Germany is a dream destination for LGBTQ+ couples looking to tie the knot. With its rich history, stunning landscapes, and progressive approach to love and equality, it’s the perfect place to say Ja! Whether you picture a fairytale castle wedding, a vibrant celebration in Berlin, or an intimate ceremony by a Bavarian lake, Germany offers it all.
This guide dives into LGBTQ+ wedding traditions in Germany, top wedding venues, and essential planning tips to make your big day unforgettable.
Is Same-Sex Marriage Legal in Germany? (Yes, and Here’s What You Need to Know!)
Same-sex marriage has been fully legal in Germany since 2017, thanks to the Ehe für alle (“Marriage for All”) law. This means LGBTQ+ couples enjoy the same rights as heterosexual couples, including adoption and tax benefits.
Legal Requirements for LGBTQ+ Weddings in Germany
If you’re not a German citizen, here’s what you’ll need to get legally married here:
✔️ Valid passports
✔️ Birth certificates
✔️ Proof of single status (Ledigkeitsbescheinigung)
✔️ Residency certificate (if applicable)
Since German bureaucracy can be complex, start planning early. The local registry office (Standesamt) will guide you through the paperwork. If a legal ceremony sounds too complicated, many couples opt for a symbolic ceremony in Germany after handling the legalities in their home country.
Polterabend: Smashing Plates for Good Luck (Literally!)
A Polterabend is a beloved German wedding tradition where friends and family gather to smash porcelain plates. The idea? Breaking old things brings good luck for a fresh start!
This tradition is perfect for LGBTQ+ weddings—it’s loud, joyful, and an excellent way to bring together loved ones before the big day. Want to add your own twist? Make it a rainbow-themed event with colorful porcelain pieces or have guests write their wishes on plates before smashing them!
Where to Get Married? The Best LGBTQ+ Wedding Venues in Germany
Germany offers countless stunning wedding venues, from historic castles to modern city rooftops. Here are some LGBTQ+ friendly locations where you can celebrate your love:
🏰 Castle Weddings (Because Every Love Story Deserves a Fairytale!)
- Neuschwanstein Castle (Bavaria) – A dream setting straight out of a Disney movie. Website
- Burg Eltz (Moselle Valley) – A medieval castle surrounded by forests. Website
- Schloss Wernigerode (Harz Mountains) – A hidden gem with stunning views. Website
🌆 Urban Chic Venues
- Clärchens Ballhaus (Berlin) – A historic ballroom perfect for a vintage-style wedding. Website
- Dock One (Hamburg) – A stylish venue with an industrial, waterfront vibe. Website
- München Hoch5 (Munich) – A rooftop venue with panoramic city views. Website
🌿 Outdoor & Nature Weddings
- Tegernsee (Bavaria) – A breathtaking lake setting in the Bavarian Alps.
- Moselle Vineyards – Say your vows among rolling vineyards with world-class wine.
- Saxon Switzerland National Park – For couples who love dramatic rock formations and forest scenery.
Rainbow-Themed Wedding Cake? Yes, Please!
German wedding cakes (Hochzeitstorte) are usually multi-layered and covered in marzipan, but LGBTQ+ couples have been bringing their own creative spin with rainbow cakes, modern naked cakes, and even traditional Black Forest cakes with a colorful twist.
Berlin, Hamburg, and Munich are home to talented LGBTQ+ friendly bakers. Try:
🎂 Törtchen Törtchen (Cologne) – Known for custom wedding cakes.
🎂 Princess Cheesecake (Berlin) – Perfect for a unique, elegant cake.
Walking Down the Aisle—Together!
Traditionally, German couples enter the ceremony together, symbolizing equality. This makes it a perfect tradition for LGBTQ+ weddings, where many couples prefer walking hand in hand instead of being “given away.”
If you want a unique touch:
✨ Have your closest friends (Trauzeugen) escort you.
✨ Enter separately and meet at the altar for a dramatic moment.
✨ Walk in with a drag queen or LGBTQ+ icon as your honorary wedding officiant!
Cologne Pride Weddings: Get Married During Germany’s Biggest LGBTQ+ Festival!
Cologne is Germany’s LGBTQ+ capital and home to one of the biggest Pride parades in Europe. If you love vibrant, festival-style weddings, why not time your wedding with CSD Köln (Christopher Street Day Cologne)? Imagine tying the knot while surrounded by rainbow flags, love, and music!
Find out more about the event here.
LGBTQ+ Wedding Checklist: Everything You Need to Know
✅ Start paperwork early—Germany loves its bureaucracy!
✅ Choose an LGBTQ+ friendly venue (castles, vineyards, rooftops—endless options!)
✅ Personalize your wedding: traditional German elements + modern LGBTQ+ flair
✅ Hire an inclusive wedding planner—many specialize in same-sex weddings
✅ Book a photographer who understands and celebrates LGBTQ+ love (that’s me! 😉)
Why Your LGBTQ+ Wedding Deserves the Best Photography
Your wedding day is a once-in-a-lifetime celebration, and every moment deserves to be captured with artistry and emotion. Whether you’re saying Ja! in a grand castle, sharing your first dance under the Berlin skyline, or laughing with friends at a vineyard reception, your love story deserves to be told beautifully.
📸 Explore my portfolio of unforgettable weddings: Your Happy Moments Blog
📸 Find the perfect photography package for you: Investment & Pricing
📸 Let’s make magic together—contact me today! Get in Touch
No matter how you choose to celebrate, your love is worth capturing in the most breathtaking way possible. Let’s make your LGBTQ+ wedding in Germany a story worth remembering forever. 🏳️🌈💍
