So, you met the love of your life in Poland — maybe at a summer pierogi festival, maybe while lost on a tram in Kraków, or perhaps while asking “Gdzie jest toaleta?” and unexpectedly finding your soulmate. Now, you're dreaming of tying the knot in this charming country of vodka, forests, and babcias with strong opinions.
But how do you legally get married in Poland as a foreigner?
Spoiler alert: it involves paperwork. But also, it's 100% doable, and we're going to guide you through every step — from “What documents do I need?” to “Where can I say my vows under twinkle lights?”
Let’s dive in, lovebirds.
💍 Step 1: Choose Your Ceremony Style
Poland offers two legally recognized types of marriage:
✅ Civil Wedding (Ślub cywilny)
Handled by the Civil Registry Office (Urząd Stanu Cywilnego), this is the official legal marriage. You can get married at the office or — for a fee — in an outdoor or personalized location (yes, even a castle or lakeside).
👉 Find your nearest USC office here: gov.pl Civil Registry Search
⛪ Religious Wedding (Ślub konkordatowy)
This is a church wedding that is also legally recognized if you file the right documents through both the Church and USC. Catholic ceremonies are most common, but Orthodox and Protestant churches also offer legal options.
Hot tip: Not all priests are familiar with international paperwork. Be kind. Maybe bring chocolate.
📋 Step 2: Gather the Paperwork (and Snacks – You’ll Need Them)
You’ll need to provide:
- Valid passport
- Birth certificate (officially translated into Polish by a sworn translator)
- Certificate of No Impediment to Marry from your home country (and its Polish translation)
- Proof of legal stay in Poland (visa, residence permit, etc.)
- Completed application form from USC
- If applicable: divorce decree or death certificate of former spouse
All documents must be less than 6 months old, and translations must be done by a certified Polish translator.
Bonus tip: Always bring copies, and keep everything in a neat folder. Bureaucracy loves folders.
🏛️ Step 3: Book an Appointment at the USC
This part is kind of romantic — you’ll choose your wedding date! But first, you'll have to:
- Visit the local Urząd Stanu Cywilnego
- Bring an interpreter if you don’t speak fluent Polish (this is mandatory!)
- Submit all documents in person (or check if your office allows online booking — some do!)
Once your paperwork is approved, you’ll officially book the ceremony. Civil weddings can typically be scheduled 30 to 180 days in advance.
💸 Step 4: Fees & Fancy Locations
The standard civil wedding fee is 84 PLN.
Want to marry in a palace, garden, or by a lake? Add 1000 PLN for an outdoor or custom location.
Here are two stunning options:
- Pałac Rozalin – fairytale vibes, close to Warsaw
- Dwór w Tomaszowicach – rustic elegance near Kraków
Pro tip: Spring and summer weekends get booked early. Like, super early.
💑 Step 5: Ceremony Time!
Civil Ceremony
Short and sweet — 15 minutes max. You exchange vows, sign documents, and maybe have a kiss that makes your uncle cry. Done.
Religious Ceremony
More emotional, traditional, and usually longer (especially if babcia insists on the full mass). You’ll still sign official documents afterward.
You’ll leave with a marriage certificate (Odpis aktu małżeństwa) and the legal status of “just married.”
🧠 Real Talk: What Most Guides Don’t Tell You
- Translations can cost 100–300 PLN per document. Budget for it.
- No Impediment Certificates are often tricky to get — check with your embassy ASAP.
- Not every registry worker speaks English. Bring a friendly interpreter or ask a Polish friend for help.
- Some USC offices have longer waiting times than others. Big cities = longer queues. Small towns = faster love.
📆 Timeline: From “I want to marry” to “I do”
Here’s your planning snapshot:
| Time Before Wedding | What to Do |
|---|---|
| 4–6 months | Gather documents, translations, embassy certificates |
| 3–4 months | Visit USC, submit documents |
| 1–3 months | Book date, pay fees, prep vows/outfits |
| Wedding Day | Show up, say “Tak,” kiss, celebrate 🎉 |
✈️ Can Non-Residents Marry in Poland?
Yes! Even if neither of you is Polish or lives in Poland full-time. You’ll just need to prove your identity, your single status, and your legal stay.
Many international couples come here just for the wedding — the romantic cities, the gorgeous venues, the affordable prices, and yes… the pierogi.
💡 Quick Tips from Couples Who’ve Done It
- “Get your documents early. My embassy took 6 weeks for one paper.”
- “Hire a wedding coordinator if you don’t speak Polish.”
- “Our symbolic ceremony was way more fun than the legal one — and that’s okay!”
You don’t need to do everything in one day. Many couples split their legal and celebration dates — think quiet morning ceremony + big weekend bash.
📸 Capture Your Love — Forever
Whether you're saying your vows under centuries-old arches or exchanging rings in a sunflower field, your story deserves to be remembered beautifully.
I’m the heart behind Priceless Moments — and I've had the honor of capturing international love stories across Poland. If you're looking for someone who will notice the details you didn't even know were magical — you’ve found your photographer.
💌 Check out my wedding photography portfolio: www.pricelessmoments.studio/photo
📦 Explore my customizable photo packages: www.pricelessmoments.studio/prices
📲 Let's chat & plan your dream session: www.pricelessmoments.studio/contact
I don’t just take photos. I capture emotions, traditions, families, and moments that whisper: “this is the beginning of forever.”
Planning a wedding in Poland as a foreigner isn’t just a journey through forms and stamps — it’s an unforgettable adventure that leads you to your moment. And hey, if you need someone to be your creative sidekick, I’m just a message away.
Now go make magic 💫
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