Marriage Notice Requirements in Leiden
The marriage notice, better known as banns, is the official notification to the civil registry of the Municipality of Leiden for your planned marriage. This crucial step prepares your wedding in Leiden. Failure to meet the marriage notice requirements will prevent the ceremony from taking place. Here you can find everything about documents, steps, and local tips.
What does a marriage notice involve?
By submitting the marriage notice, you formally inform the civil registry of the Municipality of Leiden that you and your partner intend to marry. This must be done at least 14 days before the wedding date, with no upper time limit. Both partners must attend in person, or an authorized representative may act on their behalf.
These requirements enable the municipality to check for any impediments, such as existing marriages or close family relationships. If approved, you will receive a certified copy for the ceremony in Leiden.
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 outlines the required basic information, and 1:40 CC1 specifies the documents.
For same-sex marriages, the Act of 9 July 2009 applies, and for migrants, the Registration of Non-Indigenous Children Act. International cases refer to the Hague Marriage Convention (1902).
Required Documents for Leiden
Marriage notice requirements vary depending on circumstances such as nationality or marital status. See the overview below:
| Document | Required for | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport/ID | Both partners | Original document |
| Birth certificate | Both partners | Max. 6 months old, from place of birth |
| Proof of marital status (no marriage/divorce/death) | Previously married/partnered | Extract from registers |
| Parental consent | Under 18 | Parents or guardian |
| Residence permit | Foreign nationals | Legalized by consulate |
| Certificate of no impediment to marriage | Foreign partners | Legalized from country of origin |
Registered partnerships follow CC1 art. 1:80 et seq., which is similar.
Step-by-Step Procedure in Leiden
- Book an appointment at the civil registry of the Municipality of Leiden via their website or phone.
- Gather documents well in advance; foreign papers can take time.
- Both partners attend (or authorized representative with power of attorney).
- The registrar verifies documents and asks about intentions and relationships.
- Pay registry fees (€10-20 for the notice, ceremony €500+; check with Municipality of Leiden).
- After the 14-day waiting period, receive the certified copy.
Tip: The Leiden Legal Desk provides free advice for complex cases.
Specific Situations: Foreign Nationals and Remarriage
Foreign partners face additional requirements, such as an apostille (Hague Convention) or consular visa for non-treaty countries.
For remarriage after divorce: provide the court judgment (registered with the registry, art. 1:162 CC) and extract. Example: Jan, divorced in 2020, must show this for a marriage in Leiden.
Rights and Obligations
- Municipality's duty to inform: Free explanation of requirements.
- Duty of accuracy: Providing false information is punishable (art. 1:44 CC, up to €8,100 fine).
- Right to appeal: In case of rejection, appeal to the District Court of Leiden (GALA art. 7:1).
- Attendance obligation: Cooperation is required.
Practical Examples in Leiden
Example 1: Anna and Bob, Leiden residents, submit to the Municipality of Leiden with ID and recent birth certificates. Ready after 14 days.
Example 2: Spanish Carlos and Dutch Dina for a Leiden wedding. Carlos provides apostilled documents and a certificate of no impediment; checked for sham marriage (Aliens Act art. 3:65a).
Example 3: 17-year-old Eva: parents must consent; otherwise void (CC1 art. 1:33).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can an authorized representative file the notice?
Yes, with a notarial power of attorney and ID copy (art. 1:39 para. 2 CC); partners' signatures required.
Missing a document?
Extensions possible, but expect delays. Request duplicates in time.
Does this apply to partnerships?
Yes, largely the same under CC1 art. 1:80 et seq.