What do I need to get married?
No sooner than 30 days after the application — a deadline that catches many people out. The process begins with a preliminary application to the municipality; you do not have to attend together — either of you may file it. The marriage cannot take place sooner than 30 days from the application; earlier only exceptionally, where important reasons require it. You will need: an ID card, a declaration that there are no impediments to marriage under the Family Code, a medical certificate (valid for 30 days from issue) and a declaration that you are aware of the other party's illnesses. If you have chosen a matrimonial property regime, you file a joint declaration with notarised signatures. The ceremony also requires two witnesses.
📋 The rules
- A preliminary application to the municipality; joint attendance not needed
- The marriage is no sooner than 30 days after the application
- A medical certificate is required, valid for 30 days
- A declaration of no impediments under the Family Code
- For a chosen property regime — a notarised declaration
🔓 Exceptions
- Exceptionally the marriage can take place sooner, where important reasons require it
- The age is 18; exceptionally from 16, with the district judge's permission
- There are three property regimes: community, separation, or a marriage contract
⚠️ Penalties & fines
There is no penalty here — there are decisions not made, and they cost dearly later. If you do not choose a property regime, the statutory regime of community applies automatically: everything acquired during the marriage becomes matrimonial community property, whoever's name it is in. The alternatives — a regime of separation and a marriage contract — are chosen before the marriage (or changed afterwards) by notarised declaration. The medical certificate is valid for 30 days — obtained too early, it expires just before the ceremony. And remember the 30-day rule: the wedding date is set after it, not before.
📎 Official sources
❓ Frequently asked
How far ahead do we apply?
The marriage cannot take place sooner than 30 days after the application is filed with the municipality. Earlier is possible only exceptionally, where important reasons require it.
What documents are needed?
An ID card, a declaration that there are no impediments to marriage under the Family Code, a medical certificate, and a declaration that you know of the other party's illnesses.
How long is the medical certificate valid?
Thirty days from the date of issue. Obtained too early, it expires just before the ceremony, so time it against the date of the wedding.
Which property regime should I choose?
There are three — the statutory regime of community, the statutory regime of separation, and a marriage contract. If you choose none, the community regime applies automatically.
Can you marry under 18?
Exceptionally, from 16, with the permission of the district judge, where important reasons require it. As a rule the age for marriage is 18.
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