Nymphenburg Castle Wedding Guide: Munich’s Grandest Civil Ceremony Venue

Getting Married at Nymphenburg Castle

If you’ve ever imagined saying “I do” in a real castle, Nymphenburg Palace (Schloss Nymphenburg) might just be your dream come true. This grand, historic venue in Munich is one of the most magical locations for a civil ceremony — so magical, in fact, that there’s a lottery to “win” the chance to marry here.

Why Couples Love Nymphenburg Castle

Couples who choose Nymphenburg are often drawn to its grandeur, history, and timeless beauty. It’s the only castle available for civil ceremonies through the Munich registry office — a rare opportunity to host your wedding inside one of Bavaria’s most famous landmarks.

Couples especially love:

• The Johannissaal, with its soaring ceilings and soft, natural light
• The ability to take portraits around the palace grounds and gardens
• Gondola rides on the central canal during summer months
• The feeling of history, elegance, and exclusivity
• That it’s surprisingly affordable for such a regal setting (€670 room rental fee)
  

This is the perfect venue for couples who want to make a statement — a wedding that feels cinematic, romantic, and quintessentially European.

Venue Highlights

• 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

Best Photo Spots at Nymphenburg Castle

It’s impossible to take a bad photo at Nymphenburg — but a few areas truly stand out.

• In front of the Palace: The iconic shot every couple dreams of — standing on the gravel walkway with the palace rising behind you, glowing in the late afternoon light.
• The Gardens: Perfect for romantic portraits and small group shots, with tree-lined paths, fountains, and manicured lawns.
• Inside the Johannissaal: During the ceremony, the natural light streaming through the tall windows gives everything a soft, painterly glow.
  

Lighting Tip:
The light in the Johannissaal is consistently beautiful, especially in the late afternoon. In summer, the golden hour around 6–7 PM creates an ethereal glow across the palace façade.

Timeline Tip:
Because this is a working museum, ceremonies run on a precise schedule. Plan extra time for portraits afterward — and expect light tourist traffic, especially on Fridays.

Things to Know Before You Book

• Booking process: Couples apply through a lottery system via the Munich Standesamt.
• Notifications:
  
  • For May–July weddings: couples are notified in the 7th week of the year
  • For August–October weddings: notifications arrive in the 11th week of the year
    
    
• 2026 dates: May 22, June 26, July 24, August 21, September 4 (Fridays, 2–5 PM)
• Ceremony space: The Johannissaal is the only indoor location used for weddings.
• Portrait permissions: Photography is allowed in the gardens and exterior areas only.
• Reception idea: You can book the Palmhaus on site for an after-ceremony meal.
• Parking: Available on site.
• Good to know: Because of its popularity, it’s best to have backup options in case you don’t win the lottery.

From a Photographer’s Perspective

Photographing a wedding at Nymphenburg Castle truly feels like capturing a fairytale. The architecture, the symmetry, and the way the light dances across the stone make it an absolute dream to shoot.

One of my favorite moments is always the iconic portrait of the couple in front of the palace, just as the sun dips behind it — everything glows golden, and the scene feels almost otherworldly.

Photographer Tip:
It’s an open museum, so be mindful of visitors and time your portraits strategically. Early afternoon in September or late afternoon in summer tends to offer the best mix of light and space.

Planning Resources + More

• Official website: Stadt München – Heirat Standesamt
• Address: Schloss Nymphenburg, Eingang 19, 80638 München
  Phone: +49 89 17908-0