What You Need to Know When Planning a Civil Wedding in Poland

Civil wedding in Poland

A civil wedding in Poland can be held at the Registry Office, outdoors, or at your wedding venue – but it’s important to understand the required paperwork, the associated costs, and how the ceremony itself works. While a civil ceremony is generally simpler than a religious one, it still requires proper planning – especially if you’d like a truly memorable setting. This guide will walk you through the essentials, step by step.

Who Can Get Married in a Civil Ceremony in Poland?

A civil wedding in Poland is open to adults who are legally single. In rare cases, the court may allow a 16-year-old woman to marry. However, there are legal obstacles that will prevent a wedding from taking place, including:

• direct blood relation (e.g. parent and child),
• affinity (e.g. father-in-law and daughter-in-law),
• adoption (between adopter and adoptee),
• serious mental illness or intellectual disability (requires court approval).

A civil wedding is a popular choice for couples who:

• cannot or do not want a religious ceremony,
• are divorced and wish to remarry,
• come from different countries or faiths,
• want to marry outdoors or in a non-traditional location.

It’s a legally recognised, secular alternative, suitable for modern couples with different backgrounds or beliefs.

Paperwork Before the Wedding – What You Need to Do

When to Contact the Registry Office

You must contact the Registry Office (Urząd Stanu Cywilnego or USC) no earlier than 6 months and no later than one month and one day before your planned wedding date. This is due to the expiry date of a document you’ll be asked to sign – a statement confirming there are no legal obstacles to your marriage.

If you’re planning to:

• get married inside a Registry Office – you can choose any USC in Poland,
• get married outdoors or in a venue – you must go to the office responsible for that local area.

What Documents Will You Need?

Bring the following to your appointment:

• valid passports or national ID cards,
• short-form birth certificates (foreign documents often need an apostille and sworn translation),
• an application for an out-of-office ceremony – if relevant,
• a declaration confirming there are no obstacles to the marriage (signed during the appointment),
• proof of payment: approx. 84 PLN for in-office, 1000 PLN for out-of-office weddings,
• if applicable: court approval (e.g. for underage marriage) or power of attorney documents.

If either of you doesn’t speak Polish, a sworn translator must be present during the ceremony.

Witnesses

You’ll need two adult witnesses, regardless of gender or nationality. You can provide their details during your first visit to the USC or up to a week before the ceremony. On the wedding day, they must bring valid ID.

What Does a Civil Wedding Look Like?

A civil ceremony usually lasts around 10–15 minutes. It’s led by a registrar and reaches its peak when you officially declare your intention to marry. During the ceremony:

• the registrar gives a short speech and a legal explanation,
• first the bride, then the groom, recites the legal vow,
• you exchange rings (optional),
• you and your witnesses sign the marriage certificate,
• the registrar hands over your official marriage document.

You can also declare your choice of surname – keep your own, take your partner’s, or create a double-barrelled version.

Outdoor Civil Ceremonies – What to Keep in Mind

More and more couples in Poland are choosing outdoor weddings – in gardens, at lakesides, in historic manors or forest clearings. While romantic, this option comes with added responsibilities:

• the USC must approve the chosen location – it must respect the dignity and safety of the ceremony,
• the couple is responsible for the setup (chairs, arch, decorations, sound system),
• it’s a good idea to prepare a weather backup (e.g. a tent),
• some venues offer full outdoor wedding packages – ask in advance.

Keep in mind: the registrar can refuse to conduct a wedding if the location doesn’t meet formal requirements. That’s why it’s best to confirm all the details as early as possible.

Costs of a Civil Wedding in Poland

Civil weddings in Poland are relatively affordable, but the final cost depends on the type of ceremony:

• in-office ceremony: 84 PLN (administrative fee),
• out-of-office ceremony: 1000 PLN (travel and extra service fee),
• possible extras: sworn translator (if needed), court fees, power of attorney.

Also consider any costs tied to the ceremony setup – especially for outdoor weddings (e.g. flowers, seating, audio).

Why Hiring a Polish Wedding Planner Is a Game-Changer for International Couples

If you live abroad and dream of getting married in Poland, hiring an experienced Polish wedding planner can make the entire process smoother, faster and far less stressful. With their help:

• you’ll avoid paperwork pitfalls and language barriers,
• gain access to trusted local suppliers and ready-made solutions,
• get help with translations, arranging meetings, and submitting documents to the USC,
• enjoy peace of mind knowing everything is handled professionally – whether you’re planning a small ceremony or a full outdoor celebration.

Working with a planner means you can focus on the fun parts, while someone local takes care of all the logistics. For couples living in the UK, Germany, the US or beyond, this kind of support is truly invaluable – and ensures your civil wedding in Poland becomes the beautiful day you imagined.

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