What You Should Know When Planning a Civil Wedding in Poland

A civil wedding is an official – and increasingly conscious – way to get married

A civil wedding in Poland is a legally binding form of marriage, recognised by the state. For many couples, it’s not just a formality but a conscious choice – often based on personal beliefs, values or life circumstances.

It’s a perfect solution for couples who:

• don’t want or are unable to have a church wedding,
• value a secular, worldview-neutral ceremony,
• are divorced and wish to remarry,
• are planning an international wedding in Poland and need a straightforward, transparent process.

A civil ceremony offers legal clarity, organisational flexibility, and the chance to celebrate your love in a way that truly reflects who you are as a couple.

Where Can You Have a Civil Wedding in Poland?

While many couples still choose to marry in a traditional registry office (Urząd Stanu Cywilnego), more and more people opt for outdoor weddings or personalised venues. And it’s possible – Polish law allows ceremonies outside the registry office as long as certain conditions are met.

Requirements include:

• choosing a location that ensures the dignity and safety of the ceremony,
• preparing the space according to the registrar’s expectations (e.g., table for signing, possible shelter),
• paying an additional administrative fee (currently 1000 PLN).

This means you can say “I do” in a garden, by a lake, in a manor house, or even on a family estate – wherever you feel most at home.

Importantly, many couples choose to combine the official civil wedding with a symbolic humanist ceremony, held directly afterwards. This allows you to retain full legal status while adding emotional depth with personal vows and a ceremony tailored to your style and story.

What Does a Civil Wedding Ceremony Look Like?

The ceremony is conducted by a registrar and typically lasts between 10 and 20 minutes. It includes:

• a formal welcome,
• reading of the relevant legal articles,
• exchanging of the official marriage vows,
• signing of the marriage certificate.

While it may sound procedural, thoughtful planning can make it a truly moving and elegant moment. Soft music, floral decor, meaningful setting – all of this can transform the ceremony into something memorable and unique.

If you’re dreaming of something more personal, consider inviting a humanist celebrant to lead a symbolic ceremony immediately after the legal part. This option allows you to speak about your love in your own words, in front of those who matter most.

Documents and Legal Steps – What to Prepare

To get legally married in Poland, you’ll need to submit the required documents to the local registry office at least 31 days before your chosen wedding date. For Polish citizens, the process is simple – a valid ID and a completed application form usually suffice.

However, if one of you is a foreign national, you’ll need to prepare:

• a valid passport,
• a certificate of no impediment to marriage, issued by the relevant authority in your home country,
• sworn translations of all documents into Polish,
• in some cases – legalisation or apostille of documents.

These steps can be time-consuming and sometimes confusing, especially when managed from abroad. That’s why it’s a great idea to work with a local wedding planner, who can guide you through the process with confidence and ease.

A Civil Wedding Can Be Beautiful, Personal and Touching

Today, a civil wedding in Poland is often a full-scale celebration – with guests, flowers, live music and stunning scenery. With a bit of creativity and the right support, you can create a ceremony that is:

• visually beautiful and emotionally meaningful,
• enhanced with symbolic elements like unity rituals or custom vows,
• enriched by a humanist ceremony that follows the official legal part.

This approach is particularly popular among international couples, who want to combine the legal aspect with a ceremony that’s heartfelt, personal and adapted to multilingual audiences.

Why Work with a Local Wedding Planner – Especially if You Live Abroad?

If you’re living outside Poland – in London, Berlin, Oslo or Singapore – and planning your civil wedding here, working with a local Polish wedding planner is an invaluable asset.

You’ll have someone who:

• understands the procedures and legal requirements – especially for international weddings,
• can support you with translations and document preparation,
• helps create a personalised ceremony plan combining formality and emotional depth,
• recommends trusted local suppliers and manages logistics on-site,
• acts as your link to the local authorities – without language barriers or unnecessary stress.

For couples living abroad, it’s the best way to ensure a smooth, stress-free planning process and a ceremony that’s both legally sound and emotionally unforgettable. You can focus on what truly matters – celebrating your love in a meaningful, authentic way.

Keywords: civil wedding in Poland, outdoor civil wedding, civil wedding combined with a symbolic wedding