Can I marry at the registry office in Austria?
Yes — from 18 you may marry civilly, including same-sex. Marriage capacity requires being of full age (18) and capable of judgement. Both partners must register the marriage in person at the registry office beforehand ("establishing marriage capacity"). Core documents are a photo ID and birth certificate, and for a prior marriage proof of its dissolution (a final divorce decree or death certificate). Establishing marriage capacity costs €50 (about €130 with foreign documents), plus a €13.20 federal fee. The registration is valid for 6 months — register no earlier than half a year before the date. In short: yes, with registration, documents and a deadline.
📋 The rules
- Marriage capacity from 18 and capable of judgement
- Register in person beforehand
- Documents: ID + birth certificate
- Establishing it costs €50 (foreign ~€130)
- Registration valid 6 months
🔓 Exceptions
- Age 16–18: court declaration + guardians' consent
- One partner unable to attend: a declaration form is possible
- Foreign documents: translation/legalisation needed
⚠️ Penalties & fines
These are administrative fees, not penalties: €50 standard (about €130 with foreign documents) plus a €13.20 federal fee for the record. The registration expires after 6 months, after which you must re-register. Beware a myth: "you can just show up at the registry office and marry the same day" is false — you must register the marriage beforehand (establishing marriage capacity), and the clearance is only valid for 6 months. Tip: book the registration appointment early and, for foreign documents, sort out translation and legalisation in advance.
📎 Official sources
- oesterreich.gv.at · marriage →
- City of Vienna · register a marriage →
- help.gv.at · marriage capacity →
❓ Frequently asked
What age can I marry?
Marriage capacity requires being of full age, that is 18, and capable of judgement. Civil marriage is open to all couples, including same-sex. People aged 16 to 18 can only marry with a court declaration of marriage maturity and the consent of those with custody.
What must I bring?
You need a valid photo ID and your birth certificate. If you were previously married, proof of the dissolution of the prior marriage is needed, that is a final divorce decree or a death certificate. With foreign documents, translation and legalisation may be required.
Must I register the marriage beforehand?
Yes. Both partners must register the marriage in person at the registry office before the wedding, which is establishing marriage capacity. If one partner cannot attend, they can fill in the declaration form so the other can register alone.
What does registration cost?
Establishing marriage capacity costs €50 as standard, and with foreign documents reckon about €130. A federal fee of €13.20 applies for the record. These amounts are administrative fees, not penalties.
How long is the registration valid?
The marriage registration is valid for six months. So you should register no earlier than half a year before the desired wedding date. If the deadline passes, the registration must be repeated before you can marry.
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