Free Civil Marriage in Utrecht

Free Civil Marriage in Utrecht

A free civil marriage in Utrecht provides residents with a low income the opportunity to enter into a civil marriage without or with minimal costs, thanks to arrangements by the Municipality of Utrecht. This provision ensures equal access to marriage, as long as certain conditions are met. In this article, we highlight the specific rules, steps, and tips for residents of Utrecht.

What does a free civil marriage in Utrecht entail?

In the Netherlands, a civil marriage is the only legally valid way to get married, and Utrecht follows these national standards. Typically, there are fees associated with the civil registrar and possible extras like a special venue. For a free civil marriage, the Municipality of Utrecht waives or reduces these fees for couples facing financial constraints. This often includes a simple ceremony at Utrecht City Hall, without any additional embellishments. The goal is to ensure that financial barriers do not prevent anyone from entering a lawful marriage.

Note: This covers only the core procedure, not items like witnesses or a reception. According to CBS data, many couples marry in Utrecht each year, with some taking advantage of fee waivers through the municipality.

Legal basis

Marriage rules are outlined in Book 1 of the Civil Code (BW), particularly Title 5 (Marriage). Article 1:30 BW states that marriage must be civil and performed by a civil registrar. Fees fall under the Municipalities Act (Article 229), which allows charges for official services.

The Municipality of Utrecht applies a waiver policy based on the Civil Status Act and the General Administrative Law Act (Awb). This follows the Policy Rules for Remission of Municipal Taxes and Fees, linked to income and assets. In 2023, standard fees in Utrecht range from €550-€750, but with a waiver, this becomes €0. Check the Municipality of Utrecht's website for current rates and conditions.

Conditions for waiver in Utrecht

For a free civil marriage in Utrecht, requirements include:

• Combined income below the social assistance threshold (e.g., €1,250 net per month for a single person in 2023).
• Limited assets (generally under €27,000).
• No additional income exceeding the limit.
• Sometimes proof of social assistance or a minimum benefit is required.

Couples with children or in special circumstances, such as refugees in Utrecht, may receive priority. For personal advice, contact the Legal Aid Desk in Utrecht.

Steps for a free civil marriage in Utrecht

Here's how to arrange it in Utrecht:

1. Submit an application: Schedule an appointment with the civil registry of the Municipality of Utrecht at least 6 months in advance.
2. Provide documents: Submit passports, birth certificates, and a declaration of marital eligibility (no prior marriages).
3. Apply for waiver: Submit a form with financial details; the municipality decides within 4-8 weeks.
4. Book the ceremony: Select a basic date and time slot; options for registrars or venues are limited.
5. Conduct the ceremony: Two witnesses are required; the ceremony lasts about 15 minutes at the city hall.

The full process takes 3-6 months. If denied, you can file an objection under the Awb (Article 7:1) with the Utrecht District Court.

Practical examples from Utrecht

Take Lisa and Tom, a couple from the Overvecht neighborhood with a combined net income of €1,700 and social assistance. They cannot afford the €650 fee and apply for a waiver with the Municipality of Utrecht. After verifying benefits and accounts, they are allowed to marry for free on a weekday morning, with family as witnesses – just the basics without extra expenses.

In Utrecht, the municipality offers a 'social marriage arrangement' for those on low income. A single parent with two children and a €1,100 benefit can arrange a free civil marriage, including registration in the Basic Registration of Persons (BRP).

Cost overview for Utrecht:

Rights and obligations

A free civil marriage in Utrecht carries the same legal status as a paid marriage: fully recognized, with an extract for the BRP. You have rights to community of property (or adjustments via marital conditions, see Marital Conditions) and inheritance rights.

Obligations: Be transparent about finances; misrepresentation can lead to fines or annulment. Both partners must be adults and eligible for marriage (Article 1:31 BW). Report any name change afterward.

Frequently asked questions