{"id":7431,"date":"2023-08-07T12:16:58","date_gmt":"2023-08-07T10:16:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ginawalkowiak.com\/?p=7431"},"modified":"2023-11-07T08:51:05","modified_gmt":"2023-11-07T07:51:05","slug":"elope-in-germany-ultimate-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ginawalkowiak.com\/elope-in-germany-ultimate-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Elope in Germany, Ultimate Guide (2024)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"elopement<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

(Updated for 2024)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Written October 19th, 2023 by Mariah Arianna, copywriter for photographers<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re traveling from outside the country, this guide on how to elope in Germany is specifically for you. I\u2019ve covered everything visitors need to consider when planning an elopement or intimate wedding here.

If you want some more help with the general topic of How to plan an Elopement, head over to my Elopement planning Guide here.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n



First things first: where do you imagine to get married? In the nature or a buzzing city? By the sea (Germany has the North Sea and the Baltic Sea connected to it), in the beautiful woods of the Black Forest for instance or on a mountain?
In Germany you’ll find lots of different types of nature and also cities or villages, either vibrant or romantic and magical.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Average budget for eloping in Germany<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

This budget is based on average prices for two people (the couple) eloping in Germany for 5 days. Expect to spend around \u20ac10k, although prices can vary a lot regarding accommodation and how many vendors you add. Euro to USD exchange rates fluctuate, but expect between $10,400 and $11,000.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

International flights for two \u20ac1,800
5 nights of accommodation \u20ac800
5 days of rental car: \u20ac350
Photographer: \u20ac3,900
Celebrant: \u20ac1,500
Hair and makeup \u20ac600
Bouquet & Boutonniere \u20ac150 
Mini wedding cake: \u20ac250
Misc costs: \u20ac150<\/p>\n\n\n\n

TOTAL \u20ac9.500<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Seasons and the best months to elope to Germany<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There are two \u201ctypes\u201d of locations for elopements: urban and in nature. For urban city elopements, I only recommend eloping in Germany from May to October. There are very few cities in Germany which get snow in the winter. Mostly, it\u2019s a dark, wet, foggy and cold time of year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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For elopements in nature, it is mostly about location and preference. Here is the breakdown:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Summer: June, July, August<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Pros: People are more cheerful, foliage and flowers are lush, days are longer, you can be outside all day<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cons: Can be hot and crowded, especially in Bavaria and cities like Berlin or Munich<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Autumn: September, October, November<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Pros: Beautiful colors, mild weather<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cons: Can be rainy, chilly and foggy<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Winter: December, January, February<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Pros: skiing in the Alps, Christmas markets (late November through December), snow in Bavaria, fewer crowds<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cons: dark, cold, note that most of Germany doesn\u2019t get snow anymore<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Spring: March, April, May<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Pros: mild temperatures, fewer crowds<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cons: bare, brown trees until May<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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How to legally get married in Germany as a foreigner<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Germany loves its paperwork (big surprise). The only way to get legally married in Germany is by translating and submitting a number of documents. You also must have the ceremony inside the city hall. Unlike the US or UK, it’s not possible to prep the paperwork and then sign it elsewhere on the wedding day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even for Germans, the civil ceremony is mostly a separate event from the wedding. For this and many other reasons, most couples decide to have the legal paperwork done at home. The benefit of this is you can have a small celebration or dinner with family as well! When you elope in Germany, you can hold a symbolic ceremony instead.

If you still prefer to get legally married in Germany, please check your government’s regulations beforehand. You\u2019ll likely need to have the license translated again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Great \u201cwedding venues\u201d for an elopement in Germany<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
    \n
  1. A beautiful Airbnb: there are a number of unique Airbnbs, wellness hotels and chalets across the country. Whether you invite guests or come alone, an attractive Airbnb makes for better getting ready photos as well.
    <\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. One of Germany\u2019s historic castles: there are actually a number of small castles across Germany which you can book for weddings. The most famous castles in Germany have public grounds which are usually free to walk around and take photos.
    <\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. The mountains: if you know you want to be outdoors on your wedding day, go to the southernmost region of Bavaria where the Alps begin. It is the most popular area for elopements in Germany.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    6 Great Locations to Elope in Germany and why<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Bavaria:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Bavaria is the best place to elope in Germany for hiking and mountain elopements. It\u2019s what most people think of when they think \u201cGermany.\u201d Stunning mountains and cozy villages capture that traditional German vibe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Saxony (Saxon Switzerland)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    If you find yourself in northeast Germany close to Dresden or Berlin, this area is perfect. It has very unusual rock formations and the hiking is short and easy. If you want true mountain scenery, however, better stick with Bavaria.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The probably easiest way to get there is to fly to Berlin and hire a car from there, unless you can grab a flight directly to Dresden.<\/p>\n\n\n

    \n
    \"elopement<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

    Harz<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    In the very middle of Germany is a slightly mountain-y area. It has charming villages and dense forests. It’s a wonderful spot for an elopement in central Germany.<\/p>\n\n\n

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    \"Hiking<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

    Black Forest<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    The fairy tale Black Forest is in southwest Germany. The fall colors are gorgeous here, and in winter, it\u2019s a proper winter wonderland. It is also close to the German, Swiss, and French Alps.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Berlin City Elopements<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    The best city in Germany for an urban elopement is Berlin. It’s a very hip, open-minded and buzzing place. Stick to the peak summer months here though, Berlin becomes a very different city in winter. Super easily accessible as a lot of flights go in and out each day.<\/p>\n\n\n

    \n
    \"Wedding<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

    Baltic Sea<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    In the very north of Germany is the Baltic Sea. It\u2019s a popular vacation spot for Berliners and northern Germany. During the summer, it can be very crowded, however.
    <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    Travel information for Germany<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Via plane<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    It\u2019s very easy to fly in and out of Germany.The main airports are in Munich (MUC), Frankfurt am Main (FRA), D\u00fcsseldorf (DUS) and Berlin (BER). <\/a>Here’s an article on the airports in Germany.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Via car<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Driving in Germany is easy and car rentals are widely available. You may need to get an international drivers license (a translated version of your license) before you arrive. There are no tolls for driving on the German highways.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Via bus and train<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Bus and train infrastructure is a good alternative to driving. In very rural parts, you\u2019ll be better off with a car to get around. If you plan to make a long distance trip across the country, I highly recommend using an ICE long distance train. Booking platforms like Omio.com<\/a> or Trainline<\/a> make buying tickets very easy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    Checklist and timeline for planning an elopement in Germany<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Generally, it\u2019s good to start planning your elopement around 9-12 months out. This is to make sure your preferred vendors and accommodation are still available. That said, it\u2019s absolutely possible to plan a \u201cjust us\u201d elopement in shorter time frames.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    9-12 months out:<\/p>\n\n\n\n