Conditions for Holding a Wedding Outside the Registry Office

The basic condition for conducting a ceremony outside the civil registry office is that the chosen location ensures the solemn character of the marriage ceremony and the safety of all persons participating in the declaration of marriage. In practice, this means that the ceremony may take place in locations such as wedding venues, gardens, hotels, or palace-park complexes, provided that the nature and organization of the event allow the dignity of the ceremony to be maintained. If the proposed place does not meet the statutory requirements, the head of the civil registry office has the authority to refuse to accept the declarations of marriage in the indicated location.

Procedure of the Marriage Ceremony

Regardless of where the ceremony takes place, the procedure for concluding a marriage remains the same as in the civil registry office. Before the ceremony begins, the head of the registry office verifies the identity of the persons intending to marry and their witnesses. The official then asks the couple whether they wish to marry each other. After receiving affirmative answers, the couple is invited to make their declarations of entering into marriage and declarations concerning the surnames of the spouses and their future children. Once both parties have made consistent declarations, the head of the civil registry office announces that the marriage has been concluded.

The Solemn Character of the Ceremony

Polish law also emphasizes the ceremonial nature of the marriage procedure. During the ceremony, the head of the civil registry office wears a chain with the emblem of the Polish eagle, which symbolizes the public function being performed. During the exchange of declarations, all participants in the ceremony should stand, unless their health condition or age prevents them from doing so. The solemn character of the event is further emphasized by the appropriate decoration of the venue, suitable attire of the participants, and respectful behaviour during the ceremony.

Exceptional Circumstances

The law also provides for special situations in which a marriage may be concluded outside the registry office for exceptional reasons. This applies in particular when one of the parties is in a life-threatening health condition or is deprived of liberty. In such circumstances, the ceremony may take place, for example, in a hospital, at the home of a seriously ill person, or in a penitentiary institution.

Additional Fee and Organizational Issues

Concluding a marriage outside the civil registry office also involves the payment of an additional fee, which constitutes revenue for the municipality. Its amount has been specified in implementing regulations and currently amounts to one thousand Polish zlotys (PLN 1000). This fee is intended to compensate for the additional duties related to the participation of the head of the civil registry office in a ceremony held outside the office premises.

If the head of the civil registry office cannot conduct the ceremony on the date proposed by the couple, they should suggest another possible date. If the parties fail to agree on a new date, the official may issue a written refusal to accept the declarations on the requested date.

Conclusion

If you wish to conclude a marriage in Poznań outside the Civil Registry Office, this is possible provided that the proposed location meets the statutory requirements and the date of the ceremony is agreed with the office. Concluding a marriage outside the office is subject to an additional fee of PLN 1000.

The fee must be paid by bank transfer to the bank account of the City of Poznań:

49 1020 4027 0000 1602 1262 0797 (PKO BP S.A.)

Proof of payment should be presented during the visit to the Civil Registry Office. Cash payments are not accepted.