Getting Married in the Netherlands: A Comprehensive Guide for Expats

1. Introduction

Congratulations on your decision to tie the knot with your loved one in the Netherlands! If you are an expat planning to get married in this beautiful country, there are certain requirements and procedures you need to be aware of. This guide will walk you through the process, from giving notice of marriage to the actual wedding ceremony.

2. Requirements for Getting Married

Before you start planning your dream wedding, it’s essential to ensure that you meet the necessary criteria for marriage in the Netherlands. The general requirements for getting married in the country are as follows:

  • Both partners must be at least 18 years old.
  • Neither partner can be currently married or in a registered partnership.
  • You cannot marry a blood relative, such as a grandparent, grandchild, parent, child, or sibling.

3. Specific Conditions for Expats

If you are an expat marrying a non-Dutch citizen in the Netherlands, there might be different conditions that apply to your situation. Make sure to verify these specific requirements with your local municipality.

4. Giving Notice of Marriage (Ondertrouw)

To proceed with your wedding plans, you must give notice of your intention to marry (ondertrouw) at least two weeks before the wedding date. This notice must be submitted to the municipality where either you or your partner is officially registered. Keep in mind that once you have given notice, you have 12 months to hold the marriage ceremony; otherwise, the notice becomes invalid, and you’ll need to apply again.

5. Required Documents

During the ondertrouw procedure, you may be asked to provide additional documents, including your birth certificate and proof of any previous divorces or the dissolution of registered partnerships.

6. Marriage Ceremony Options

In the Netherlands, the marriage ceremony must be conducted by a registered and qualified member of the municipality. There are different options for your ceremony:

  • Municipality Arranged Venue: You can choose to have your ceremony at a building designated by the municipality for weddings.
  • Personal Venue: Alternatively, you can opt for a location of your choice, but this may come with additional costs.
  • Simplified Ceremony: If you prefer a cost-effective option, you can have a simplified ceremony with limited guests and no music. Some cases might even allow you to have a free ceremony.

7. Registering a Marriage from Abroad

If you are arriving in the Netherlands already married to your partner, you must register your marriage with the local municipality. This process will require a legalised or authenticated marriage certificate from the country where you were married.

8. Hiring a Wedding Planner

Planning a wedding can be overwhelming, especially as an expat in a foreign country. Consider hiring a wedding planner who specializes in organizing weddings for internationals. A professional planner can help ensure that everything goes smoothly, from choosing the reception venue to deciding on the catering and entertainment.

9. Additional Resources

For more information and specific details regarding giving notice of marriage and other requirements, visit the website of the municipality where you intend to get married. They may have a checklist to guide you through the preparation process for your special day.

With this comprehensive guide, you are now equipped with the essential information to embark on your journey to getting married in the Netherlands. Best wishes for a beautiful and memorable wedding day!