Question 1

In which countries can Germans legally marry?

Accepted Answer

In principle, you can marry in almost any country in the world — the marriage is recognized in Germany if it was validly concluded according to the laws of the host country. Popular countries for destination weddings include Italy, Greece, Denmark, Austria, the USA (Las Vegas!), the Maldives, and Bali. Denmark is the most bureaucratic-friendly: minimal document requirements, ceremonies can take place within a few days, and automatic EU-wide recognition. In France, a civil ceremony is required (at least 40 days of residence beforehand!), while in Italy it is easier through the consulate. Tip: Register your marriage at the German registry office upon your return.

Question 2

What documents do I need for a wedding abroad?

Accepted Answer

Standard documents include: birth certificate (apostilled), ID card/passport, certificate of marital capacity from the German registry office (80 euros, processing time of 2–4 weeks), and in case of divorce, the divorce decree. Apostille: certification of the authenticity of German documents for use abroad — obtained from the district court or the district government for about 25 euros. In some countries (Thailand, Maldives), a consular certificate from the German embassy is also required. Start gathering documents at least 3–4 months before the wedding — apostilles and translations take time. All documents usually need to be translated into the local language by a sworn translator.

Question 3

How much does a wedding abroad cost?

Accepted Answer

Civil wedding in Denmark: from 500 euros all-inclusive (fees, documents, interpreter). Beach ceremony in Bali: 3,000–8,000 euros for location, decoration, photographer, dinner, and officiant. Tuscany wedding in a villa: 10,000–30,000 euros depending on the number of guests and amenities. Greek island wedding (Santorini, Crete): 5,000–20,000 euros. Las Vegas Wedding Chapel: from 100 USD for the simplest ceremony up to 5,000 USD for a package with limo, photographer, and Elvis. Wedding planners abroad cost 1,500–5,000 euros, but save a lot of stress and know the local laws and service providers.

Question 4

How do I organize a destination wedding with guests?

Accepted Answer

Inform your guests at least 12 months in advance about the date, location, and approximate costs — for destination weddings, guests have to arrange their own flights and hotels. Negotiate group rates with hotels near the venue — often there is a 15–25% discount for 10 or more rooms. Plan a program over 2–3 days: welcome dinner, wedding day, brunch the next day — guests invest a lot in travel. Expect that 30–50% of invited guests may not be able or willing to come — plan your guest list accordingly larger. Create a wedding website with all the information about travel, hotels, dress code, and program.

Question 5

Which countries recognize a symbolic wedding?

Accepted Answer

A 'symbolic wedding' (ceremony without an officiant) is NOT legally binding in ANY country — it is purely symbolic. For legal validity, a civil wedding must also take place: either on-site or before/after in Germany. Many couples marry civilly in Germany (simple, inexpensive, quick) and then celebrate the symbolic ceremony at their dream location abroad. The symbolic wedding offers complete creative freedom: personal vows, any location, any speaker, no religious or bureaucratic restrictions. Popular symbolic wedding locations include beach ceremonies in Greece, mountain peaks in the Alps, vineyards in Tuscany, and castles in Scotland.

Question 6

How do I find a good wedding planner abroad?

Accepted Answer

Search on platforms like Destination Wedding Directory, Zankyou, or Hochzeitsplaza for certified planners in your destination country. Check their portfolio and references: at least 20 weddings at the destination, verifiable reviews from real couples. An initial consultation (usually free via video) clarifies style, budget, and feasibility — pay attention to chemistry and communication quality. Good planners know local authorities personally and understand how documents need to be submitted. Costs: 10–20% of the total wedding budget, plus fixed travel costs for the planner. For a 20,000-euro wedding, this means 2,000–4,000 euros — it sounds like a lot, but it saves nerves and prevents costly mistakes.

Question 7

Beach ceremony — what should I consider?

Accepted Answer

Permits: Many beaches worldwide require an official permit from the municipality — your wedding planner will take care of this. Weather backup: Plan B for rain is MANDATORY — a nearby restaurant, hotel, or covered terrace as an alternative. Timing: Late afternoon (4–6 PM) for the best light and pleasant temperatures — the midday sun is unbearable for guests in formal attire. Dress code: barefoot and casual — inform your guests that high heels do not work on sand. Sound: Wind at the beach drowns out speakers and music — a portable microphone and Bluetooth speaker are essential.

Question 8

How do I plan a wedding in Italy?

Accepted Answer

Italy is the most popular destination wedding country: Tuscany, Amalfi Coast, Lake Garda, Sicily, and Sardinia offer stunning backdrops. The civil wedding takes place at the town hall (Comune) by the mayor — for this, you need a Nulla Osta (certificate of marital capacity) from the German consulate. Popular locations include historic villas (5,000–15,000 euros rental), wineries (often including catering), olive groves, and medieval villages. Italian catering at a wedding is legendary: 5–7 courses over 4 hours is standard, including aperitivo, primo, secondo, and dolci. Best season: May/June and September/October — July/August is too hot and crowded.

Question 9

How is my wedding abroad recognized in Germany?

Accepted Answer

Marriages that are validly concluded abroad according to local laws are automatically valid in Germany — you do not need to have it 'recognized'. HOWEVER: You should register the marriage at the German registry office so that it appears in the German marriage register — this simplifies name changes, tax class changes, and inheritance rights. For registration, you need: apostilled and translated marriage certificate from abroad, ID card, birth certificate. Costs: about 50–100 euros for the re-registration, plus translation and apostille fees. Time frame: 2–6 weeks depending on the registry office and completeness of the documents.

Question 10

Which wedding locations abroad are the most romantic?

Accepted Answer

Santorini (Greece): Caldera ceremony at sunset with a view of the volcano and the Aegean Sea — the most iconic wedding backdrop in the world. Lake Como (Italy): George Clooney glamour in a villa by the lakeshore, surrounded by alpine scenery and cypress trees. Château de Versailles (France): Ceremony in the Orangerie of the castle for 10,000–50,000 euros — fairy-tale and unforgettable. Maldives: private sandbank ceremony with just the couple, the officiant, and dolphins — from 3,000 euros. Cape Town (South Africa): winery in Stellenbosch with Table Mountain panorama — top cuisine and wines at prices unimaginable in Europe.

Getting Married Abroad