Getting Married in Austria

From pastoral scenes to snow-capped mountains, Austria provides a beautiful and unique landscape, perfect for a destination wedding beyond your imagination. Find out all you need to know about getting married in Austria here.\n\nWhether you reside in Austria or not, it's important that you file for your marriage application up to 6 months prior to your wedding date - this is the Certificate of Freedom to Marry bearing the stamp apostille. You'll then need to wait two to six weeks to receive your confirmed marriage date before you can proceed.\nYour documentation must then be submitted to the Registrar at the Town Hall at least 8 to 10 weeks prior to your wedding date. This includes the Certificate of Freedom to Marry, proof of residence, full passport, copies of the couples passport photo pages, copies of the witnesses passport photo pages plus a full birth certificate. We highly recommend hiring a wedding planner who can submit all the necessary documents on your behalf.\n\nCivil ceremonies are the only legal option in Austria, including for same-sex couples, and you will be spoilt for choice on wedding venues. Winter weddings are beautiful in Vienna - imagine the soft glow of candlelight and roaring open fires as you celebrate your love with your friends and family around you. The natural beauty of the country, from its pine forests to crystal clear lakes, provide the most amazing photo opportunities that are not to be missed.\nIf you're looking to incorporate a few Austrian traditions, here are some of our favourites.

Waking of the bride

Traditionally the bride would be awoken very early on her wedding day by neighbours and friends, and greeted with gunshots or firecrackers to ward away evil spirits.

Journey to the ceremony

The couple would journey towards the ceremony together being stopped along the route by friends and family where they would have to complete a task, such as a sawing through a log together.

The waltz

The most popular ballroom dance in Austria and often chosen as the couples first dance.\n

Stealing the bride

Although many frown on this tradition, essentially the bride is 'kidnapped' and taken to a nearby location whilst their partner has to go and get them back. All this must be done before midnight however - it's strictly prohibited after.

The wedding shoe auction

A very popular tradition in Austria where all the guests bid on the bridal shoe - the final bid must be made by the father, the best man or the groom to uphold the honour of his daughter or wife.\nDo you think Austria is the place for you? Take a look at our wedding venues in Austria to help get you inspired.