If you want to get married in Utrecht, you must first file a notice of your intended marriage with the municipality. This process is also called civil preliminaries or marriage registration.
What does civil preliminaries entail?
Civil preliminaries is the formal announcement of your marriage plans to the municipality. During this process, the municipality checks whether you meet the legal requirements to be allowed to marry.
When must you do civil preliminaries?
- At least 14 days before the planned wedding date
- Up to a maximum of 1 year before the wedding date
- In the Municipality of Utrecht, if you want to marry there
Which documents do you need?
| Document | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Valid identity document | Passport or ID card |
| Birth certificate | Or an extract from the Personal Records Database with birth details |
| Proof of unmarried status | Often required for a foreign partner |
| Divorce decree | If previously married |
| Consent declaration | For minors or persons under guardianship |
Foreign documents
Documents from abroad must often:
- Be legalised or provided with an apostille
- Be translated by a sworn translator
- Be recent (usually not older than six months)
What happens after civil preliminaries?
If the notice has been approved, you can:
- Schedule a date and time for the marriage ceremony
- Confirm the location for the wedding ceremony
- Designate witnesses (between 2 and 4 persons)
Frequently asked questions about civil preliminaries in Utrecht
Do we both need to be present for the civil preliminaries?
This depends on the rules in Utrecht. Sometimes one partner is sufficient, sometimes both must be present. Contact the municipality for clarification.
Are there costs associated with civil preliminaries?
Often there are no separate costs for civil preliminaries; these are included in the total marriage costs. However, there may be costs for providing documents.
Can the municipality reject our marriage?
Yes, if you do not meet the legal conditions, such as too close family ties or an existing marriage.
Extra questions and answers
How long does approval of civil preliminaries take?
The Municipality of Utrecht has two weeks by law to process the civil preliminaries, but it is often arranged faster. With foreign documents, the process may take longer. Therefore, plan ahead and inquire with the municipality about the expected duration.
What if I don't have a document?
Missing or incomplete documents may result in the civil preliminaries not being approved. The municipality will inform you what is still needed. Provide these as soon as possible to avoid delays.
Can I do civil preliminaries in another municipality?
No, civil preliminaries must take place in the municipality where you want to marry, in this case Utrecht. For non-residents, there are sometimes online or telephone options. Inquire with the municipality.
My partner lives abroad, what now?
If your partner cannot come to the Netherlands, one person can handle the civil preliminaries with a legalised power of attorney from the other. Contact the Municipality of Utrecht for the specific requirements.
Do I need to provide witnesses at civil preliminaries?
No, this is not yet necessary during the civil preliminaries. Witnesses (minimum 2, maximum 4 and over 18) can be provided later, often up to just before the ceremony.