What are the requirements for getting married in Liechtenstein?
Two persons may marry if both are 18 and capable of judgement. The basis is the standalone Marriage Act (EheG, LR 212.10) — not the Swiss ZGB. Only the civil ceremony before the civil registrar is legally binding. At least one person must be a Liechtenstein citizen or resident in the country; two foreigners resident abroad cannot marry here. Before the ceremony comes the proclamation: after the request, the promise of marriage is posted publicly for 14 days, and the ceremony is possible at the earliest on the 15th day; two adult witnesses must attend. The myth: „In Liechtenstein same-sex couples can only register a partnership.“ Out of date — since 1 January 2025 „marriage for all“ applies; new registered partnerships are no longer concluded.
📋 The rules
- Capacity to marry: both 18 and capable of judgement (EheG, LR 212.10): the requirement is that both parties have completed their 18th year of life and are capable of judgement. The Marriage Act is a standalone law, not part of the Swiss ZGB.
- Only civil marriage is binding: legally valid is only the ceremony before the civil registrar. A purely religious celebration creates no valid marriage in the legal sense.
- A link to the country is needed: at least one person must be a Liechtenstein citizen or resident in the Principality. Two foreigners resident abroad cannot marry in Liechtenstein.
- Proclamation, posting, deadlines: after the request for proclamation the promise of marriage is posted publicly for 14 days; the ceremony is possible at the earliest on the 15th day. Documents are filed at the earliest six months, at the latest three weeks before, and two adult witnesses are required.
- Marriage for all since 1 January 2025: marriage is now open to same-sex couples; no new registered partnerships are concluded, and existing ones can be converted into a marriage. Switzerland regulates marriage in the ZGB — Liechtenstein in its own EheG.
🔓 Exceptions
- Deadlines and documents: the documents must be provided in the original and differ by country of origin; certificates of EU/EEA citizens must be no older than six months and, where necessary, translated into German.
- Conversion of existing partnerships: couples who concluded a registered partnership before 2025 can have it converted into a marriage since the opening of marriage.
- Language and interpreter: ceremonies are, on request, also possible in English, French or Spanish; anyone who understands none of these languages must bring an interpreter.
⚠️ Penalties & fines
If a requirement is missing, there is no fine — but also no valid marriage: the civil registry office does not perform the ceremony until all statutory conditions are met. Missing or expired documents delay the date, and anyone who misses the deadlines (six months to three weeks before) must re-plan. If a marriage is entered only to obtain residence or citizenship advantages (a sham marriage), it can be declared void and draws official and criminal consequences. Not obvious: a marriage confers no automatic right of residence, and a marriage concluded abroad is recognised only if the conditions of the respective home law are met. Certifications, translations and fees add up; enquire early with the civil registry office.
📎 Official sources
- LILEX — Marriage Act (EheG, LR 212.10) and Ordinance to the Marriage Act (LR 212.10.1) (legal register home page) →
- National Administration — civil registry office, marriage and ceremony, requirements (home page) →
- National Administration service portal — family, marriage and partnership (home page) →
❓ Frequently asked
How old must you be to marry in Liechtenstein?
Both parties must have completed their 18th year of life and be capable of judgement. This follows from the standalone Marriage Act, which unlike in Switzerland is not part of the Civil Code but a law of its own.
Can same-sex couples marry?
Yes, since 1 January 2025 marriage for all applies in Liechtenstein, so same-sex couples can marry. New registered partnerships are no longer concluded, and existing ones can be converted into a marriage.
Do I have to live in Liechtenstein to marry here?
At least one of the two persons must be a Liechtenstein citizen or resident in the country. Two foreigners resident abroad cannot marry in the Principality, so clarify the link to the country with the registry office beforehand.
How does the proclamation work and when is the ceremony?
After the request for proclamation the promise of marriage is posted publicly for 14 days, and the ceremony is possible at the earliest on the 15th day. The documents must be filed at the earliest six months and at the latest three weeks before the date.
Is marriage law the same as in Switzerland?
No, Liechtenstein has its own Marriage Act (EheG, LR 212.10), while Switzerland regulates marriage in the ZGB. Same topic, different source — and the competent body is the Liechtenstein civil registry office in Vaduz.
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