Marriage Notice Requirements in Amsterdam
The marriage notice, also known as banns, is the official notification to the civil registry of the Municipality of Amsterdam for your intended marriage. This crucial step prepares your wedding in the capital. Without meeting the marriage notice requirements, the ceremony cannot proceed. Discover here the necessary documents, steps, and handy tips specifically for residents of Amsterdam.
What does a marriage notice in Amsterdam entail?
A marriage notice informs the civil registry of the Municipality of Amsterdam that you and your partner wish to marry. It must be submitted at least 14 days before the wedding date, with no upper time limit. Both partners must appear in person, or an authorized representative can handle it. The Municipality of Amsterdam checks for any impediments, such as existing marriages or family relationships. If approved, you receive a copy for the ceremony.
For advice on your situation, consult the Amsterdam Legal Advice Office.
Legal basis
The procedure is governed by Civil Code Book 1 (CC1), articles 38-44. Article 1:38 CC1 covers receipt and verification by the registrar. Article 1:39 CC1 lists the required basic information, and 1:40 CC1 specifies the mandatory documents.
Relevant laws include the Act of 9 July 2009 on equal marriage rights and the Registration of Non-Indigenous Children Act for migrants. International cases refer to the Hague Marriage Convention (1902).
Required documents for Amsterdam
Marriage notice requirements vary by situation, nationality, and status. Overview in table:
| Document | Mandatory for whom? | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport or ID | Both partners | Original to be shown at Municipality of Amsterdam |
| Birth certificate | Both partners | No older than 6 months, obtained from birth municipality |
| Civil status certificate (no marriage/divorce/death) | Previously married/partnered | Extract from registers |
| Parental consent | Under 18 years | Signed by parents or guardian |
| Residence permit | Foreign nationals | Legalized by consulate |
| Certificate of capacity to marry | Foreign partners | From country of origin, with apostille |
Registered partnerships follow CC1 art. 1:80 et seq., applied analogously in Amsterdam.
Step-by-step procedure in Amsterdam
- Schedule an appointment with the civil registry of the Municipality of Amsterdam via amsterdam.nl or by phone.
- Gather documents in advance; foreign papers can take time.
- Both attend (or authorized representative with power of attorney).
- Registrar verifies and asks about intent and relationships.
- Pay registry fees (€10-20 for notice, ceremony €500+ in Amsterdam).
- Receive copy after 14 days.
Special cases: expats and remarriage in Amsterdam
Foreign partners face additional requirements: residence permit plus apostille (Hague Convention). Non-convention countries require consular legalization.
For remarriage after divorce: submit divorce decree (registered with court). Example: Jan, divorced in 2020, shows decree (CC1 art. 1:162) for marriage in Amsterdam.
Rights and obligations
- Municipality's duty to inform: Free explanation of requirements.
- Duty of truthfulness: False information is punishable (CC1 art. 1:44, fine €8,100).
- Right to appeal: In case of refusal, to Amsterdam District Court (GPA art. 7:1).
- Duty to attend: Both partners required.
Practical examples from Amsterdam
Example 1: Anna and Bob, Amsterdam residents, submit notice to Municipality of Amsterdam with ID and recent birth certificates (request via service). Ready after 14 days.
Example 2: Carlos (Spain) and Dina (Amsterdam). Carlos provides apostilled documents and single status certificate; check for sham marriage (Aliens Act art. 3:65a).
Example 3: Eva (17) wants to marry: parents sign consent, otherwise void (CC1 art. 1:33).
Frequently asked questions
Can an authorized representative submit the notice in Amsterdam?
Yes, with notarized power of attorney and ID copy (CC1 art. 1:39(2)).
Missing a document?
Registrar grants extension, but plan ahead and request duplicates.
Does this apply to partnership registration?
Yes, largely the same under CC1 art. 1:80 et seq. at Municipality of Amsterdam.