In Germany, marriage are considered legal unions, and essentially legally binding contracts between 2 persons. The union is protected under the German Constitution. Persons getting married in Germany only need to appear physically at a Standesamt for a civil ceremony. Witnesses are not required in this case and a religious ceremony is optional. The civil registrar's office in each region of Germany can provide the exact information on the required documents and process of getting married in Germany.
However, typically the following documents are required by both partners with the registrar:. Another requirement is that one must also be living in the locality for at least 21 days before visiting the town hall and apply for a marriage date. If one or both of the partners intending to marry is foreign, the foreign documents may be sent to a higher regional court in order to verify the legal status of that person.
However foreigners can legally get married in Germany. If a foreigner is marrying a German citizen, it is possible to obtain a German residence permit. It is also important to check if marriage in Germany is also recognised in your home country if you intend to move back at some point and wish to get it recognised. A civil marriage is required before an optional religious marriage may be performed. Civil marriages are completed at the Standersamter. These are generally non-regligous in order to suit a marriage union from all religious backgrounds.
Once completed, a religious or traditional ceremony may be performed. Same-sex civil Partnerships were legally recognised in Germany during Although there are legal differences between a marriage union and partnerships, the process is the same. On October 1st, same-sex marriage became legal with all the obligations of marriage according to the German Constitution. After the change in law, civil partnerships were obsolete and any same-sex partnerships entered into before October have the possibility to covert the partnership into an official marriage.
Furthermore, same-sex marriages officially recognised in any other country is also recognised as legal marriage in Germany. While Germany has many wedding traditions found in most other Christian weddings, such as the bride wearing white, the father leads the bride down the aisle, cake cutting at midnight and the first dance, there are a few German traditions as well.
