Marriage Notice Requirements in Zoetermeer
The marriage notice, also known as the notice of intended marriage, is the official notification to the civil registry of the Municipality of Zoetermeer for your planned wedding. This essential step prepares your ceremony in Zoetermeer. Without complete documentation, the ceremony cannot proceed. Here you will find everything about the required papers, steps, and local tips, including advice from the Zoetermeer Legal Advice Office.
What does a marriage notice entail?
With the marriage notice, you inform the civil registry of the Municipality of Zoetermeer that you and your partner wish to marry. This must be done at least 14 days before the date, with no upper limit. Both partners must attend in person, or an authorized representative may handle it. The review rules out any obstacles, such as an existing marriage or family ties. Approval results in an extract for the ceremony.
Legal basis
The rules are set out in Civil Code Book 1 (CC Book 1), articles 38-44. Article 1:38 CC Book 1 governs receipt and review by the registrar. Article 1:39 CC Book 1 specifies minimum details, and article 1:40 CC Book 1 lists the documents. Additional laws include the Act of 9 July 2009 for equal marriage and the Registration of Non-Native Children Act for migrants. International matters fall under the Hague Marriage Convention (1902).
Required documents for marriage notice in Zoetermeer
Requirements vary depending on your situation (nationality, marital status). Overview in table:
| Document | For whom? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport/ID | Both partners | Original to be shown at Municipality of Zoetermeer |
| Birth certificate | Both partners | Max. 6 months old, obtained from birth municipality |
| Certificate of civil status (no marriage/divorce/death) | Previously married/partnered | From marriage/divorce register |
| Parental consent | Under 18 years | Signed by parents or guardian |
| Residence permit | Foreign nationals | Legalized by consulate |
| Certificate of capacity to marry | Foreign partners | From home country, with apostille |
Registered partnerships follow CC Book 1 art. 1:80 et seq., with a similar process.
Step-by-step procedure in Zoetermeer
- Schedule an appointment via the Municipality of Zoetermeer website or by phone with the civil registry.
- Gather documents well in advance; foreign ones can take time.
- Both attend (or authorized representative with power of attorney).
- Registrar checks and asks about intent and relationships.
- Pay the fees (€10-20 for notice, €500+ for ceremony).
- After the 14-day waiting period, you receive the extract.
Specific situations: foreign nationals and remarriage
Foreign partners face additional requirements: residence permit plus apostille (Hague Convention). Non-treaty countries: consular visa. For remarriage after divorce: judgment registered with the court clerk. Example: Jan, divorced in 2020, shows judgment (art. 1:162 CC) and extract to marry in Zoetermeer.
Rights and obligations
- Municipality's duty to inform: Free explanation of requirements.
- Duty to tell the truth: False information is punishable (art. 1:44 CC, fine €8,100).
- Right to object: In case of refusal, appeal to the District Court of Zoetermeer (GALA art. 7:1).
- Duty to attend: Both partners must cooperate.
Contact the Zoetermeer Legal Advice Office for free assistance.
Practical examples from Zoetermeer
Example 1: Anna and Bob, Dutch nationals, marrying in Zoetermeer. Appointment at civil registry, ID and recent birth certificates (requested via municipality). Ready after 14 days.
Example 2: Carlos (Spain) and Dina (NL). Carlos provides apostilled birth certificate and single status certificate. Check for sham marriage (Aliens Act art. 3:65a).
Example 3: Eva (17) with partner: parental consent required, otherwise void (CC Book 1 art. 1:33).
Frequently asked questions
Can an authorized representative file the notice?
Yes, with a notarial power of attorney and ID copy. Partners sign in advance (art. 1:39(2) CC).
Missing a document?
Extension possible, but causes delay. Request duplicates in time.
Does this apply to partnership registration?
Yes, largely the same under CC Book 1 art. 1:80 et seq.