Getting Married in Essen

If one of you is not a German citizen, you MUST first make a consultation appointment at the registry office. There you'll learn which extra documents you need.

The foreign partner needs documents from their home country. These often need an apostille and translation by a sworn translator.

You must register your marriage at the Essen registry office. This can be done at the earliest 6 months before the desired date. Reserve your preferred date via the online wedding calendar!

Marriage is also a financial decision. Now is the right time for joint insurance – home contents, liability and pension provision as a couple are often cheaper than individual policies.

Essen offers many venues: wedding rooms at the registry office or special ambient venues across the city.

You can choose: Each keeps their name, one takes the other's, or double name. The decision is set at registration.

If you change your name, you need a new ID card. Apply for it right after the wedding at the Essen citizens' office.

After marrying a German, the foreign partner can apply for a new residence permit (family reunification).

After the wedding, you can change your tax classes and possibly save taxes. This can be done online via ELSTER.

Those who marry take responsibility for each other. Two insurances protect your shared standard of living: risk life insurance protects the partner in case of death – life insurance combines protection with wealth building.

Moving or new start as occasion: now is worth comparing current property financing conditions. Those who want to buy or are looking for cheaper credit – rates vary greatly by bank.