Standesamtlich

Standesamtlich describes a civil marriage ceremony performed by a civil registrar (Standesbeamter or Standesbeamtin) at the Standesamt, the civil registry office. It is the legally binding part of marriage in Germany and many German-speaking countries; religious ceremonies can be held in addition but do not by themselves confer legal status.

To marry civilly, couples register with the Standesamt and provide documents such as valid identification, birth certificates, proof of residence, and, if applicable, documentation of the dissolution of previous marriages or a certificate of no impediment. Requirements vary by country and municipality, and foreign nationals may need extra documents. The civil ceremony involves formal statements, signing of the marriage register, and the issuance of a marriage certificate.

The ceremony is usually conducted by a civil registrar and is typically held at the Standesamt, though some jurisdictions allow civil ceremonies at approved venues outside the office. The content is often brief but can be customized within legal limits; a religious service may follow or precede it but does not replace the standesamtliche Trauung.

In Germany and Austria, the standesamtliche Trauung is the legally decisive act; religious ceremonies are common but not legally required. The term standesamtlich is used to refer to this civil form of marriage and is recognized across German-speaking countries with similar civil-registration systems.