Leslie Massey
Planning a wedding in Austria? With its stunning Alpine landscapes, charming historic cities, and rich cultural heritage, Austria has become an increasingly popular destination for couples worldwide. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the legal requirements and procedures for getting married in Austria. First, it's important to note that civil ceremonies are the only legally binding type of marriage in Austria. These civil marriages are typically performed at a registry office or Standesamt, which is the Vital Statistics Office. The ceremony can also be held at an external location of your choice, such as a castle or palace, for a higher fee. The next step is to file a marriage application, which can be done up to six months in advance. If neither party is an Austrian citizen or resident, the application must be filed at the main registrar's office in Vienna. Various documents, such as proof of single status or previous marriages, must be submitted in German or with certified translations. After submitting the application, expect a waiting period of about two to six weeks. During the ceremony, you'll affirm your intention to marry and declare your post-wedding residence. Lastly, you'll receive an international marriage certificate valid in your home country. So, whether you choose a scenic lakeside wedding or a historic chapel, understanding these legal steps will ensure your special day goes smoothly.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Legally binding ceremonies | Civil ceremonies are the only legally binding type of marriage ceremony in Austria |
| Location | Civil ceremonies typically take place at the Registry Office, but can also be held at a location of your choice, such as a castle, palace, or boat |
| Cost | Basic registry office ceremonies cost between €70 and €170. Ceremonies at external locations can cost over €300, and much higher for certain venues |
| Certificate | An international marriage certificate will be issued after the wedding |
| Witnesses | Two witnesses over the age of 18 with valid ID must be present at the ceremony |
| Application | The marriage application must be filed at the main registrar's office in Vienna if neither party is Austrian or an Austrian resident. If one or both parties are Austrian, the application can be filed outside of Vienna |
| Timing | The application can be filed up to six months before the wedding date, after which there is a two-to-six-week waiting period |
| Documents | Required documents include a certificate of single status, proof of identity, and proof of eligibility to marry |
| Translation | All documents must be submitted in German, or with certified German translations |
| Residency | There are no minimum residency requirements to get married in Austria |
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What You'll Learn
Civil ceremonies are legally binding
Civil ceremonies are the only type of wedding that is legally binding in Austria. This means that even if you plan to have a religious or symbolic wedding ceremony, you must have a civil ceremony to make your marriage official. Civil ceremonies are performed by officials of the Vital Statistics Office, known as the Standesamt, in the appropriate jurisdiction. The ceremony usually takes place at the Standesamt, but it can also be held at an external location of your choice, such as a castle, palace, or other picturesque venue. However, this option may require a higher administration fee.
If either party to the marriage is an Austrian citizen or resident, the application for marriage must be filed at the Standesamt in the locality of that residence. If both parties are neither Austrian nor residents, the application must be filed at the Standesamt for the First District of Vienna. The application can be filed up to six months before the wedding date, after which there is a waiting period of two to six weeks before the application is processed and a final date for the wedding is secured. The application must be filed jointly, with both parties present, and the registrar will require legal proof of eligibility to marry. This includes documents such as a certificate of single status or, if previously married, a marriage certificate of previous marriages and proof of their dissolution or death certificate(s) of previous spouse(s). All documents must be submitted in German or with certified German translations if they are in another language.
On the day of the ceremony, two witnesses must be present. The witnesses must be at least 18 years old, have valid IDs, and be able to understand the language in which the wedding ceremony is performed. If they do not speak the language, an official Austrian translator will be required. During the ceremony, you and your partner will affirm your intention to get married and declare your place of residence after the wedding. After the ceremony, you will be issued an international marriage certificate that will be valid in your home country.
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Application process and requirements
To get married in Austria, you must meet certain legal requirements and submit specific documents. Civil ceremonies are the only legally binding type of ceremony in Austria, and they are performed by officials of the Vital Statistics Office (Standesamt) in the appropriate jurisdiction. The ceremony usually takes place at the Standesamt, but it can also be held at a location of your choice, such as a castle or palace, for a higher fee.
The first step is to file a marriage application. If neither party is an Austrian citizen or resident, the application must be filed at the main registrar's office in Vienna. If one or both parties are Austrian citizens or residents, the application can be filed outside of Vienna at the local Standesamt that pertains to your residence. The application can be filed up to six months before the wedding date, and there is a waiting period of two to six weeks before the application is processed and a final date for the wedding is secured. The application must be filed jointly, with both parties present, and the registrar will require legal proof of eligibility to marry.
The required documents include:
- A certificate of single status or, if previously married, a marriage certificate of previous marriages and proof of their dissolution or death certificate(s) of previous spouse(s). All documents must be submitted in German or with certified German translations.
- A residence registration form ("Meldezettel") issued by the Austrian authorities after arrival, unless the applicants are staying in a hotel, hostel, etc.
- Documentary proof of dissolution of previous marriages, such as final divorce or annulment decrees, or death certificates of previous spouses.
- The marriage certificate(s) of previous marriages.
- Passports and driver's licenses.
After submitting the application, both parties must appear in person before a marriage registrar to declare their intention to get married. An international marriage certificate will be issued after the wedding, which will be valid in your home country. It is important to note that the process can be time-consuming and may require some advance planning to ensure a smooth experience.
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Finding a wedding location
Austria is a dream destination for couples seeking a fairy-tale wedding experience. The country offers a perfect blend of romance, tradition, and modern luxury.
Austria boasts a wide range of luxurious accommodations, from boutique hotels to opulent resorts, and cozy mountain lodges. The country is also known for its delicious cuisine, offering a blend of hearty and refined dishes that are sure to delight your taste buds and those of your guests.
When it comes to finding the perfect wedding location in Austria, you have a plethora of options to choose from. Here are some ideas to consider:
- Mountain resorts and luxury chalets: With the Alps covering a large part of Austria, you can find luxurious mountain resorts and chalets in all regions of the country. These resorts offer amazing restaurants, spa treatments, and elegant suites, and often have different locations for different group sizes.
- Lakeside villas: Austria is home to over 300 lakes, so you're sure to find the perfect lakeside setting for your wedding. The Salzkammergut region, known for its rolling peaks and picturesque towns like Hallstatt, is a popular choice.
- Castles: Austria is scattered with beautiful castles and châteaux, ranging from medieval fortresses to delicate residential castles and castle hotels. Salzburg and Vienna offer a variety of castle venues, providing a blend of historic elegance and modern luxury.
- Palaces: Elegant palaces surrounded by lush gardens or set amidst breathtaking alpine landscapes can be found throughout Austria. These venues offer a fairytale-like setting for your special day.
- Vineyards: If you're looking for a more intimate setting, consider a wedding in one of Austria's secluded vineyards. Styria, the second-largest state in Austria, is known for its golden ambiance and picturesque nature.
- City wedding: For those seeking a city wedding, Salzburg and Vienna are popular choices. Vienna, in particular, is known for its Christmas markets, festive lighting, and traditional charm, making it a wonderful choice for a winter wedding.
- Outdoor ceremony: If you're an adventurous couple, consider an outdoor ceremony in nature. You can choose a favourite place in nature, such as a mountain peak or a lakeside spot, and let the serene landscapes be the backdrop to your wedding.
Remember that the most popular venues can be booked up to two years in advance, so don't wait too long to secure your chosen location. Reach out to the venue to inquire about their open dates and pricing packages, and consider hiring a wedding planner to help you navigate the process.
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Marriage certificates
To get married in Austria, you need to meet certain legal requirements and provide specific documents. These include a certificate of single status or, if previously married, a marriage certificate of previous marriages and proof of their dissolution or death certificate(s) of the previous spouse(s). All of these documents need to be submitted in German, or you need to provide a certified German translation if they are in another language.
If you or your partner are Austrian citizens or reside in Austria, you need to apply for your marriage certificate at the local Registry Office (Standesamt). If both parties are from abroad, you need to file your application with the Standesamt for the First District of Vienna. Once you have all the necessary documents and have submitted your application, you will need to appear in person before a marriage registrar to declare your intention to get marry. The registrar will require legal proof of eligibility to marry and will need to know of any potential impediments to marriage.
After the wedding has taken place, a certificate of marriage will be issued. You will also need to bring two witnesses with you to the ceremony. The witnesses must be at least 18 years old, have a valid ID to prove their identity, and be able to understand the language in which the wedding ceremony will be carried out. If they don’t speak the language, an official Austrian translator will be required.
If you are a US citizen, you will need to apply for an apostille at the Standesamt where your marriage ceremony is to take place. This is because certain US documents (e.g. birth certificates) might have to be certified and an apostille be affixed. Otherwise, the marriage certificate will not be accepted by the authorities in the US.
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Divorce
There are three types of divorce under Austrian law: divorce by mutual consent, at-fault divorce, and divorce after separation. The easiest and most common type is divorce by mutual consent, which can be filed when the spouses have lived separate lives for at least six months and both believe that their marriage has permanently broken down.
The second type is at-fault divorce, which can be requested by the spouse who feels wronged by the other if the marriage has suffered an irremediable breakdown due to significant marital misconduct by the other spouse. This can include adultery, domestic violence, ignoring the other spouse, or leaving the marital household. The third type is divorce after separation, which requires the couple to live apart for a certain period before filing for divorce.
The divorce process in Austria typically involves the following steps:
- The couple submits a petition for divorce to their district court, along with supporting documents such as marriage certificates and proof of citizenship.
- The court sets a date for a hearing, during which each spouse will undergo questioning and the terms of the divorce are agreed upon.
- The court makes a decision on the petition, and either party can file an appeal within two weeks if they disagree with the decision.
- All documents, including final divorce papers and asset distribution, are distributed to the respective parties.
It is important to note that the courts may delay the divorce for up to six months if they believe the marriage could be reconciled. Additionally, if there are minor children involved, the couple is obligated by law to obtain counseling about the effects of the divorce beforehand.
In terms of the financial aspects of divorce, the main considerations are the division of assets and liabilities. If the couple is unable to agree on the division of property, the court will make a decision based on the matrimonial assets accumulated jointly and the matrimonial savings invested during the marriage.
For individuals looking to remain in Austria after their divorce, there are several options depending on the length of their stay and their visa status. Those who have been in the country for over five years may apply for a Long-term resident – EU residence title, while those who have been in the country for less than five years may explore options such as a work visa.
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Frequently asked questions
Marriages in Austria are legally binding and internationally recognized. There are no minimum residency requirements, but you must be at least 18 years old to marry. If you are 16 or 17, you may marry with written, notarized consent from both parents and if your partner is at least 18. You will need to provide a certificate of single status, or a marriage certificate and proof of dissolution or death certificate(s) of a previous spouse(s). All documents must be in German or have certified German translations.
First, you must file a marriage application at the main registrar's office. If neither party is Austrian or a resident, this is done in Vienna. If one or both parties are Austrian or residents, the application can be filed outside of Vienna. The application can be filed up to six months before the wedding date, after which there is a two-to-six-week waiting period. The application must be filed jointly, and you will need to declare any potential impediments to marriage.
Civil ceremonies are the only legally binding type of marriage ceremony in Austria. They are performed by an official of the Standesamt and typically take place at a registry office, but can also be held at external locations for a higher fee. Religious ceremonies can follow the civil ceremony.
There are fees attached to filing the application, and the overall fees for procedures and services can reach up to approximately €300. A basic registry office ceremony costs between €70 and €170, while ceremonies at external locations can easily exceed €300.
