Wedding Venue Designation
In addition to the town hall or city hall, municipalities can designate additional locations where marriages and registered partnerships can be concluded. These so-called free wedding venues offer couples the opportunity to marry at a special or personal location, such as castles, estates, museums, or other atmospheric places.
Owners or managers of locations can submit an application to have their location designated as an official wedding venue. The municipality assesses the application based on criteria such as suitability, safety, and public order. The wedding registrar must be able to conduct the ceremony and the legal requirements for a marriage ceremony must be met.
Requirements
- Suitability: The location must be suitable for conducting a marriage or registered partnership
- Safety: The location must comply with safety regulations and be accessible
- Space: There must be sufficient space for the couple, guests, and the wedding registrar
- Solemnity: The location must have a dignified character that befits the solemnity of a marriage ceremony
Procedure
- Submit application: Submit an application to the municipality to have the location designated as a wedding venue
- Documentation: Attach relevant information, such as floor plans, photos, and description of the location
- Inspection: The municipality may visit the location to assess whether it is suitable
- Decision: Upon approval, the location is officially designated as a wedding venue and included in the overview of available locations
- Conditions: The designation may be accompanied by specific conditions, such as maximum number of guests or usage times