Amsterdam is one of the most romantic cities in Europe, and it is no surprise that thousands of couples choose it each year as the place to say “I do.”
Whether you live in the city, recently moved here, or plan to marry as an international couple, Amsterdam has a modern, flexible marriage system, but one that still requires planning, preparation, and the correct documents.
This complete 2026 guide explains exactly how to get married in Amsterdam, step by step, with all legal requirements simplified.
Table of Contents
Who Can Get Married in Amsterdam?
Amsterdam follows clear eligibility rules for civil marriage:
You can get married in Amsterdam if:
- You are 18 years or older.
- At least one partner lives in Amsterdam or the Netherlands (or is a Dutch national) so that the municipality’s residency requirements are met.
- Neither partner is already married or in a registered partnership.
- You are not closely related (parents/children/grandparents, etc).
You cannot get married in Amsterdam if:
- Both partners are non-Dutch and live abroad without any residency link to the Netherlands.
- Your documents cannot be verified, legalised or translated as required by the municipality.
- You intend to marry solely for a residence permit (municipality may investigate the validity of the relationship).
Legal Requirements for Foreigners Getting Married in Amsterdam
Many couples marrying in Amsterdam include at least one non-Dutch partner. In these cases, the city requires additional verification.
If one partner is a foreign national:
You must submit extra documents confirming:
- Your identity and nationality
- Your marital status (proof you are single)
- The legality of your documents
Amsterdam may also require a personal declaration verifying the marriage is genuine.
If both partners are foreign nationals:
You may still marry in Amsterdam only if at least one of the partners resides in Amsterdam or the Netherlands.
Otherwise, the municipality will not accept your application.
Documents Needed to Get Married in Amsterdam (2026 Checklist)
Amsterdam requires different documents depending on your nationality and place of residence.
For all couples:
- Valid passports or national identity cards.
- Birth certificates.
- Completed marriage notice/intent form.
- Names and ID copies of 2–4 witnesses (must be 18+).
For foreign nationals / mixed-nationality couples:
- Certificate of unmarried status (or certificate of no impediment) from your country of origin.
- Legalised or apostilled foreign documents, if applicable.
- Official translations (if documents are not in Dutch, English, French or German).
- Proof of lawful residence in Amsterdam (if required).
If previously married or in a partnership:
- Divorce decree or death certificate of previous spouse.
- Recognition of foreign marriage or registered partnership (if relevant).
Important:
Different countries require different types of legalisation. Some need apostilles, others full consular legalisation. Start this well in advance.
Step-by-Step: How to Get Married in Amsterdam
Step 1: Give Notice of Marriage (Ondertrouw)
All couples must officially declare their intention to marry. In Amsterdam, you must make this declaration at least 6 weeks before your wedding date.
This declaration or notice also establishes your eligibility and lets the municipality verify your documents.
Step 2: Set the Date & Location
Once you’ve declared, you need to make an appointment at the city office to confirm the date, time and location.
Amsterdam’s site explicitly states: “The appointment must take place at least 6 weeks before the ceremony date.”
Bring your IDs, witness names, and pay the fee at that appointment.
Step 3: Choose Your Wedding Location
In Amsterdam, you can marry at:
- The city hall wedding hall (City Office)
- An approved external venue (hotel, museum, historic building, boat)
- A special location (subject to approval)
Step 4: Select an Officiant
Amsterdam allows couples to choose their ceremony officiant:
- The default municipal official.
- Or the “wedding officiant for one day” (BABS) – a friend/family member authorised for that day.
Step 5: Bring 2-4 Witnesses
- Must be present at the ceremony.
- Must be 18+.
- Provide ID copies ahead of the ceremony (during the appointment).
Step 6: The Ceremony & Registration
On the wedding day:
- The officiant conducts the legal civil ceremony.
- The municipality registers the marriage and issues the official certificate.
- You may also receive multilingual extracts for use abroad.
Choosing a Wedding Venue in Amsterdam
Amsterdam is famous for its extraordinary wedding locations. Popular types include:
Canal-side venues
Historic canal houses, terrace cafés, and converted warehouses.
Luxury Hotels
5-star hotels, boutique venues, often with ceremony rooms and event halls.
Museums & Cultural Spaces
Elegant museum rooms, historic estates, converted churches.
Boats & Floating Venues
Say your vows while cruising the canals, which are unique and quintessentially Amsterdam.
Historic Buildings & Churches
If you still want the feel of a church ceremony, many historic buildings allow civil marriage parts there (religious blessings can follow separately).
The municipality provides no single publicly verified figure for the total number of approved venues, so it is best to consult the official venue list on the Amsterdam city site.
Fees & Costs of Getting Married in Amsterdam (2026)
Fees depend on the day, time, type of ceremony and location. Amsterdam’s official page shows clearly that:
- A budget ceremony (10-minute municipal ceremony) is € 200.40
- City Office wedding hall (Mon–Fri 09:00-17:00) is € 940.50
- External location Monday–Friday day slot is € 893.40
- An external location on Monday–Friday evenings or weekends may cost €1,157.80 or more.
Note: These are published rates for venues outside municipal halls; you must contact the venue manager for any additional fees.
Special Cases in Amsterdam Marriage Law
Same-Sex Marriage
Amsterdam fully supports same-sex marriage. The legal framework in the Netherlands allows it.
Registered Partnership
An alternative route: you can register a partnership rather than get married. Amsterdam lets you convert that partnership into a marriage later if desired.
Expat & Foreign Spouse Cases
If one partner is a Dutch resident and the other a foreign national, the marriage is permitted once your documents are verified and the declaration is filed.
If both are foreign nationals and neither resides in the Netherlands, marriage in Amsterdam is generally not permitted.
After the Ceremony: Legal Steps You Must Take
1. Name Use Declaration
In Amsterdam (and the Netherlands generally), your legal surname usually remains unchanged unless you choose to take your partner’s name socially or legally via your home country’s system.
2. Residence Permit for Non-Dutch Partner
If your foreign spouse will live with you in the Netherlands, you must apply for the partner residence permit via the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND).
3. Registering Your Dutch Marriage Abroad
Check with your home country’s embassy or consulate; many require:
- multilingual marriage extract
- legalisation or apostille
- local registration of the marriage
Common Mistakes Couples Make (and How to Avoid Them)
| Mistake | How to avoid it |
|---|---|
| Filing your marriage notice (ondertrouw) too late | In Amsterdam, file at least 6 weeks ahead. |
| Missing translations/legalisation of foreign documents | Start early; ask the municipality which documents need translation/apostille |
| Selecting a venue not approved for a legal ceremony | Use Amsterdam’s official list of locations or verify the outside venue’s authorisation |
| Assuming “tourist wedding” rules apply for both foreigners living abroad | If neither partner resides in the Netherlands, you generally can’t marry in Amsterdam |
| Forgetting to register witnesses and provide IDs in advance | Provide witness details when you set your date and location |
FAQ
Q: Can I get married in Amsterdam if I live abroad but my partner lives in Amsterdam?
A: Yes. As long as one partner is resident in Amsterdam or the Netherlands, and the other criteria are met.
Q: Can two foreigners who live abroad marry in Amsterdam?
A: No. Amsterdam requires at least one partner to be resident or Dutch.
Q: Do I need to speak Dutch to get married in Amsterdam?
A: No. You can request an English-speaking officiant or provide a sworn translator.
Q: How long does the process take in Amsterdam?
A: It varies; you must declare at least 6 weeks ahead. Then document verification and ceremony scheduling may take additional time.
Q: Is same-sex marriage legal in Amsterdam?
A: Yes. Fully legal and supported.
Final Thoughts
Getting married in Amsterdam offers couples a perfect blend of romance, history, and flexibility.
Whether you’re a local resident or an international couple beginning your life together in this remarkable city, Amsterdam provides clear processes and countless stunning venues for your ceremony.
With proper preparation, document verification, timely declaration, and the right wedding location, you can navigate the process smoothly and enjoy a beautiful, stress-free wedding in Amsterdam.
Why Living in Amsterdam is Cool
If you or your partner will be settling in the city after the wedding, you might also want to explore what life in Amsterdam is like as a new resident.