Planning a wedding in Belgium? The process involves several important steps, from filing the declaration to the solemn ceremony. Each formality has its own nuances that must be taken into account so that the marriage is legally recognized. In this guide, we will analyze the key stages and give advice to help you avoid unnecessary hassle.
Declaration for Marriage
Documents for marriage in Belgium must be submitted in advance, at least two weeks before the planned date of the ceremony. This period allows the authorities to check the information provided and confirm that both partners meet the legal requirements. The application process depends on the status of the applicants, especially if one of them is an immigrant or a refugee. Therefore, it is necessary to take into account the legal requirements for marriage in Belgium.
List of documents required to comply with the formalities for marriage:
- For Belgian citizens:
- Identity card
- Birth certificate
- Document on marital status
- Confirmation of registration at the place of residence
- For immigrants:
- Passport or residence permit
- Birth certificate with apostille
- Family status document issued by the country of origin
- Proof of legal residence in Belgium
- For refugees:
- Refugee Status Certificate
- Replacement birth document (if necessary)
- Certificate from temporary place of residence
- Certificate of No Marital Obligations
- Belgium marriage visa, check its validity
Where to submit documents:
- Address: Marriage Registration Office in the municipality where you live.
- Phone: +32 2 279 33 00
- Website: belgium.be
- Cost: about 50 euros, depending on the region.
- Waiting time: 2 to 6 weeks.
Foreign nationals may require additional documentation, such as a certified translation of documents or a marriage license from their country of origin. In some cases, it is also necessary to provide evidence of legal residence in Belgium. To avoid delays, it is recommended to check the requirements with your local municipality in advance. International couples in Belgium have the same rights as locals.
Need a visa to study in Belgium? Find out more in this article.
Advice: to speed up the process of submitting documents, foreign citizens should contact a specialized agency or a lawyer. You can also draw up marriage contracts in Belgium there.
Wedding ceremony in Belgium
The wedding ceremony in Belgium begins with a mandatory civil marriage, which takes place in the municipality. This format is official and legally binding for all couples, regardless of their religious or cultural preferences. Only after the completion of the civil union in Belgium is it possible to hold a religious ceremony, if the couple so wishes.
Mandatory formalities for marriage:
- Submitting a declaration of marriage to the municipality.
- Providing the necessary documents, including identification, birth certificate and certificates of marital status.
- Payment of registration fees.
- Proof of residential address of both partners.
- In Belgium, the minimum age for marriage is 18 years. However, if one of the partners is under 18, he or she can apply for marriage with the consent of a judge. The judge must assess whether the conditions for marriage are favorable, taking into account the psychological and social context.
Select date and time of ceremony:
- Coordination of date with the municipality.
- Taking into account the schedule and availability of the selected registry office.
- Possibility of booking a specific time for the convenience of guests.
Possible limitations:
- There is a minimum deadline for submitting documents before the wedding (usually at least two weeks).
- Restrictions on holding ceremonies on public holidays.
- Special rules for foreign citizens getting married in Belgium.
Who may attend:
- The presence of the groom, the bride and two witnesses is mandatory.
- Inviting relatives and friends is permitted, but the number of guests may be regulated by the municipality.
Type of ceremony:
- A civil ceremony in a municipality is performed by an official such as the mayor or an authorized representative.
- The event format includes the signing of the official marriage act and the exchange of vows. Sometimes, Belgian wedding traditions are taken into account.
- Possibility to add personal elements such as background music or short speeches.
After the civil ceremony, the couple can organize a religious ceremony, which is carried out in accordance with the traditions and rules of a particular denomination. However, it is important to remember that a religious marriage in Belgium is not legally valid without a prior civil marriage. The country has a strict procedure governing this condition.
What does the Belgian Immigration Department do?
Important: In Belgium, you cannot organize a religious ceremony before you have officially entered into a civil marriage.
Authorities to contact
In Belgium, authorities play an important role in regulating various processes, including document verification and confirmation of the legality of marriage. Public services carefully monitor compliance with the law to ensure order and compliance with standards. The process of registering a marriage, like other administrative procedures, is strictly regulated at the municipal and communal level. It is important to take into account all the specifics of interaction with these authorities to successfully complete all formalities.
Features of marriage registration in municipalities and communes:
- Each municipality and commune in Belgium has its own process for registering marriages, but the basic requirement is to submit an application to the local authority.
- To register, you must provide documents confirming your identity, civil status and legal presence in the country.
- In some cases, such as international marriages, additional certificates or translations may be required.
- The wait time to get married may depend on local regulations and the workload of the administration.
- It is advisable to obtain information about the requirements of the municipality or commune of your choice in advance to avoid misunderstandings.
Interaction with consulates and embassies plays an important role for foreigners wishing to confirm their legal connection in Belgium. Consulates often provide assistance in preparing the necessary documents and their legalization. It is important to correctly complete all the papers in order to avoid refusals or delays in the registration process.
The average cost of a wedding in Belgium depends on many factors, including the number of guests, the chosen venue, the level of service and additional services. According to the agency MarryMe, for a wedding with 10-20 guests, costs start at 20,000 euros, and for 20-30 guests – from 25,000 euros.
According to other sources, the cost of a civil wedding in Belgium starts from 2,000 euros, but larger events, especially in historic castles, can cost significantly more.
It is important to note that in 2025, the average cost of a wedding in Belgium was around $35,000. So the total cost of a wedding in Belgium ranges from a few thousand to tens of thousands of euros, depending on your preferences and budget.
How can Afghans immigrate to Belgium? Read our article for tips.
Tip: Please remember that for foreigners, getting married in Belgium may require additional steps, such as legalising documents at the embassy.
Formalities after marriage in Belgium
After getting married in Belgium, it is important to complete several formalities so that all changes are officially recorded and taken into account in various documents. These steps are important for both Belgian citizens and foreign citizens who get married in the country.
Amending documents (passport, residence permit, insurance policies).
After registering your marriage, you need to update your personal documents. The first thing you need to do is amend your passport or identity card. To do this, you need to provide a marriage certificate, which is issued by the municipality or commune after registration. You will also need to pay a fee, which varies depending on the municipality.
For foreign nationals, if they already have a residence permit in Belgium, it is necessary to contact the local immigration office to update the information on marital status in their documents. Since marriage can affect the residence status, it is important that this information is up to date.
The peculiarities of Indian immigration to Belgium are described in this article.
Another important step is updating your insurance policies. If you or your spouse have health insurance or other types of insurance, you will need to notify your insurer of your marital status. This is necessary to ensure that benefits, premiums, and other insurance policies are properly processed. It is also important to notify your employer of your new status, as this may affect your tax liability.
Marriage registration at the consulate or embassy of your country (for foreigners).
Foreign citizens who marry in Belgium must register their marriage at the consulate or embassy of their country. This is a mandatory step in order for the marriage to be recognized in their home country and to be formalized in accordance with the laws of their country. To register a marriage, you must provide the original marriage certificate issued in Belgium, as well as other documents that may be required depending on your country of origin (e.g. proof of citizenship or place of residence).
The registration process varies by consulate or embassy, and often requires that the marriage certificate be translated into the consulate’s official language. It is recommended to check in advance for all requirements and consulate working hours, as well as possible processing times.
Notifying your employer or tax authorities of a change in marital status.
If you work in Belgium, it is important to notify your employer of a change in marital status. This is necessary to ensure that your tax liability is calculated correctly and that you can claim any tax deductions that apply. In Belgium, tax rates may generally vary depending on the number of dependents and marital status. Your employer should provide you with updated tax forms or notifications.
It is also important to notify the tax authorities, as your marital status may affect your tax return. If you have recently changed your status, you will need to submit updated information to the Federal Tax Service. This can be done online or in person, depending on the situation.
In addition, if children are born in a marriage, this also requires notification to the tax authorities for inclusion in the system of social payments and tax benefits.
Completing all the formalities after marriage in Belgium is an important step to ensure that your documents and status are properly completed and taken into account by all relevant institutions. Following these procedures will help avoid legal complications and ensure a smooth transition to a new life, taking into account all the rights and obligations associated with marriage.