So, you’re ready to say “Ja, ich will!” in Germany? 🏳️🌈🇩🇪 First of all—huge congratulations! Whether you dream of a romantic castle ceremony, a chic Berlin rooftop party, or a lakeside elopement in Bavaria, Germany has everything you need for a fabulous, stress-free, and unforgettable wedding.
But where do you start? How do you navigate German bureaucracy (spoiler: there will be paperwork 📄), find LGBTQ-friendly vendors, and make your wedding uniquely you?
Buckle up—we’re diving into everything you need to know to plan your perfect same-sex wedding in Germany!
Step 1: The Legal Side—How to Get Married in Germany
Before you start planning the flowers and cake, let’s talk about the not-so-glamorous but super-important part: the legal requirements.
✅ Same-sex marriage has been legal in Germany since 2017. 🎉
✅ You must have a civil ceremony at the Standesamt (registry office) for your marriage to be legally recognized.
✅ Religious or symbolic ceremonies are lovely but not legally binding unless you do the civil part first.
What Documents Do You Need?
Depending on your nationality, you’ll need:
📌 Valid passports or national IDs
📌 Birth certificates (translated into German if needed)
📌 Proof of residence in Germany (Meldebescheinigung)
📌 If previously married: divorce decree or death certificate of a former spouse
📌 For international couples: A certificate of no impediment (Ehefähigkeitszeugnis)
💡 Pro Tip: Start this process at least six months in advance—German bureaucracy can be a lot!
👉 Find your local Standesamt here: Standesamt Finder
Step 2: Choosing the Perfect LGBTQ-Friendly Wedding Venue
Germany offers a little bit of everything—historic castles, modern city rooftops, dreamy lakes, and even beachside ceremonies.
✨ For the Fairytale Lovers:
🏰 Neuschwanstein Castle – The ultimate fairytale wedding spot. (Yes, the one that inspired Disney’s castle!)
👉 Visit Neuschwanstein
🌆 For the Urban Chic Couple:
Berlin’s Soho House – A stylish, intimate venue with rooftop views over the city.
Clärchens Ballhaus – A vintage ballroom that screams romance.
👉 Soho House Berlin | Clärchens Ballhaus
🌿 For the Nature Enthusiasts:
Lake Eibsee, Bavaria – Crystal-clear water, mountain views, and absolute serenity.
👉 Lake Eibsee Info
🍷 For the Wine Lovers:
The Rhine Valley Vineyards – Rolling hills, endless vineyards, and the best Riesling you’ve ever tasted.
👉 Rhine Valley Wine Tours
🏖 For a Beach Wedding:
Sylt Island – A stunning North Sea island, perfect for a relaxed beach ceremony.
👉 Visit Sylt
Step 3: Finding LGBTQ-Friendly Wedding Vendors
Germany is known for being LGBTQ+ inclusive, but you still want vendors who celebrate your love—not just tolerate it.
🌈 Where to Find Them?
✅ Ehe für Alle – A great resource for LGBTQ+ wedding planning.
✅ Instagram & Pinterest – Search for #LGBTQweddingGermany or #EheFürAlle.
✅ Ask Other LGBTQ+ Couples – Many share their experiences and vendor recommendations online.
📸 And about your wedding photos… If you want genuine, joy-filled moments captured beautifully, I’ve got you! (More on that below 😉)
Step 4: Making Your Ceremony Uniquely You
This is where the fun happens! Forget boring traditions—this is YOUR love story, so make it personal.
💍 Write Your Own Vows – Whether in German, English, or both, make it heartfelt.
🎤 Ditch Tradition – Walk down the aisle together, dance into your reception, or have your dog be the ring bearer! 🐶💍
🏳️🌈 Show Your Pride – Whether with rainbow-themed cocktails, subtle LGBTQ+ decor, or a Pride flag grand exit—this is your moment!
🔥 Symbolic Rituals – A unity candle, handfasting, or even a “wine blending” ceremony (especially great in a vineyard 🍷).
Step 5: Planning an Epic Reception 🎉
Germany knows how to party (Oktoberfest, anyone? 🍻). Your wedding should be no different!
🎶 Live Band or DJ? – Want a traditional German Oompah band? Or a DJ spinning club beats? Either way, make sure they get your vibe.
🍽 Food & Drinks – Think pretzels, schnitzel, currywurst, and unlimited Riesling!
📸 Photo Booths & Polaroid Guest Books – Let guests snap fun pics & leave messages!
🎆 The Grand Exit – Fireworks, sparklers, or a dramatic vintage Volkswagen Beetle getaway? 🚗✨
Bonus: LGBTQ+ Wedding-Friendly Honeymoon Ideas in Germany
After the wedding, why not explore some of Germany’s most romantic spots?
💖 Bavaria – Stunning Alpine views & spa retreats.
💖 Berlin – One of the most LGBTQ-friendly cities in the world!
💖 Black Forest – Cozy, fairytale-like forests & luxury lodges.
💖 The Moselle Valley – Wine country honeymoon goals.
Final Thoughts (Aka, Let’s Make This Happen! 💛)
Planning a same-sex wedding in Germany is all about making it joyful, stress-free, and 100% true to you. With stunning venues, LGBTQ+ inclusive vendors, and a vibrant queer community, your wedding will be pure magic.
📸 And if you’re looking for a photographer who will capture every laugh, tear, and champagne pop—let’s talk!
👉 Get Inspired by Real Weddings: Wedding Blog
👉 Check Out My Photography Packages: Investment
👉 Let’s Make Your Wedding Photos Unforgettable: Contact Me
Let’s make your love story legendary. 💛✨
