How to plan your civil wedding in Switzerland

The civil wedding is the official step into a life as a married couple. However, before you say "I do," there are some important organizational matters to consider. Here’s everything you need to know about the timeline, required documents, costs, and the most beautiful registry offices in Switzerland.

Early planning prevents chaos from happening. Photo: Nadine von Fotoag.ch

When to start planning?

Start early: Ideally, six to twelve months before your desired date.

Book an appointment: Many registry offices allow reservations as early as six months before the wedding, while others allow up to twelve months in advance. Popular dates, such as Saturdays, book up quickly. Check your local registry office’s website or call them directly for availability.

Marriage preparation process: Before the wedding, you must go through an official marriage preparation process, during which your documents will be reviewed. This can take several months. Typically, the process happens about three months before your wedding.

Important: The marriage preparation process must be completed at the registry office in your place of residence. However, you can choose to marry at any registry office in Switzerland afterward.

Wedding date: The civil ceremony can take place at least ten days after the marriage preparation process is completed.

Legal requirements for a civil wedding

To get married in Switzerland, you must meet specific legal requirements:

• Minimum age: Both partners must be at least 18 years old and capable of making legal decisions.

• Marital status: You must not already be married or in a registered partnership.

• Family relation: Marriage between close relatives, such as siblings or half-siblings, is not permitted.

• Documents: Besides an identity document and residency certificate, additional documents may be required depending on nationality, such as a birth certificate or a certificate of no impediment.

  
  

Your local registry office can provide precise details about the documents needed. If you live abroad, you can submit the marriage preparation process via the relevant Swiss representation. Be aware that obtaining certain documents or stamps can take several months, depending on the country.

Bridal bouquets are also available for civil weddings. Photo: Gloria Velvet

Costs of a civil wedding

The cost of a civil wedding varies by canton and registry office. Here’s an approximate price range:

• Marriage preparation process: CHF 150–300

• Ceremony at the registry office: CHF 75–250

• Ceremony at an external registry office: Additional fees of CHF 200–500, depending on the location and date.

  
  

Structure and customization of the ceremony

A civil ceremony is a formal event lasting 15 to 30 minutes. It is officiated by a registry official and includes the following steps:

1. Welcoming the couple and guests

2. Verification of identities

3. Presentation of marriage laws

4. Exchange of vows ("Yes, I do")

5. Signing of the marriage certificate

6. Congratulations and closing of the ceremony

Unlike a free wedding ceremony, the civil wedding is less flexible. Personal touches such as custom vows, music, or individual rituals are only possible to a limited extent. However, some registry offices allow minor customizations, such as a short speech or a song.

If you want a highly personalized ceremony, you can organize a symbolic wedding ceremony afterward, which is entirely tailored to your wishes.

Don't forget to plan your getting ready on your civil wedding day. Photo: Gloria Velvet

Special wedding locations - External registry offices

Besides traditional registry offices, Switzerland offers numerous external registry offices where you can marry in an extraordinary setting, including:

• Castles and fortresses (e.g. Schloss Lenzburg)

• Lakeside (z.B. Blausee)

• Historic buildings (z. B. Rathaus Zug)

  
  

The Most Beautiful Registry Offices in Switzerland

Here are some of my personal favorite:

• Zurich: The Dolder Grand and Zoo Zürich

• Zug: Parktower and new from 2026 Burg

• Bern: Grandhotel Giessbach and Schloss Schadau

• Lucerne: Schloss Meggenhorn

  
  

When choosing a registry office, ensure it feels right for you and suits the number of guests you plan to invite. Many registry offices have specific guest capacity limitations.

Outdoor celebrations or aperitifs in front of registry offices may require prior approval from the registry office.

Now you’re well-prepared to plan your civil wedding in Switzerland! If you have any questions about your upcoming wedding, feel free to ask. Happy wedding planning!