If you want to get married, you must first give notice of your intended marriage to the municipality of Westland. This process is called notice of intended marriage or marriage registration.
What does notice of intended marriage entail?
Notice of intended marriage is the formal announcement of your marriage plans to the municipality. During this process, the municipality checks whether you meet the legal requirements to be allowed to marry.
When must you give notice of intended marriage?
- At least 2 weeks before the planned wedding date
- At most 1 year before you want to get married
- In the municipality of Westland, if you want to get married there
Which documents do you need?
| Document | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Valid identification | 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 partner from abroad |
| Proof of divorce | If you have been married before |
| Consent declaration | In case of minority or guardianship |
Documents from abroad
If you have documents from abroad, they must often:
- Be legalised or provided with an apostille
- Be translated by a sworn translator
- Not be older than 6 months
What happens after the notice of intended marriage?
If the notification has been approved, you can:
- Schedule a date and time for the marriage ceremony
- Confirm the location for the ceremony
- Designate witnesses (between 2 and 4 persons)
Frequently asked questions about notice of intended marriage
Is it mandatory for both partners to be present at notice of intended marriage?
This depends on the rules in Westland. Sometimes one partner is sufficient, sometimes both must be present. Contact the municipality for the exact conditions.
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 documents.
Can the municipality reject our marriage?
Yes, if you do not meet the legal requirements, such as too close family ties or an existing marriage.
Extra questions and answers
How long does approval of notice of intended marriage take?
The municipality of Westland has 14 days by law to process the notification, but it is often arranged faster. With foreign documents, the process may take longer. So plan ahead and inquire about processing time if unsure.
What if I don't have a document or submit it incompletely?
Missing or incorrect documents lead to delays. The municipality will inform you what is still needed. Make sure to check and submit everything completely in advance.
Can I give notice of intended marriage in a municipality other than Westland?
No, you must give notice of intended marriage in the municipality where you want to get married. In this case, therefore, Westland. For non-residents, there are sometimes digital or telephone options; inquire about this with the municipality.
What if my partner cannot come to the Netherlands?
If one partner is absent, the other can submit the notification with a legalised power of attorney from the absent partner. This document often needs to be translated. Ask the municipality of Westland for specific guidelines.
Do I need to designate witnesses at notice of intended marriage?
No, this is only necessary when planning the ceremony. You need at least 2 and at most 4 witnesses, older than 18 years. The names can often still be provided shortly before the wedding day.