Marriage

Affected by Brexit?

Civil marriage is a legal status recognised in all EU countries.

Partnerships such as civil unions and registered partnerships, or de facto unions apply different rules to those used for marriage.

National rules and practice for marriage differ from one country to another, mainly with regard to:

• rights and obligations of married couples: for instance, concerning their property, role as parents or their married name.
• relationship between religious and civil marriage: some countries recognise religious marriage as being equivalent to civil marriage, others do not. If you move abroad after having entered into a religious marriage only, check the consequences for your marital status.
• the possibility for same-sex couples to get married. The following EU countries grant this right: Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden.

Learn more about national rules on marriage and matrimonial property regimes.

Cross-border marriages in the EU

Are different EU countries involved - for instance, because you marry someone of a different nationality, or because you plan to move abroad after getting married?

What to do before the wedding

Check which country's laws apply to your marriage and to your matrimonial property regime. This will have important consequences for your rights and obligations as spouses.

If you are getting married in a different EU country from the one where you live, check with the authorities in both countries which formalities are needed for your marriage to have full force and effect in both countries. These may include registration or publication requirements.

What to do after the wedding

Your marriage will be recognised in all other EU countries - although this does not fully apply to same-sex marriages.

If you get married in an EU country that is not your country of origin it's a good idea to register your marriage in your home country. This should be done in accordance with national rules in your home country. You can also check with your home country's consular office if you can register your marriage at the consular office or if you should do so in your home country.

If you move to another EU country for work, your husband or wife can come and live with you there. Check the residence rules for:

• your EU spouse and children
• your non-EU spouse and children.