So, you’re planning to get married in Belgium? Congratulations! 🎉 Whether you’re dreaming of a charming ceremony in Bruges, a chic wedding in Brussels, or a fairytale castle celebration, Belgium offers a stunning backdrop for your big day.
But before you start practicing your “I do” in Dutch, French, or German, there’s a small hurdle to jump—the paperwork. And let’s be honest, no one dreams about getting lost in a bureaucratic maze before their wedding. So, grab a cup of coffee (or Belgian beer 🍺), and let’s break down everything you need to know about marriage documents in Belgium—without the headache!
Who Can Get Married in Belgium?
Belgium welcomes both local and international couples, but there’s one key requirement:
✅ At least one partner must be a Belgian resident or have lived in Belgium for at least three months before the wedding.
If neither of you lives in Belgium, you may need to get legally married in your home country first and then have a symbolic or religious wedding in Belgium.
Documents Needed for a Legal Wedding in Belgium
To get legally married, you’ll need to submit a marriage declaration at your local town hall (commune/gemeente). Here’s what you’ll need to bring:
📝 1. Birth Certificates
- Must be official and translated into Dutch, French, or German, depending on the region.
- Some countries require apostille legalization or embassy certification.
🆔 2. Valid Passports or ID Cards
- Your original passport or national ID will be required.
❌ 3. Certificate of No Impediment (CNI)
- This document proves you’re not already married.
- Available from your home country’s embassy or civil registry office.
📍 4. Proof of Residency (For Foreigners)
- If you’re not Belgian, you may need to prove you’ve lived in Belgium for at least 3 months (utility bills, rental agreements, etc.).
💔 5. Divorce or Death Certificate (If Applicable)
- If you were previously married, bring a divorce decree or death certificate of your former spouse.
💵 6. Prenuptial Agreement (Optional)
- If you want to arrange your finances legally before marriage, you can sign a prenup with a Belgian notary.
Step-by-Step: The Belgian Wedding Process
📌 Step 1: Submit Your Marriage Declaration
At least two weeks before the wedding, you must submit your marriage declaration at the town hall where one of you lives. Larger cities (like Brussels or Antwerp) may require appointments months in advance, so book early!
📢 Step 2: Marriage Banns (Public Announcement)
Belgium still follows an old-school tradition—marriage banns. Your wedding details will be displayed publicly for 10 days, allowing anyone (yes, even your ex) to object to your marriage.
💍 Step 3: The Civil Wedding Ceremony
- The legal ceremony must be performed in the town hall before any religious or symbolic wedding.
- A civil registrar will conduct the ceremony, and two witnesses are required.
💡 Pro tip: Even if you plan a grand wedding elsewhere, you still need to attend this official ceremony first.
Religious & Symbolic Weddings in Belgium
Once the civil wedding is done, you’re free to have a religious or symbolic ceremony. Whether it’s in a grand cathedral, a rustic countryside barn, or a vineyard with endless views, Belgium has plenty of options!
📍 Top Wedding Venues in Belgium:
🏰 Château de Beloeil – A fairytale castle with breathtaking gardens. (Visit)
🌉 Bruges – The “Venice of the North” is pure wedding magic. (Visit Bruges)
🎭 Antwerp’s Historic City Hall – Stunning Renaissance architecture for a classic wedding.
Pro Tips for a Stress-Free Wedding in Belgium
✅ Start early – Some documents take months to process!
✅ Check translation & legalization rules – Apostille stamps may be required.
✅ Consider a local wedding planner – A Belgian expert can help navigate the legalities.
✅ Plan around Belgian holidays – Town halls may be closed on certain dates.
✅ Don’t forget to celebrate with Belgian waffles & beer – Because, priorities! 🍻
FAQs About Getting Married in Belgium
❓ Can foreigners get married in Belgium?
Yes, but at least one partner must have lived in Belgium for three months before the wedding.
❓ How long does the process take?
At least two weeks, since marriage banns must be published for 10 days before approval.
❓ Can we have a destination wedding in Belgium without the legal process?
Yes! You can get legally married in your home country and have a symbolic or religious ceremony in Belgium.
Let’s Capture Your Love Story in Belgium! 📸
Now that you know everything about the legal process, it’s time to talk about something way more fun—your wedding photos! As a destination wedding photographer, I specialize in capturing authentic, emotion-filled moments in Belgium’s most breathtaking locations.
💍 See my latest wedding stories: Your Happy Moments Blog
📸 Check out my photography packages: Investment Details
📩 Let’s chat about your wedding vision!: Contact Me
Planning a wedding in Belgium might involve some paperwork, but trust me—it’s worth every moment. Get your documents in order, pick the perfect venue, and let’s create some unforgettable memories together! 🥂✨
