So, you’re dreaming of getting married in Belgium? Maybe you picture a romantic ceremony in the medieval town of Bruges, or perhaps a stylish affair in the heart of Brussels. Whatever your vision, one thing’s for sure—before you say “I do,” you need to navigate Belgium’s legal maze. But don’t worry! I’ve got you covered with all the essential info, plus some fun wedding tips to make your Belgian wedding unforgettable.
Can Foreigners Get Married in Belgium?
The short answer is yes, but Belgium doesn’t just let anyone run off to its fairytale towns and get married overnight. There are a few requirements:
✅ At least one partner must have a connection to Belgium – This means either being a Belgian national, having legal residence, or having lived in Belgium for at least three months.
✅ Both partners must be at least 18 years old – No exceptions.
✅ Proof of civil status – You must prove you’re single, divorced, or widowed. No double weddings allowed!
✅ Consent matters – Both partners must willingly agree to the marriage. No forced marriages, obviously.
📌 Official info: You can check the Belgian government’s guidelines here.
What Documents Do You Need?
Before walking down the aisle, you’ll need to prepare a few official documents. Here’s what’s required:
📌 Birth certificates – Both partners need an official copy.
📌 Valid passports or ID cards – No, a selfie with your passport won’t work.
📌 Proof of residence – Such as a residence permit, utility bills, or rental agreement.
📌 Proof of civil status – This document confirms you’re single, divorced, or widowed.
📌 Prenuptial agreement (if applicable) – If you’re planning to sign one, have it ready.
💡 Important: Documents in another language (other than French, Dutch, or German) may need translation and legalization. Check with your local Belgian embassy to be sure!
📌 More info on document requirements: diplomatie.belgium.be.
The Marriage Declaration: Making It Official
Before your wedding day, you must file a Declaration of Marriage (think of it as a “heads-up” to the Belgian government). Here’s how it works:
📌 Where? – At the local town hall (commune/gemeente) where at least one partner lives.
📌 When? – At least 14 days before the wedding but no more than 6 months in advance.
📌 Who? – Both partners must go in person. No sending your best man to do the paperwork!
📌 What happens next? – If everything checks out, you’ll get an official go-ahead for the wedding.
💡 Tip: Some communes are busier than others, so book an appointment early to avoid stress.
Top Wedding Locations in Belgium
Once you’ve sorted out the paperwork, it’s time for the fun part—choosing your dream wedding location! Here are some top venues that are perfect for an unforgettable wedding:
💍 Château de Modave – A fairytale castle in Liège Province with stunning gardens. Perfect for a classic European wedding. More info.
💍 Concert Noble, Brussels – A stunning 19th-century ballroom in the heart of Brussels, ideal for glamorous weddings. More info.
💍 Harzé Castle – This historic castle, surrounded by lush Belgian countryside, doubles as a hotel. Perfect for a royal-style wedding! More info.
💡 Tip: Many castles and historical venues in Belgium require booking far in advance. Start planning early!
Belgian Wedding Traditions & Fun Ideas
Belgium has some quirky wedding traditions that you might want to include in your celebration:
🍻 Belgian Beer & Chocolate – Instead of champagne, why not offer guests a Belgian beer tasting? And instead of cake, how about a chocolate tower? Your guests will love it!
🌦️ Prepare for Unpredictable Weather – Belgium’s weather is like a romantic comedy—unpredictable but charming. If you’re planning an outdoor wedding, have a Plan B (or at least a good umbrella!).
🗣 Multilingual Ceremonies – Belgium has three official languages (Dutch, French, German), so consider a bilingual or trilingual ceremony if you have international guests.
🎶 Live Music with a Belgian Twist – Consider hiring a live accordionist or a jazz band (Belgium is home to jazz legend Django Reinhardt!).
How Much Does a Wedding in Belgium Cost?
💰 Wedding Venue: €3,000–€15,000 (castles & chateaux tend to be on the higher end).
💰 Catering: €50–€150 per guest (Belgian food is amazing, so it’s worth it!).
💰 Photography: €1,500–€5,000 (Want breathtaking wedding photos? See below 😉).
💰 Legal Fees & Documents: €250–€500 (translations, administrative fees, etc.).
💡 Budget Tip: Belgium has incredible historic town halls where you can have a civil wedding for free or at a low cost, then splurge on a stunning reception venue.
Final Thoughts: Let’s Capture Your Belgian Love Story!
Planning a wedding in Belgium is an adventure—one that deserves to be beautifully captured. Whether you’re exchanging vows in a grand castle or sharing a quiet moment along the canals of Bruges, I’ll be there to document every moment with stunning, timeless photography.
📸 Explore my wedding portfolio: Your Happy Moments Blog
💍 Check out my wedding photography packages: Investment Page
📩 Let’s chat about your big day! Contact me here
Let’s make your Belgian wedding unforgettable! 🚀💖
