So, you’re getting married in Belgium—soon. Maybe you’re the spontaneous type. Maybe life just threw you a curveball (hello, visa deadlines?). Or maybe you simply don’t see the point in waiting a year for a party when you can celebrate your love story right now.
Whatever the reason, planning a last-minute wedding is absolutely doable. You just need a solid plan, some flexibility, and maybe a glass of Belgian beer to keep you cool under pressure. 🍻
Step 1: Find a Last-Minute Wedding Venue in Belgium
The first thing to lock in? Where it’s all going down.
Since Belgium is packed with stunning castles, historic manors, and romantic city halls, there’s no shortage of dreamy wedding venues. The trick? Find the ones that still have availability.
💡 Pro tip: Many venues have last-minute cancellations, meaning you could score a stunning location at a discount! Always ask about unexpected openings.
Gorgeous Venues That Might Just Be Available:
🏰 Château de Modave – A fairytale castle in Liège with breathtaking gardens. (Website)
🌿 Botanic Sanctuary Antwerp – A stunning mix of history and nature in the heart of Antwerp. (Website)
🌊 Château de la Rocq – A picturesque 17th-century estate just outside Brussels. (Website)
🏙 Concert Noble (Brussels) – If you want an elegant ballroom vibe in the city. (Website)
No venue? No problem. Think outside the box—rent a private loft, book a vineyard, or even plan a romantic elopement in Bruges (because that city is basically a movie set).
Step 2: Handle the Legal Stuff (Fast & Without Panic)
Belgium is cool about weddings, but paperwork is still a thing. Here’s what you need to know:
📍 Where to go: You must submit a marriage declaration at the local commune where at least one of you has lived for at least 21 days.
📝 What to bring:
- Birth certificates
- Proof of residence
- Valid passports
- If previously married: proof of divorce/death certificate of former spouse
⏳ How long does it take? The process takes at least 14 days, so don’t leave it too late!
💡 Pro tip: If you’re an international couple, contact your local commune ASAP to check if extra documents (like translations or apostilles) are needed. Bureaucracy loves surprises!
Shortcut option: Already married abroad? Belgium recognizes many international marriages, meaning you might just need to register your marriage instead of going through the full legal process again. (More info)
Step 3: Find Vendors Who Are Available (Yes, It’s Possible!)
Most wedding vendors book months in advance, but last-minute miracles do happen. Here’s where to start:
📸 Photographer: Many photographers have last-minute slots, especially on weekdays. Check out Your Happy Moments for dreamy, timeless wedding photography.
🎶 Music: DJs and live bands might be booked, but you can still create an amazing Spotify playlist and rent a professional sound system.
🌸 Flowers & Decor: Stick to seasonal blooms and minimalist decor—florists often have extra flowers that they can arrange quickly.
🍽 Catering: Think buffet, cocktail-style, or food trucks—these options are faster and more flexible than full-course meals.
👗 Wedding Outfits: Rent, buy off-the-rack, or go vintage. Many Belgian bridal boutiques have stunning samples ready to wear.
💡 Insider tip: If you can’t find vendors via Google, post in local Facebook wedding groups—there are always professionals willing to jump in last minute!
Step 4: Invitations & Guest Management (Keep It Simple!)
Let’s be real—printing formal invitations takes forever. Instead:
📩 Go digital: Send out invites via WhatsApp, Paperless Post, or a simple wedding website.
📞 Make it personal: A quick call or voice note makes guests feel special and gets RSVPs faster.
💡 Pro tip: If you have guests flying in, help them out—send them hotel options, local transport info, and an itinerary so they can plan smoothly.
Step 5: Add Personal Touches & Enjoy the Ride
Even with limited time, you can make your wedding feel unique & meaningful. Here’s how:
💌 Write your own vows – Nothing makes a last-minute wedding feel more heartfelt than personal vows.
📸 Set up a photo wall – Print some pictures of your journey together—it’s simple, emotional, and always a hit with guests.
💃 Ditch the rigid traditions – No time for a rehearsed first dance? Freestyle it. No expensive wedding cake? Get Belgian waffles!
🎉 Remember the most important thing: This day is about celebrating your love story, not about impressing people with perfect napkin folds.
Final Thought: Yes, You Can Do This!
A last-minute wedding in Belgium isn’t just possible—it can be incredibly fun and unforgettable. The key? Stay flexible, keep it stress-free, and focus on the love.
And hey, you’ll need someone to capture these beautiful, spontaneous moments, right? 😉
📸 Check out Your Happy Moments for wedding photography that truly tells your story.
💌 Want to know more about our photography packages? Explore them here.
📅 Let’s make your last-minute wedding unforgettable! Get in touch today.
