How do I get a civil marriage?
A civil marriage is done at the commune: you file a marriage declaration, and the marriage can take place at the earliest 14 days later. The minimum age is 18 (the family court can, for serious reasons, allow an exception). You also may not already be married (monogamy), both partners must freely consent, and you may not be too closely related. You make the declaration at the commune where one of you lives, with the needed documents (ID cards and, for foreigners, a birth certificate among others). The marriage takes place at the earliest 14 days and at the latest 6 months after the declaration; the prosecutor can shorten the wait or extend the window. A civil marriage legally precedes any religious ceremony. Same-sex marriage has been possible since 2003. The cost varies by commune (the declaration is usually free; a Saturday ceremony can cost a few hundred euros).
📋 The rules
- Minimum age 18 (exception possible via the family court)
- Not already married (monogamy), free consent, no too-close kinship
- Marriage declaration at the commune of one partner's residence, with documents
- Marriage at the earliest 14 days and at the latest 6 months after the declaration
- The civil marriage precedes any religious ceremony; same-sex marriage possible since 2003
- The cost varies by commune; the commune checks for sham marriages
🔓 Exceptions
- The public prosecutor can shorten the 14-day wait for important reasons
- For foreigners, certain documents (e.g. birth certificate, proof of single status) must be recent (max 6 months)
⚠️ Penalties & fines
Marrying without meeting the conditions has consequences: a sham marriage (only to obtain a residence permit) or a forced marriage is forbidden, and the commune can refuse the marriage or have it annulled. Bigamy is an offence. Marriage creates mutual rights and duties (maintenance, inheritance rights, a matrimonial property regime).
📎 Official sources
- Belgium.be · marriage (formalities) →
- Stad Gent · marriage declaration →
- VRT NWS · cost of marriages by commune (2026) →
❓ Frequently asked
What is the minimum age to marry?
18. The family court can allow an exception for serious reasons, but that is exceptional.
How far in advance must I make the declaration?
You file the marriage declaration at the commune of your residence; the marriage can take place at the earliest 14 days later and at the latest within 6 months. The prosecutor can shorten that wait.
Must I marry civilly before a religious marriage?
Yes. The civil marriage is the only legally valid one, and it must always precede any religious ceremony.
How much does marrying cost?
It depends on your commune. The declaration is usually free; a ceremony outside office hours or on a Saturday can cost a few hundred euros, plus sometimes a marriage booklet.
🔎 Common searches
What people search to land here:
- “civil marriage procedure belgium”
- “marriage minimum age 18”
- “marriage declaration commune”
- “marriage wait 14 days”
- “cost of marriage commune”