The Complete Guide to Planning a Germany Destination Wedding

Castles, beaches, vineyards and cities offer memorable backdrops for a destination fête.

How to Plan a Destination Wedding in Germany

Photo: Jorg Greuel / Getty Images

Updated Apr 16, 2024

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Quick—what's the first place that comes to mind when you think about getting married in Europe? Perhaps a ceremony in the City of Love (Paris) with the Eiffel Tower in the background or an elopement on a Tuscan vineyard. A Germany wedding may not be on your radar.

The country in Western Europe is a favorite for jet-setting travelers hoping to explore history and perhaps check "attend Oktoberfest" off their bucket lists. However, it's also one of the best destination wedding locations—a true hidden gem. That uniqueness may be one of your top reasons for having a Germany destination wedding.

The country offers plenty of unique settings, too. To-be-weds won't be limited to a beach wedding—though the Frisian Islands allow pairs to say "I do" beside the North Sea. A chic city bash in Munich, the site of Oktoberfest or the capital of Berlin are also options. Couples can also get married in German wine country (Moselle Valley). Truly, the backdrop possibilities seem endless.

As memorable as getting married in Germany can be, to-be-weds will want to consider some logistics, like the likely need to choose vendors from afar and the (rather cumbersome) legal process of getting married in Germany. This guide will walk you through the essentials of a German wedding and provide handy resources.

In this article:

Why Couples and Wedding Guests Love Germany Weddings
The Best Places to Get Married in Germany
The Top Germany Destination Wedding Hotels
Germany Wedding Legal Requirements
Germany Wedding Planning Tips

Why Couples and Wedding Guests Love Germany Weddings

A scenic stroll by the riverfront in Germany

"Different" is a common theme when discussing the many reasons couples and guests fall head-over-heels for a destination wedding in Germany. It's a departure from more common spots for jet-setting nuptials like the Caribbean and European locales like a Mediterranean soiree in Greece or a royal-inspired affair in London. Yet beaches and castles are among the settings where couples can hold their Germany destination wedding.

Though it's not a typical spot for destination weddings, Germany is a place guests may wish to travel to. There's plenty to do in the European nation known for its Medieval architecture, vibrant cultural scene and diverse topography. Guests can turn your wedding into an excuse to take a vacation, and couples might explore other areas of the country (and hop around Europe) during their honeymoon. Couples may also love the chance to participate in fun German wedding traditions in Germany, like Baumstamm Sägen (Cutting of the Log) and 10-foot-long wedding cakes.

Couples who get married during Oktoberfest, which kicks off each September in Munich, can also treat guests to a memorable experience full of beer, sausage, pork schnitzel, soft pretzels and double chocolate cake.

Pro tip: Invite a destination wedding travel expert to join your vendor team. Browse travel agents near you on The Knot Marketplace for wedding planning expertise, group hotel blocks, flight arrangements and more.

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The Best Places to Get Married in Germany

Germany offers many options for those seeking to tie the knot abroad. Mountains, vineyards, the North Sea and cityscapes can all serve as backdrops when getting married in Germany. Though the number of offerings Germany boasts can be overwhelming, coming up with a vision for your big day can help you pinpoint the best spot for you and yours. Below, you'll find a few stunning spots to consider.

Munich

Home to Oktoberfest each year, Munich is Baravia's capital. Complete with beer halls and taverns, it won't be challenging to find a spot for welcome drinks or a rehearsal dinner if those are in the works. Each December, Munich gets all dressed up for the holidays, playing host to bustling markets complete with twinkling lights. The sprawling English Garden in the heart of the city is one of the largest urban parks in the world and makes a scenic place for a stress-reducing pre-wedding stroll. Architecture enthusiasts will adore the baroque, neoclassical and neo-Medieval buildings.

Borkum

A Germany wedding need not take place in a city and, in fact, can be a sandy-shore soiree. The largest East Frisian Island, Borkum is an ideal spot for couples hoping to lean into natural beauty and return to nature for their nuptials. It's home to breathtaking North Sea and pristine coastline vistas. You also may spot seal colonies, dunes and flowers like orchids. A trio of lighthouses mark other postcard-perfect backdrops. Scenery aside, the cool breezes are a breath of fresh air from the hustle and bustle of daily life.

Moselle Valley

Briedern on the Moselle River in Germany

Moselle Valley is set in southwestern Germany and feels like a real-life fairytale. Expect cobblestone streets, vineyards, castles and river views. Couples and guests can work wine tasting into the itinerary and serve local vintages on their big day. Riesling is the most popular varietal. The most popular city, Cochem, allows travelers to take a chairlift to hilltop vineyards and often hosts festivals with oompah bands. Taverns serving up German comfort classics and brews are also plentiful.

Tegernsee

Think five-star luxury resorts by the water are limited to Caribbean and Mediterranean locales? Think again. This Bavarian resort town is found along the aptly named Tegernsee Lake. Yet, its proximity to the Bavarian Alps—a favorite spot of skiers and toboggan fans—gives couples numerous options for stunning photos. It's mostly a haven for tourists, so couples can expect venues housed in high-end hotels with on-site spas that invite a little pre-wedding TLC.

Dresden

Historic charm meets contemporary beauty in this city, one of the most populated in Germany and the capital of Saxony. Found on the banks of the Elbe River, Dresden's lush greenery and castles provide a royal setting at every turn. Home to a rich cultural scene, Dresden has an opera house and museums worth exploring during downtime (if you have any). The Baroque Church of Our Lady is iconic. The Dresden International Airport connects with many other cities in Germany and Europe, streamlining travel.

Pro tip: As you consider Germany wedding locations, remember your newlywed vacation. Plan an amazing Europe honeymoon with our complete guide.

Europe Honeymoon Guide

The Top Germany Destination Wedding Hotels

With so many settings, a Germany wedding can truly provide something for every couple. Once you've narrowed down the part of Germany that epitomizes your idea of "perfect," it's time to focus on a spot to say "I do." Germany wedding venues blend their surroundings with cuisine and backdrops that make your soiree feel authentic and unique. Some may offer Germany wedding packages with vendors and other built-in perks to simplify planning.

The Westin Grand Munich

A posh hotel steps from the English Garden and high-end shopping in the Bogenhausen, The Westin Grand Munich is a ritzy place to get married in Germany. Couples can quite literally feel like they're on cloud nine during a dreamy reception on the 23rd-floor lounge, the Westin Club, which also gives way to birds-eye views of the city. Bavarian-style affairs can take place in the beer garden, which couples can reserve for their big day. Planners can help plan every detail, spacious suites are perfect for getting ready and packages are available. A high-end day spa offers couples massages and facials that'll leave you glowing.

Schloss Eckberg Hotel and Restaurant

Schloss Eckberg Hotel and Restaurant makes getting ready in a real-life castle a fairytale come true. The castle digs are just the start. The riverfront location along the Elbe and garden annex adds to the enchanting surroundings. The Dresden venue can host weddings with headcounts of up to 70. During the planning process, couples will receive royal treatment, with expert planners on hand to help them secure vendors from florists to hair stylists and musicians. Speaking of royal treatment, there's an on-site spa.

Seehotel Überfahrt

Found 45 minutes from Munich between Tegern Lake, Seehotel Überfahrt offers five-star sophistication across the board. It spans more than 3,000 square feet and offers beauty treatments alongside facials and massages. It's an ideal spot for some pre-wedding priming and pampering. As for planning, a team of pros can help couples with everything from brainstorming their vision to executing the last dance of the night. Venues include an open-air lakeside garden and refined ballrooms with large dance floors. Couples will also pair with the culinary team to craft a memorable menu.

Schloss Lieser, Autograph Collection

Set by the Moselle River, Schloss Lieser's facade resembles a centuries-old castle. Yet, modern luxury awaits inside. Think amenities like soundproof rooms and blackout curtains that make sleeping the night before your wedding easier. Glistening chandeliers and expertly crafted woodwork add to the opulence. Weddings in the restored chapel feel intimate and traditional, while a grand garden on the Moselle Banks with a spacious lawn is perfect for al fresco summer soirees.

Pro tip: Once you've decided on your Germany wedding venue, send out destination wedding save-the-dates with important info so your guest can book the time off and start thinking about travel plans.

Browse Save-the-Dates

Germany Wedding Legal Requirements

Real talk: Getting married in Germany isn't easy if you want to tie the knot there legally. For this reason, couples tend to opt to have a civil ceremony prior to jetting off for their European soiree with family and friends. That said, getting a marriage license in Germany and having a legally-binding ceremony is possible. This guide will help you ensure you check all the boxes. Germany destination wedding planners can help you navigate legal requirements and the German Missions in the United States website has handy information.

Legal Weddings vs. Symbolic Weddings

Couples can have a legal or symbolic wedding in Germany. However, couples may choose to take care of the legal aspects of tying the knot ahead of time because getting married in Germany requires legal hurdles. If couples opt for a symbolic ceremony in Germany, they would legally wed in their home state. Then, they'd jet off to Germany for a symbolic ceremony in front of their loved ones.

Required Legal Documents

Getting married legally in Germany is possible, but it'll tack some to-dos onto your planning checklist. Ensuring you have all the legal documents ready will help streamline the process. However, the documents needed will depend on the locality, so you'll want to contact the civil registrar's office far in advance to ensure you have everything you need (and that your date is available). For the most part, both partners will need to have the following documents:

Certified copy of passport
Original or certified birth certificate not older than six months with parents' names with Certificate of Naturalization (if applicable)
Certified or original death certificates (if applicable for previous marriages)
Certified divorce decree with German translation by a certified translator (if applicable to previously married partners)
A certificate of no impediment to marriage showing you are legally free to marry.

Note that documents other than the divorce decree may require translation — check with the locality's registrar's office.

Legal Marriage Timeline

Couples must live in the locality of their Germany-based wedding for 21 days prior to going to the local town hall with the intention of having a legally binding wedding. These ceremonies must occur at the Office of Vital Statistics (Standesamt) to be legally binding. If a couple would like a religious ceremony, that can take place later. Once a couple has obtained their marriage license, they have six months to say "I do" legally.

Legal Marriage Cost

The fees vary by German Federal State, so couples should ask their specific locality for the precise cost. However, generally, registering the marriage in the records costs €80 (or about $88). Couples may need to pay an additional fee of €45 (about $49) if foreign law is applied.

Issuing the marriage certificate costs €12 ($13), with additional copies available for €6 ($7).

Germany Wedding Planning Tips

Your destination wedding in Germany can be a dream come true whether you opt for a legal or symbolic ceremony. The planning—from choosing vendors to personalizing details—is the fun part. A destination wedding planner in Germany can help you with all of the above, but knowing your options is always a good idea. Plus, having the 4-1-1 on transportation and other logistics will help you help your guests.

How to Get to Germany

Couples flying from New York can get to Frankfurt, Berlin and Munich on non-stop flights that last less than nine hours. Expect a layover and at least 12 hours of travel time if taking off from Dallas or San Francisco.

Once in Germany, finding transportation is relatively easy, especially in major cities. Ferries, buses and trains are available. Consider renting a car to travel at your own pace.

Best Months to Marry in Germany

Germany has four seasons, and the summer months are generally the sunniest, driest and most pleasant temperature-wise (75°F). That's not much of a secret, though—May through August is peak tourist season. If you're planning a summer soiree in Germany, expect more competition for dates and flights and higher prices. Booking during a shoulder season (spring and fall) can help couples save money. However, Oktoberfest will drive rates up, especially in Munich.

Want snow-capped Alpine Mountains as your backdrop? You can score the steepest discounts in most areas during the winter, particularly January and February, after the sparkle from Christmas markets has waned.

Choosing Your Germany Wedding Venue and Vendors

Hotels in Germany may offer in-house planning services and packages with built-in vendors and decor. Independent Germany destination wedding planners and those provided by hotels will also have experience working with area professionals and can make recommendations to couples based on their vision and budget. It's a good idea to read reviews for yourself and ask vendors to see portfolios of previous work or links to videos (for DJs and musicians). Though you may be planning your destination wedding from your couch in the US, technology makes it easier to hop on a Zoom call (just note Germany is six hours ahead of EST and nine hours ahead of PST when scheduling e-meetings).

Budgeting Tips

The destination wedding cost depends on the season, locality, headcount and details — which isn't unlike a local bash. Generally, a 60-person wedding in Germany can cost around $16,000 to $35,000, with larger affairs or those at high-priced vendors going above $40,000. These costs are higher than weddings in many Caribbean localities but may be less than getting married in your hometown.

Choosing a spring, fall or winter date is one way to reduce travel and venue costs. A Germany wedding package offered by a venue may also include more perks like vendors at a lower price tag. If getting married in a spot that provides a gorgeous natural backdrop — and there are many in Germany, including indoor venues with large windows — couples may be able to scale back on decor.

Pro tip: Set up a free destination wedding website on The Knot with all the event details including your Germany wedding itinerary, things to do, guest travel information, RSVPs and more.

Create a Wedding Website