Getting Married In Austria As A Foreigner – The Legal Requirements Explained
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Dreaming of saying “I do” in a European destination filled with history, romance, and stunning landscapes? Austria might just be the perfect place for you! Known for its breathtaking mountain views, fairytale castles, and elegant cities like Vienna and Salzburg, Austria has become a beloved destination for couples around the world looking to tie the knot. For non-residents and foreigners, Austria offers a straightforward legal process, making it both a beautiful and practical choice for your wedding day.
This guide covers everything you need to know about getting married in Austria as a foreigner. Let’s get started!
Why Choose Austria for Your Destination Wedding?
Austria’s rich culture and natural beauty have made it one of Europe’s top choices for destination weddings. Here are just a few reasons why so many couples come to Austria to marry:
- Stunning Scenery: You’ve seen The Sound of Music. Austria is home to some of the most picturesque backdrops in the world. From the magnificent Alps to enchanting lakeside villages like Hallstatt and Zell am See, your wedding photos will be unforgettable.
- Historical Charm: Austria isn’t just mountains. It also has stunning historical cities, such as Vienna and Salzburg, where you can get married in regal Baroque palaces, castles or with a backdrop of magnificent neo-classical architecture.
- Marriage Equality: Austria supports marriage equality, so it’s a great destination for LGBTQ+ couples.
Legal Requirements for Foreigners to Get Married in Austria
Austria has straightforward, reliable marriage requirements, but it’s essential to prepare all necessary documents ahead of time to ensure a smooth process. Here’s what you need to know:
Eligibility Requirements
- Both parties must be at least 18 years old.
- Neither party can be already married.
- If either partner has been married before, they must provide proof of divorce or a death certificate for a former spouse.
Residency Requirements
You do not need to be resident in Austria to get married here.
Documents Required
To marry in Austria, you’ll need the following documents:
- Valid Passports: Proof of identity and citizenship.
- Birth Certificates: An official copy of each partner’s birth certificate.
- Certificate of No Impediment: This document, which confirms that you are legally free to marry, may vary in name by country. Check with your embassy to acquire it.
- Proof of Residence: Although you don’t need to be an Austrian resident, your residence information may be requested.
- Divorce or Death Certificates (if applicable): Necessary for individuals who were previously married.
- Other Documents: Documents such as an adoption certificate or name change/Deed Poll certificate may also be requested.
The exact documents required can vary depending on your personal circumstances. Ask the Standesamt for confirmation.
All documents and official copies must be no older than 6 months.
Apostilles and Translations
Many foreign documents need to be officially verified with an apostille, an international certification confirming their validity. Documents not in German must be translated by an official translator to be accepted.
Venues for a Civil Wedding Ceremony in Austria
Civil marriage ceremonies can only be conducted by the local authority (Standesamt). These typically take place within the town hall offices, but in some areas, they may allow you to get married in an external, pre-approved venue.
Witnesses
Austria no longer requires you to have witnesses to get legally married, making it an ideal destination for elopements.
Names After Marriage
When you register your intention to marry in Austria, you will be asked what you wish your name/s to be after you are married. If you intend to change your name/s, you must decide this before the wedding day, as your new name/s will be printed on your marriage certificate.
Local Authorities
To get married in Austria, you must contact a local registry office, or Standesamt, which handles marriage applications. Choose the city or region where you plan to marry and reach out to the registry office directly, ideally six months in advance.
Your Austrian Wedding Ceremony – What To Expect
The civil (legal) marriage ceremony in Austria is short and very matter-of-fact.
The registrar will welcome you both and read the declaration of marriage. You’ll be asked individually if you consent, to which you both answer “Ja” (Yes). Then you’ll sign your names, and they will pronounce you married. That’s IT!
Ceremonies are conducted in German, so if neither of you speak German, you’ll be required to have a locally approved interpreter (Dolmetscher) there too.
These legal ceremonies don’t leave much (if any room) for any personalisation, such as readings or the sharing of private vows. Because of this, many couples choose to celebrate with a second, more personal ceremony afterwards.
Terminology You’ll Need To Know
Here’s some key terminology for getting married in Austria:
Standesamt – The civil registry office where civil marriages are legally conducted and recorded in Austria.
Standesbeamter / Standesbeamtin – The registrar who works at the Standesamt, performing the civil marriage ceremony and issuing marriage certificates.
Dolmetscher – A translator or interpreter. If either partner does not speak German, a Dolmetscher may be required during the ceremony to ensure both parties understand the legal vows and procedures.
Apostille – An international certification that makes foreign documents, such as birth certificates or divorce decrees, legally valid in Austria.
Ehefähigkeitszeugnis – The Certificate of No Impediment, which confirms that both partners are legally free to marry, as required by Austrian law.
Trauung – The wedding ceremony, which can refer to either the civil ceremony at the Standesamt or a religious ceremony.
Heiratsurkunde – The marriage certificate issued by the Standesamt after the civil ceremony, serving as official proof of marriage.
Aufgebot – The official marriage announcement (or “posting of the banns”) that may be required to announce an upcoming marriage.
Staatsbürgerschaftsnachweis – Proof of citizenship document required for each partner as part of the marriage process.
Familienbuch – The family record book provided after marriage, commonly used in Austria to document family information.
Namensänderung – Name change option available to either partner after marriage. Any changes are legally documented through the Standesamt.
These terms cover essential concepts and requirements for understanding and navigating the marriage process in Austria as a foreigner.
Step-by-Step Process for Non-Residents to Get Married in Austria
- Contact a Local Registry Office (Standesamt): Reach out to the Standesamt in your chosen wedding location. They can confirm what paperwork they require, available dates and may offer pre-approval for documents before you arrive.
- Gather and Prepare Documents: Start by collecting all required documents. Apostilles and translations can take time, so prioritize these.
- Submit Documents for Pre-Approval: If possible, send copies of your documents to the Standesamt ahead of time for review.
- Arrive in Austria: Plan to arrive a few days before your wedding date to finalize paperwork.
- Wedding Day: The official civil ceremony typically takes place at the Standesamt, but if you want to exchange vows, or hold a symbolic ceremony or a reception, you can choose any location you like.
- Legalizing Your Certificate: You’ll be given your marriage certificate at the end of your ceremony. Austria offers an international certificate that is written in multiple languages. Depending on your country of residence, you may need to get an Apostille in Austria to ensure your marriage certificate is recognized in your home country.
- Register Your Marriage At Home: Once you return home, you’ll need to register your marriage at your local government offices.
How to Plan a Destination Wedding in Austria Remotely
Hire a Local Wedding Planner
If you’re planning your wedding from abroad, hiring a local wedding planner can be a huge asset. They’ll help you with the paperwork, coordinate with your other vendors, handle on-the-ground details, and help bridge any language barriers.
Find Local Vendors
Use online resources or recommendations from your wedding planner to choose high-quality caterers, photographers, and florists. Austria’s wedding vendors are known for their professionalism, and many cater to English-speaking clients.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do we need to be in Austria before the wedding?
You should arrive a few days before the wedding to finalize paperwork and handle any last-minute details with the Standesamt.
Can Same-Sex Couples Get Married in Austria?
Yes, Austria has had marriage equality since 2019.
Can we have a religious ceremony?
Yes, religious ceremonies are possible but they aren’t legally binding. A religious or symbolic ceremony typically takes place after the civil ceremony. You may need proof of your religion to organize a religious ceremony in Austria.
How long does it take to receive the official marriage certificate?
The marriage certificate is usually issued immediately after the ceremony. You may request additional copies if needed.
Are there any residency requirements?
No, Austria does not have residency requirements for marriage. Foreigners can marry as long as they fulfill the document and eligibility criteria.
Conclusion
Austria is a top choice for destination weddings, offering natural beauty, historical venues, and a welcoming environment for foreign couples. By preparing your documents in advance, reaching out to local authorities, and planning your details carefully, you can have a seamless and magical wedding experience in Austria. Here’s to your happily-ever-after in one of Europe’s most romantic destinations!
