Marriage and registered partnership
Marriage and registered partnership
If you want to get married in the Netherlands, there are many arrangements to be made at your local municipality. You will have to inform the municipality that you intend to get married. You must apply for a marriage license, this is called in ondertrouw gaan. A civil servant will then examine the request, and let you know whether your request will be granted.
Description/ Conditions
- You must apply for a marriage license at least 6 months in advance of the wedding.
- The request can be submitted exclusively in the municipality where you live.
- You can choose to marry in another municipality. The municipality has a monopoly on civil ceremony locations. The initial marriage license remains valid for one year.
Choice of surname
When you marry you can choose to use your partners surname. However, your name will not change officially in the records.
Request
To apply for the marriage license you must visit the Town Hall where you live.
What should you bring?
- You must submit your passport or ID
- Birth certificate
If you have been married before
- Registration of death of your previous partner
- Proof of divorce or deregistration of partnership from you previous partner
- If you are a minor and are under guardianship you will need permission
- You must also register the first and surnames of your witnesses.
Time involved
You are free in the choice of the date, location (within bounds) and the municipality. You can discuss your wishes and preferences regarding the ceremony with the civic affairs department. After the marriage has taken place the municipality where you live will receive notice of your wedding or registered partnership.
Location
Civic Affairs Town Hall
Result
Registration of marriage
Legislature
Dutch civil code (Nieuw Burgerlijk Wetboek)
More information in the link