If you want to get married in Leiden, you must first submit a notice of your intended marriage to the municipality. This process is called notice of intended marriage or marriage notification.
What does notice of intended marriage entail?
Notice of intended marriage is the formal announcement of your wedding plans to the municipality. During this process, the Municipality of Leiden checks whether you meet the legal requirements to be allowed to marry.
When must you submit the notice of intended marriage?
- At least 2 weeks before the planned wedding date
- At most 1 year before the wedding date
- In the Municipality of Leiden, if you want to marry there
Which documents do you need?
| Document | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Valid identity document | Passport or ID card |
| Birth certificate | Or an extract from the Personal Records Database with birth information |
| Declaration of being unmarried | Often required for a foreign partner |
| Proof of divorce | If previously married |
| Consent declaration | In case of minority or guardianship |
Documents from abroad
Foreign documents often have additional requirements:
- They must be legalised or provided with an apostille
- They must be translated by a sworn translator
- They are often not older than 6 months
What happens after the notice of intended marriage?
If the notice has been approved, you can in Leiden:
- Reserve a date and time for the wedding ceremony
- Confirm the wedding location
- Designate witnesses (between 2 and 4 persons)
Frequently asked questions about notice of intended marriage in Leiden
Must we both be present for the notice of intended marriage?
This depends on the rules in Leiden. Sometimes one partner is sufficient, but often the presence of both is required. Contact the Municipality of Leiden for the specific requirements.
Are there costs associated with notice of intended marriage?
Often there are no separate costs for notice of intended marriage; these are included in the total marriage costs. However, there may be costs for providing certain documents.
Can the Municipality of Leiden refuse our marriage?
Yes, if you do not meet the legal conditions, for example due to too close family ties or an existing marriage.
How long does approval of the notice of intended marriage take?
The Municipality of Leiden has 14 days by law to process the notice of intended marriage, but it is often arranged faster. With foreign documents, the process may take longer. Therefore, plan well in advance and inquire with the municipality about the expected duration.
What if I do not have a document or it is incomplete?
If documents are missing, the municipality cannot approve the notice of intended marriage. You will then receive notification of what is still needed. Submit the missing documents as soon as possible to avoid delays.
Can notice of intended marriage be done in a municipality other than Leiden?
No, you must submit the notice of intended marriage in the municipality where you want to marry, so in Leiden if that is your wedding location. For non-residents, there are sometimes online or telephone options; inquire with the municipality.
What if my partner is abroad during the notice of intended marriage?
If one partner cannot be present, the other can submit the notice with a legalised and possibly translated power of attorney. Contact the Municipality of Leiden for the exact rules.
Do I have to provide witnesses at the notice of intended marriage?
No, this is not necessary during the notice of intended marriage. You can provide the witnesses (2 to 4, older than 18 years) later, often up to just before the ceremony.
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