This is what you need to know if you want to get married in Rotterdam

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Welcome to the vibrant city of Rotterdam, where love and tradition come together amid a modern skyline and historic charm. For the couples-to-be who have chosen to get married in this vibrant metropolis, a world full of possibilities and enchantment awaits. But before you immerse yourself in the romance of your big day, there are some essential things you need to know and helpful tips that can help you plan an unforgettable wedding day.

Whether you dream of an intimate ceremony on the banks of the Maas, an extravagant party at one of the city's many luxurious wedding venues, or something in between, Rotterdam offers a plethora of choices to suit every style and preference . From the formal procedures to the small details that make your day truly unique, it is important to be well prepared.

In this article we share a handy list of things you need to know when planning your wedding in Rotterdam, as well as valuable tips to help you with every step of the process. Whether you are a local looking for the perfect location in the city, or a visitor who has discovered the beauty of Rotterdam and wants to get married here, we have everything you need to make your wedding dreams come true in our dynamic city on the Maas.

You can get married anywhere in Rotterdam

In Rotterdam you have the freedom to get married or register a partnership anywhere and at any time, as long as the location is safe and accessible. Whether during the day, in the evening, on the weekend or even at night, you can always count on this option. All you need is permission from the municipality, which can be obtained by completing the form 'Declaration of wedding location', together with the manager or owner of the location. The ceremony usually lasts 60 minutes, and you have the choice of bringing your own wedding officiant or choosing a wedding officiant from the municipality Rotterdam. Details such as the number of guests you can invite, the option for music and parking vary depending on the location. To help you get started, we have put together a list of the most beautiful wedding locations in Rotterdam.

The most beautiful Wedding Locations in Rotterdam

This is what getting married in Rotterdam costs

Getting married in Rotterdam involves costs that may vary depending on the location and time of the ceremony. For example, a wedding in one of the two wedding halls of Rotterdam City Hall costs approximately 600 euros. For a ceremony in the civic hall the costs are around 900 euros and on Saturday this is approximately 1350 euros. If you choose to get married at another location in Rotterdam, the costs can vary from 700 to 2000 euros, depending on the day and time of the week. These prices do not include any costs of the chosen location itself. You can get married for free on Monday morning between 9 a.m. and 12 p.m. in congratulations room 1 on the ground floor of Rotterdam City Hall. This ceremony lasts max. 10 minutes. More information and current prices can be found on the website of the municipality of Rotterdam.

Minimum 2 and maximum 4 Witnesses

Witnesses are needed for a wedding in Rotterdam. You must have at least 2 witnesses and you can take a maximum of 4 with you. If you opt for a free wedding, you can bring 2 witnesses. Make sure that the witnesses chosen are of legal age, as this is required by law. The municipality of Rotterdam does not provide witnesses, so it is your responsibility to arrange them. Indicate the chosen witnesses when reporting your marriage by using the Witness form. p>

Here you can make an appointment to get married

If you want to get married in Rotterdam, you must first report this free of charge to the municipality /a> via the website, previously known as 'betrothal'. Within a maximum of 10 working days after submitting your details, the municipality will contact you for a video call to determine the wedding date and location, where you can pay immediately via iDeal. It is important to know that there is a minimum period of 14 days and a maximum of 1 year between notification and the wedding dateet sit. The waiting period varies depending on the type of wedding: 6 months for a free wedding, 4 months for a simple wedding, and 6 weeks for a standard wedding. The witnesses do not have to be present when the report is made, but they must be present at the wedding ceremony

Unique Wedding Transport in Rotterdam

Photo: Kees Torn

Photo: Smiley Tourist

Do you have to move around Rotterdam during your wedding day? Then be sure to use the water taxi, because there is nothing more typical about getting married in Rotterdam than being transported across the Maas. With the water taxi you can get on and off at many places, and almost every wedding location has a stop in the immediate vicinity. But there's more! Another unique option is to transport yourself and your group with an authentic Rotterdam tram. This tram can be rented especially for you for an unforgettable ride on your wedding day.

Rotterdam has the world's best Wedding Photographer

Isabelle Hattink, an award-winning Rotterdam photographer, is globally recognized as the best wedding photographer in the world. Her love for photography started at a young age, around 17, and took her to art school where she graduated at 21. After participating in the prestigious Fearless Photographers competition, known as the go-to wedding photographer competition, she was ultimately crowned the world's best wedding photographer. With over 800 weddings to her name and the honor of being Nikon Ambassador of Europe, Isabelle has firmly established her authority in the industry. Her distinctive style, which is narrative, exuberant and dynamic, focuses on capturing emotions and connections in a unique way. It is therefore highly recommended to book Isabelle Hattink for your wedding if you get the chance. For more information about Isabelle Hattink and her beautiful work, please visit her website www.fotobelle.nl, Facebook page FotoBelle and Instagram account @isabellehattink.

Parking Rotterdam

If you are getting married in Rotterdam, it is important to think about parking options for your guests. Getting married in the Rotterdam City Hall has its advantages, as you as a bridal couple receive 2 parking tickets. There are plenty of parking options nearby for the other guests, albeit for a fee. In the center of Rotterdam, your guests will generally have to pay for parking, such as at locations such as Hotel New York, the Wereldmuseum and the Euromast. However, locations such as Lommerrijk, the Zalmhuis and the Oliphant have their own parking lot, so your day guests can save a lot of money on parking costs. It is wise to communicate these parking options to your guests to avoid any inconveniences on your special day.

You are not allowed to release balloons in Rotterdam!

In Rotterdam it is not allowed to release helium balloons into the air, due to the harmful impact on the environment. Everything that goes up eventually comes down again and can have a negative impact on nature. However, if you are looking for beautiful balloon decorations for your wedding location, the Rotterdam Balloon Company can assist you. As a balloon supplier to the municipality of Rotterdam, they offer a wide range of breathtaking balloon decorations that are perfect for creating an atmospheric and festive ambiance on your special day. Fortunately, helium balloons can still be used within the venue, meaning you can still create that light-hearted and festive atmosphere without harming the environment.