Civil Ceremony Locations in Munich & Bavaria | Standesamt Options for English-Speaking Couples

Civil Ceremony Locations in Munich and surrounding areas for English-Speaking Couples

Planning your civil ceremony in Bavaria can feel like stepping into a storybook, historic architecture, serene lakes, and a sense of old-world romance everywhere you turn. For English-speaking couples, though, the process can feel daunting at first. Where do you go? How do you book? And how do you make it feel beautiful and effortless?

We’ve photographed countless intimate ceremonies across Munich and the Bavarian lakes. Whether you’re planning something quiet and private or elegant and celebratory, these are the most beautiful Standesamt locations in and around Munich, each with its own unique charm and atmosphere.

Understanding Civil Ceremonies in Germany

In Germany, all legally binding marriages take place through a Standesamt (registry office). Many couples choose to hold a symbolic or religious celebration afterward but the civil ceremony is the official moment where you become married in the eyes of the law.

For international or English-speaking couples, this means a little extra preparation. Most registry offices conduct the ceremony in German, but translators can easily be arranged. You’ll also need to bring certain documents, such as passports, birth certificates, and, if applicable, an Ehefähigkeitszeugnis (certificate of no impediment).

Tip: Appointments at popular Standesämter (especially Munich and Tegernsee) can book out months in advance. If you’re not local, consider having a planner assist with scheduling and document translations. You must submit your application for the “wedding lottery” by February 6, 2026 (for May, June, July) or March 6, 2026 (for August, September, October).

The Wedding “Lottery” in Munich

Eight couples can be married on the offered Saturdays at Mandlstraße, and three couples each can be married on the offered Fridays in the council chamber of the New Town Hall and at Nymphenburg Palace. Demand for these special locations and dates significantly exceeds availability, so the dates are allocated by lottery.

Choose a date and complete our application form in full. Applications for multiple dates/venues are not possible, as all applicants are given an equal chance in the lottery.

You must send the printed form by mail no later than February 6, 2026 (for May, June, and July) or March 6, 2026 (for August, September, and October). The date stamp from the Munich Registry Office is considered the date of receipt.

In the 7th and 11th calendar weeks of 2026, they draw the winning couples for these dream weddings by lottery. There is a waiting list of ten couples who can move up the waiting list if a date becomes available or is not used.

If you participate in the lottery, they recommend that you also register for a regular wedding ceremony at the registry offices at Ruppertstraße 11 or Mandlstraße 14, just to be on the safe side. This way, you have an alternative date in case you are not selected in the lottery.

Civil Ceremony Locations in Munich

Munich offers a variety of registry offices that range from classic and elegant to modern and understated. Each has its own atmosphere, some steeped in history, others bright and contemporary.

Standesamt Mandlstraße

Located in Schwabing, the Mandlstraße office has a charming, residential feel—less formal than Ruppertstraße but more elegant in atmosphere. The rooms are filled with natural light, and outside you’ll find leafy streets and turn-of-the-century architecture—perfect for a quiet portrait session afterward.
Location: Mandlstraße 14, Munich, Germany

• Type of venue: Civil ceremony location
• Guest capacity: Up to 30 (including couple and photographers; typically 10–15 guests)
• Starting price: €60 (weekday) / €160 (Saturday)
• Indoor/outdoor options: Indoor ceremony space, with nearby outdoor portrait locations in the English Garten
• Vibe: Historic, intimate, lush

👉Read our full post Standesamt Mandlstraße Wedding Guide: Tips, Photos & Planning Info for Munich Civil Ceremonies

Standesamt Ruppertstraße

The main Standesamt München on Ruppertstraße is the city’s primary location for civil ceremonies. It’s practical, central, and efficient—perfect if you want a straightforward process before heading elsewhere for photos or a small celebration. We often photograph couples here early in the day, then wander to nearby historic streets or cafés for portraits that feel natural and modern.
Location: Ruppertstraße 11, Munich, Germany

• Type of venue: Civil ceremony location
  Guest capacity: Up to 30 (including couple and photographers)
  Starting price: €60 (weekday) / €160 (Saturday)
• Indoor/outdoor options: Two bright ceremony rooms, foyer reception area, and a rooftop terrace for champagne toasts
• Vibe: Modern, bright, architectural

👉Read our full post Standesamt Ruppertstraße Wedding Guide: Modern Munich Civil Ceremony Location

Standesamt Pasing

• Location: Landsberger Straße 486, Munich, Germany
• Type of venue: Historic town registry office
• Indoor/outdoor: Indoor only
• Guest capacity: Up to 60 (including photographers)
• Starting price: Varies
• Vibe: Traditional, Bavarian, historic

👉Read our full post Standesamt Munich-Pasing Wedding Guide: A Traditional Bavarian Civil Ceremony Venue in Munich

Nymphenburg Palace 

For couples dreaming of something more regal, Munich offers two remarkable alternatives.
At Nymphenburg Palace, ceremonies are held in refined, light-filled rooms surrounded by gardens and water views. The experience feels timeless—graceful without being ostentatious.

• Location: Schloss Nymphenburg, Eingang 19, Munich, Germany
• Type of venue: Castle
• Indoor/outdoor: Indoor ceremony, outdoor portraits
• Guest capacity: Up to 90 (including couple and witnesses)
• Starting price: €670 rental fee
• Vibe: Grand, historic, magical

👉Read our full post Nymphenburg Castle Wedding Guide: Munich’s Grandest Civil Ceremony Venue

The New Town Hall

Meanwhile, the New Town Hall (Neues Rathaus) in Marienplatz offers one of the most iconic city backdrops imaginable. Ceremonies here feel cinematic, framed by Gothic architecture and the hum of Munich’s old town below.

Photography tip: Early morning or weekday ceremonies here allow time for portraits in the courtyards before the crowds gather—soft light, stone textures, and romantic symmetry everywhere you look.

• Location: Marienplatz 8, 80331 Munich, Germany
• Type of venue: Small ceremony room inside the New Town Hall
• Indoor/outdoor options: Indoor ceremony, balcony and hallway portraits
• Guest capacity: Up to 20
• Starting price: €690
• Vibe: Historical, gothic, iconic

👉Read our full post Münchner Rathaus Wedding Guide: Historic Civil Ceremonies in the Heart of Munich

Tegernsee | Refined Lakeside Romance

The Standesamt Tegernsee is one of the most sought-after in Bavaria. Nestled right by the lake, it’s a favorite for couples who dream of alpine beauty paired with understated luxury. Ceremonies often take place in bright, elegant rooms, with mountains rising just beyond the windows.

Afterward, couples stroll along the promenade or celebrate with a long lunch overlooking the water—effortless, refined, and deeply romantic.

• Location: Rathausplatz 1, Tegernsee, Germany
• Type of venue: Modern boardroom inside a traditional Bavarian town hall
• Indoor/outdoor options: Indoor ceremony only; outdoor portraits on the lakeside promenade
• Guest capacity: Up to 30 people
• Starting price: Approx. €250
• Vibe: Traditional, Bavarian, quaint

👉Read our full post Standesamt Tegernsee Wedding Guide: Lakefront Civil Ceremony in Bavaria

Getting Married at Standesamt Schliersee

Location: Rathausstraße 1, 83727 Schliersee
Type of venue: Lakeside registry office
Indoor/outdoor options: Indoor ceremony space with outdoor lakefront portraits
Guest capacity: Up to 30
Starting price: Approx. €200
Vibe: Authentic, serene, intimate

Smaller and quieter than Tegernsee, Schliersee offers a peaceful, truly Bavarian experience. The registry office sits just steps from the lake—perfect for couples who value simplicity and connection over spectacle.

The surrounding landscape feels straight out of a storybook: rolling green hills, wooden chalets, and still water reflecting snow-dusted peaks. We often photograph couples here at sunrise or sunset when the air is calm and the light feels cinematic.

Getting Married at Standesamt Miesbach

Location: Rathaus 1,  Miesbach, Bavaria
Type of venue: Historic registry office in town center
Indoor/outdoor options: Indoor ceremonies with nearby outdoor portrait locations
Guest capacity: Up to 40
Starting price: Approx €90
Vibe: Charming, relaxed, traditional

Just a short drive from both Tegernsee and Schliersee, the Standesamt Miesbach offers a lovely middle ground — alpine charm without the tourist crowds. Ceremonies here feel personal and easygoing, ideal for couples who appreciate local character and understated elegance.

Many choose Miesbach for a quiet weekday ceremony, then head to one of the nearby lakes to celebrate over the weekend.

Photography tip: After your ceremony, wander the laneway at Wallenburg lined with ancient trees or drive ten minutes toward Tegernsee — the panoramic light in late afternoon feels painterly and warm.

Getting Married at Standesamt Starnberg

Location: Starnberg, Bavaria (approx. 25 minutes from Munich)
Type of venue: Registry office with multiple ceremony locations
Indoor/outdoor options: Town hall wedding room, castle garden, museum, or ships on Lake Starnberg
Guest capacity: 18 guests (town hall), up to 40+ in Schlossberghalle rental
Starting price: €50–150, depending on ceremony location
Vibe: Sophisticated, serene, lakeside

Just outside Munich, the Standesamt Starnberg offers one of the most scenic and flexible registry office experiences in Bavaria. Couples can choose from several unique ceremony settings — each with its own atmosphere and view of the lake.

👉Read our full post Getting Married at Standesamt Starnberg

Our Favorite Photo Spots After Your Ceremony

Once the paperwork is complete, take time to savor it. Bavaria offers endless backdrops for portraits that feel timeless and personal:

• Nymphenburg Palace gardens — soft morning light and symmetry
• Mandlstraße’s leafy boulevards — romantic and understated
• Tegernsee and Schliersee promenades — glowing lake reflections
• The old town of Munich — hidden courtyards, architectural lines, and texture

These are moments we love capturing, effortless, honest, and full of life. 

Tips for English-Speaking Couples

• Book early: Popular Standesämter release ceremony dates just a few months in advance, and slots fill quickly.
• Gather your documents: Passports, birth certificates, and an Ehefähigkeitszeugnis may be required depending on your nationality.
• Plan a translation: Most ceremonies are held in German; a translator or bilingual friend ensures every word is understood and remembered.
• Think of timing: Morning ceremonies often have the best light and most privacy for photos.

Making It Your Own

Your civil ceremony doesn’t have to feel administrative—it can be elegant, emotional, and beautiful in its simplicity. Many of our couples make this day entirely their own: handwritten vows, a small bouquet, a glass of champagne afterward, and portraits that feel effortlessly timeless.

If you’re planning your civil ceremony in Munich or one of Bavaria’s lakeside towns, we’d love to help you make it unforgettable.

FAQ: Planning Your Civil Ceremony in Munich

Can foreigners get married in Munich?

Yes, absolutely. Foreigners can legally marry in Germany, though the process requires a few extra documents. You’ll need to register at the local Standesamt (registry office), and at least one partner must be a legal resident of Germany. However, if you’re planning a destination wedding or have special circumstances, the Standesamt can sometimes grant permission for non-residents to marry, especially if one of you has ties to the area.
We always recommend starting the process early and contacting the registry office directly for guidance; each location (Munich, Tegernsee, etc.) may have slightly different requirements.

Do we need a translator for our civil ceremony?

In most cases, yes. Civil ceremonies in Germany are conducted in German, and an official translator is required if you or your partner don’t speak the language fluently. Many English-speaking couples hire a local translator just for the ceremony, it’s a simple process and ensures that every part of your vows and declarations is clear and legally valid.

How far in advance should we book our civil ceremony in Munich?

Dates at the most popular Standesämter—especially Nymphenburg Palace, Mandlstraße, and Tegernsee—can book out several months in advance. Typically, registry offices open their calendars six months before the wedding date, but each town may differ slightly.
We recommend reaching out as soon as you have your preferred season in mind. If you’re planning from abroad, having a local planner to help manage communication can make the process feel effortless.

Steps for Getting Legally Married in Germany

1. Choose Your Standesamt (Registry Office)
   
   • Decide where you want to have your ceremony.
   • Consider locations outside central Munich if you want nicer settings or photography options (e.g., Tegernsee, small villages).
   • Check wait times, as they vary depending on location.
     
2. Contact Your Desired Standesamt
   
   • Make an appointment for your ceremony.
   • Some couples book months in advance to secure a specific date.
     
3. Apply for Your Marriage License
   
   • Make an appointment at your local Standesamt (where you live) to apply for the marriage license.
   • Bring required documents (passport, birth certificate, etc.).
   • Foreign documents (like an Irish birth certificate) must be officially translated by a government-approved translator.
     
4. Pay Marriage License Fees
   
   • Fees are income-based, typically around €50–€200 for most couples.
   • Standesamt staff will provide exact amounts based on your situation.
     
5. Submit Paperwork to Ceremony Location
   
   • Once the license is approved, your documents are sent to the Standesamt where your ceremony will take place.
     
6. Ceremony Day
   
   • Bring identification and any required payment for international certificates (if you want one in English).
   • Enjoy your ceremony! The process is straightforward and low-stress.