Marriage or civil partnership in Netherlands

Check the laws in Netherlands to make sure you can get married or register a civil partnership. Your marriage or civil partnership will be recognised in the UK if:

• you follow the correct process according to the law in Netherlands
• it would be allowed under UK law

To get married in the Netherlands, either your partner must be a Dutch national or you or your partner must live in the Netherlands.

The person conducting your ceremony or relevant local authority can help you understand the processes you need to follow to get married or register a civil partnership, including what documents you’ll need.

You’ll need to complete a personal declaration when you tell the Dutch authorities you intend to get married.

The British embassy cannot give you a declaration of single status. If the Dutch authorities ask you for a declaration of single status you can show them this letter explaining they‘re not issued anymore.

Marriage registration

Marriages that take place abroad according to another country’s law are not added to UK records. Your marriage will be registered in Netherlands instead. The person conducting your ceremony can tell you how to get a marriage certificate. You will not be able to register at or get a certificate from a UK register office, or British embassy or consulate. Keep your marriage certificate as evidence of your marriage. You may want to get it translated, especially if you want to use it outside Netherlands. Find a qualified translator.