rings, honeymoon and celebrant). But you determine your special wedding budget spend.
• Secular wedding ceremonies in NL
Secular weddings in the Netherlands are non-religious ceremonies for nontraditional couples. Non-Dutch nationals can have a non-legal wedding without official documents before or after their civil ceremony. You can plan a secular wedding celebration as you wish—where, when, and how you like!
• Select a wedding venue
How do you choose the right venue for your Dutch wedding? Start by considering your wedding theme. Selecting the perfect venue can make your Dutch wedding unforgettable. And whether or not you register your marriage there’s options galore. Are you on a budget or expecting over 100 international guests? You can still plan a meaningful and joyful experience at the venue of your choice. To find great options and last-minute ideas for dry-hire venues, explore various memorable locations for your Dutch wedding. Go to www.toptrouwlocatie.nl.
• Visiting, moving or relocating to the Netherlands
Thinking about booking your wedding date or registering a foreign marriage in the Netherlands? Dutch wedding guide recommends sorting out the legal side of things first. Secular weddings require no marriage certificates or citizenship registration.
The Ultimate Must-Haves for an Official Dutch Wedding
Basic criteria for marriage, partnership & cohabitation
What are your marriage rights? You must give notice of marriage. ‘At least one partner must be Dutch or a resident of the Netherlands. Expats or Dutch residents can opt for a civil marriage. They can also have a registered partnership or a cohabitation agreement.’ government.nl.
2 to 4 witnesses of any nationality.
A Dutch wedding requires you to have witnesses, they can be of any nationality. Select between 2 and 4 witnesses. How old must they be? Each witness must be at least 18 years old. Make sure they provide a valid form of identification. This can be a passport or driver’s license.
Dutch Residence Permit
To Summarise:
- Dutch Residents can marry non-Dutch residents
- Non-Dutch residents/foreigners must have a residence permit to marry in the Netherlands
- Dutch residents/non-residents can host a non-legal wedding (celebrant/officiant-led ceremony)
- Your eligibility for marriage rights may differ from those in your country. Whether you want a spring, summer, fall or winter wedding, know this! A Dutch citizen/resident marrying a non-resident/foreign fiancé(e) must register an intent to marry (ondertrouw). Find all documents needed here: Rijksoverheid.
While you’re here…
Feel free to leave a comment below.
Hey! Great pointers to plan a Dutch wedding. But it is kind of unnerving to see how the Coronavirus has taken precedence over everything, even weddings! BTW, it is interesting to know that a citizenship and residence permit are necessary for an official Dutch wedding service! And there are other intriguing rules too!
Hey Daniel, I really appreciate your comment! I hope you and your loves ones are well under the unusual circumstances. Do you know of any wedding couples who are worried about their planned nuptials in Holland? Well, please forward this coronavirus weddings update post to them. Thank you.
Have a wonderful day. Warm regards, Clover
Hello. Guten Tag. Im Chinese ,and my partner is german. We want to gay marry or registered partner . I’m living in Düsseldorf and I have 2 years foreigner ID card . We just want to make paper in Holland and back to Germany. Because Germany we need So many documents.so we ask you can help make this marry .thanks and how much ?
Hello Guanghui, Congratulations to you and your partner. Unfortunately, you cannot legally get married in the Netherlands without Dutch citizenship. The legal marriage document can only be obtained in your country of birth, where you live or reside. Hope this helps!
Thanks for creating such an informative blog, can you give me recommendations of places where I can get a budget for a small wedding of 30 people? Dinner + Party + ceremony? Thanks 🙏
Hi Elizabeth, thank you for taking the time to read my blog and ask your question. Where do you want to host a budget wedding in Holland?
Thanks for the info! Do witnesses have to be registered residents of the Netherlands? For example, if I wanted a friend who is not Dutch and doesn’t live in the Netherlands to be one witness, would this be allowed?
Hi, Sarah Butcher. I’m glad you found this helpful information, and I appreciate your important question about witnesses. If you have a legal wedding in the Netherlands, you must register between 2 and 4 witnesses. Witnesses do not have to hold Dutch nationality or be country residents. Still, they must be at least 18 years old and possess valid identification, such as a passport. Did I answer your question? Just let me know if you need anything else! Kind regards, Clover
Clover,
I’m hoping you can clarify couple things for me. My parents are Dutch therefore I have Dutch passport. I currently reside in the US but would like to get married in Heemstede where my father resides in a nursing home. He Is unable to fly so we would like to get married at the court house in his town . I’ve tried to submit paper to The Hague but having a hard time getting this done. Any tips or tricks to help us out. Thanks Agnethe hartkamp
Hi Agnethe,
I hope to clarify your question about getting married in the Netherlands. Whether you have a Dutch passport or not, the requirements for marriage in the Netherlands are as follows: either you or your partner must be a Dutch national or reside in the Netherlands. Does this answer your question? Please let me know if I can assist you further.
Kind regards,
Clover
Source: https://www.netherlandsworldwide.nl/marry/conditions-marriage-netherlands.