Make it your priority to fully understand the legal requirements for getting married in Austria.
The necessary documentation and the process to be followed in respect of the legal requirements for getting married in Austria are outlined below. Please keep in mind that it is intended to be a starting point and guideline only.
Lucie & Max’s winter wedding in Austria
Although much care and effort has been taken to ensure the information provided is correct please do not take it as legal advice. I strongly advise you to consult the Austrian Embassy or Consulate for first-hand information on the legal requirements for getting married in Austria.
Please Note: Required documentation and the legal process may vary from nationality to nationality.
Essential Facts
- A civil ceremony is the only legally binding type of ceremony possible in Austria
- Civil ceremonies take place in the Standesamt and are performed by an official of the Standesamt, however, they may take place outside of the official offices for a higher fee
- There is no minimum residency period
- You may only have a religious ceremony after a civil ceremony has taken place, either in Austria or in your own country
- The ceremony is conducted in German and you may be required to have a translator present
Legality of Marriage
Marriages performed in Austria are internationally recognised and legally binding.
Residency Requirements
There are no minimum residency requirements to get married in Austria.
Marriage Application
You can file your marriage application up to a maximum of six months prior to your wedding date. Once you have filed for your marriage application there may be a waiting period of between two and six weeks until you will be given a confirmed date of marriage.
If either of you is an Austrian citizen or resides in Austria (regardless of citizenship), your marriage application must be filed at the Standesamt which pertains to your residence.
If neither of you are Austrian or do not reside in Austria, your marriage application must be filed at the main registrar’s office in Vienna.
Standesamt Wien-Innere Stadt
Schlesingerplatz 4
A-1080 Vienna
Tel: +43-1-40134 08591
Email: post-a08(at)m35.magwien.gv.at
When filing for your marriage licence you must be both present in person.
If neither of you reside in Austria, in some circumstances the Registrar will waiver this requirement, however it would be advisable that this has been agreed to before you continue on with your plans for arranging your wedding in Austria.
If permission has been granted for you not to be in attendance, I would advise employing the services of a wedding planner or a legal professional to file your marriage application on your behalf.
When filing for your marriage application the registrar will require the following:
- legal proof of marriageability and
- any possible impediments to marriage
This is based on your declarations and the certificates and proof presented.
Please note: When filing the application, you must inform the registrar of the surnames you will using after marriage.
Required Documentation
All documentation is required to be original or certified copies and translated into Austrian by the relevant authorities.
Your Certificate of No Impediment / Certificate of Freedom to Marry must not be older than 6 months.
All documentation must be submitted to the Registrar at the Town Hall at least 8 to 10 weeks prior to your wedding taking place.
The following documentation for both the bride and groom is required to be presented when applying for a marriage licence in Austria.
- Certificate of No Impediment / Certificate of Freedom to Marry bearing the stamp apostille
- Proof of residence (council tax bill, drivers license etc)
- Full passport
- Photocopies of the picture page of the passports of the bride and the groom
- Photocopies of the picture page of the passports for your two witnesses, listing their name, address and occupation.
- Full Birth Certificate (showing mother and fathers names), bearing the stamp apostille
- If you are divorced – Decree Absolute and previous Marriage Certificate.
- If you are a widower – Death Certificate of previous spouse and previous Marriage Certificate.
- Name Change Deed Poll Certificate – if applicable.
- Adoption Certificate – if applicable.
If you are using a Wedding Planner they will organise this on your behalf. However, if you are not using a Wedding Planner you will need to make provisions to ensure your documentation is correctly submitted and lodged on time.
Certificate of Marriage
You will be issued with an international wedding certificate that will be valid in your home country however, if you wish more than one copy you will need to request this in advance.
Additional Details
For more information on the type of wedding ceremony you may have in Austria click here.
For information in respect of same-sex marriages in Austria click here.
Further Information
For further information on the legal requirements for getting married in Austria please contact the Austrian Embassy or Consulate in your country of residence.
A full listing of Austrian Diplomatic Missions and Consular Offices can be found on the following link: Austrian Embassy or Diplomatic Mission in your country
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Requirements are subject to change in accordance with the laws of Austria. Information updated as at June 2016
