Notice of Intended Marriage in Utrecht

Notice of Intended Marriage in Utrecht

The notice of intended marriage is the essential first step to getting married in the Netherlands, specifically with the Municipality of Utrecht. You announce here that you wish to marry on a specific date and time in Utrecht. The civil registrar checks for legal impediments and publishes the announcement, allowing others to raise objections. This process takes at least 14 days and is required for a legally valid marriage in Utrecht.

Legal Basis

The notice of intended marriage is governed by the Civil Code (CC), Book 1, Title 5 (articles 30 to 58). Key provisions include:

• Article 44 CC: The civil registrar of the Municipality of Utrecht maintains a register of all planned marriages.
• Article 45 CC: The notice must be submitted no later than 14 days before the wedding date.
• Article 46 CC: The publication must be displayed visibly for at least 14 days at the city hall of the Municipality of Utrecht.
• Article 47 CC: Anyone may raise objections during this period if legal impediments are suspected, such as an existing marriage.

These rules ensure transparency and prevent bigamy or invalid unions. Similar provisions apply to registered partnerships (art. 80 et seq. CC).

Who Can Submit a Notice in Utrecht?

One of the partners or an authorized representative submits the notice to the civil registry of the Municipality of Utrecht, regardless of your place of residence. Both must be of legal age or emancipated (art. 31 CC). For foreigners, visa and residence requirements apply.

Conditions for Partners

• Both must be capable of marriage (art. 30 CC): no close family ties or existing marriage.
• No guardianship without court approval from the District Court of Utrecht.
• Minors require parental or court consent (art. 36-38 CC).

Required Documents

For the notice with the Municipality of Utrecht, the following documents are typically required, depending on your personal situation:

Check the checklist on utrecht.nl. Foreign documents must be translated and legalized. For questions: The Legal Desk Utrecht offers free assistance.

Step-by-Step Procedure in Utrecht

1. Schedule an appointment: Via utrecht.nl or call 14 030, at least 14 days in advance.
2. Submit the notice: In person at the civil registry with all documents. Fee: approx. €10-20.
3. Registrar's review: Check via the Personal Records Database for impediments.
4. Publication: Announcement with names and dates at city hall (14 days).
5. Objection period: 14 days; no objections? Marriage proceeds.
6. Ceremony: With registrar and witnesses in Utrecht.

Practical Examples for Utrecht

Example 1: Anna (Dutch) and Ben (German) plan their marriage in Utrecht. They submit the notice three weeks in advance to the Municipality of Utrecht. Ben's legalized documents are accepted; the ceremony proceeds smoothly after publication.

Example 2: Karel, recently divorced, and Lisa submit their notice. It fails initially due to missing divorce decree; it succeeds after resubmission.

Example 3: Partner with a criminal record? No issue, unless under guardianship via the District Court of Utrecht. An ongoing partnership will block it.

Rights and Obligations

Rights:

• Inspect the public announcement in Utrecht.
• Raise objections with the Municipality of Utrecht (art. 47 CC).
• Free advice from The Legal Desk Utrecht.

Obligations:

• Provide accurate information; fraud is punishable (art. 225 Criminal Code).
• Submit on time to avoid delays.
• Validate documents.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tips and Recommendations for Utrecht

• Plan ahead: Book dates 3 months in advance; weekends in Utrecht are popular.
• Check documents: Request certificates in good time.
• Matrimonial property regime: Notary for asset protection; see Matrimonial Property Regime.
• From abroad?: Extra rules; call The Legal Desk Utrecht for advice.