Marriage Notice Requirements in Delft
The marriage notice in Delft, often referred to as the banns, is the official notification to the civil registry of the Municipality of Delft. This essential step prepares your marriage in this historic city. Without complete documents, your ceremony in Delft cannot proceed. Here you will find information on required documents, steps, and local tips for Delft residents.
What does a marriage notice in Delft involve?
It is the formal announcement to the civil registry of the Municipality of Delft that you and your partner intend to marry. The notice must be submitted at least 14 days before the wedding date, with no upper time limit. Both partners must appear in person, or an authorized representative may handle it with a power of attorney.
This review rules out any impediments, such as existing marriages or close family relationships. Once approved, you receive an extract for the Delft ceremony, often held in the atmospheric City Hall.
Legal basis
The rules are laid down in Civil Code Book 1 (BW1), articles 38-44. Article 1:38 BW1 governs receipt by the registrar, 1:39 BW1 the basic information, and 1:40 BW1 the documents.
For equal marriages, the Act of 9 July 2009 applies, and for migrants, the Registration of Non-Resident Nationals Act. International cases fall under the Hague Marriage Convention (1902).
Required documents for Delft
Documents vary by situation, nationality, and status. Overview for marriages in Delft:
| Document | For whom? | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport or ID | Both partners | Original to be shown |
| Birth certificate | Both partners | Max. 6 months old, via municipality of birth |
| Certificate of civil status (no marriage/divorce/death) | Previously married/partnered | Extract from register |
| Parental consent | Under 18 | From parents or guardian |
| Residence permit | Foreign nationals | Legalized by consulate |
| Certificate of no impediment to marriage | Foreign partners | Legalized from country of origin |
Registered partnerships follow Civil Code Book 1 art. 1:80 et seq., also in Delft.
Step-by-step guide for your notice in Delft
- Schedule an appointment via the website of the Municipality of Delft or call the City Office.
- Gather documents well in advance; foreign ones can take time.
- Both partners attend (or authorized representative with power of attorney).
- The registrar verifies and inquires about intentions and relationships.
- Pay registry fees (€10-20 for notice, ceremony €500+).
- Collect the extract after 14 days.
Special situations: foreigners and remarriage in Delft
Foreign nationals face additional requirements, such as an apostille (Hague Convention) on residence documents. Non-treaty countries require a consular visa.
For remarriage after divorce: submit the judgment (Civil Code Book 1 art. 1:162), registered with the court registry. Example: Piet, divorced in 2021, presents the judgment for his marriage in Delft.
Rights and obligations
- Municipality's duty to inform: Free advice, also via Legal Aid Office Delft.
- Duty of truthfulness: Providing false information is punishable (Civil Code Book 1 art. 1:44, fine €8,100).
- Right to object: In case of refusal, appeal to the District Court of The Hague (GALA art. 7:1).
- Attendance obligation: Cooperation is required.
Delft examples
Example 1: Lisa and Mark, Delft residents, submit their notice to the Municipality of Delft with ID and recent birth certificates. Ready for the ceremony after 14 days.
Example 2: Sofia from Italy and Tom from Delft. Sofia's apostilled certificate and single status are checked for sham marriage (Aliens Act art. 3:65a).
Example 3: Young Lotte (17) with her partner. Parents sign; otherwise void (Civil Code Book 1 art. 1:33).
Frequently asked questions for Delft
Can an authorized representative submit the notice?
Yes, with a notarial power of attorney and ID copy. Partners sign in advance (Civil Code Book 1 art. 1:39 para. 2).
Missing a document?
The registrar grants an extension, but plan ahead. Duplicates via authorities or Legal Aid Office Delft.
Does this apply to registered partnerships?
Yes, largely the same under Civil Code Book 1 art. 1:80 et seq. at the Municipality of Delft.