Getting married in Poland sounds like a fairy tale — cobblestone streets, historic churches, golden sunsets over the Wisła… but before you say “I do” under a gothic arch or in a blooming garden, let’s talk paperwork. Yes, the legal side of love. It’s not sexy, but it’s essential.
This guide is your best friend through the official maze of Polish wedding documents — especially if one (or both!) of you is a foreigner. Whether you're dreaming of a chic Warsaw elopement or a countryside celebration near Kraków, here’s everything you need to know.
📝 Required Documents for a Wedding in Poland
Let’s build your love-folder, shall we?
✅ For Foreign Citizens:
- Valid passport or national ID
Proof of identity. Not expired. No, your backpacking ID from 2010 doesn’t count. - Full Birth Certificate
Must be translated by a sworn translator into Polish. Original + translation both required. - Certificate of No Impediment (or equivalent)
This proves you're not married to someone else in a remote French vineyard.
➤ Some countries don’t issue this (e.g., the U.S.), so you’ll need a Polish court exemption (more below). - Proof of legal stay in Poland
Visa, residence card, or entry stamp. If you're here legally, they want proof. - If previously married:
Divorce decree or death certificate of spouse (translated + legalized).
✅ For Polish Citizens:
- Dowód osobisty (ID card)
- Full birth certificate
- Proof of marital status if previously married
📜 Translation & Legalization
Poland takes its paperwork very, very seriously.
- Sworn Translation: Use a certified translator from Poland’s official registry. You can find them at www.tlumacze.gov.pl.
- Apostille or Legalization: Required if your country isn’t part of the Hague Convention. Double-check this on your country’s government site.
💔 No Certificate of No Impediment? No Problem
If your country doesn’t issue a Certificate of No Impediment (hello, Americans!), you’ll need to:
- Apply to the District Court (Sąd Rejonowy) in Poland for a marriage exemption
- Provide:
- A statement that you’re single
- Your passport + birth certificate (translated)
- Proof of legal stay
- The process can take 1–3 months — so plan early, lovebirds!
🏛️ Visit the Civil Registry Office (Urząd Stanu Cywilnego)
Once your documents are ready and translated, book an appointment at the local civil registry.
What happens there?
- Submit your documents
- Sign a declaration of no legal obstacles to marriage
- Pay a standard fee (84 PLN)
- Choose a ceremony date (minimum 1-month waiting period)
💡 Want to get married outdoors or in a castle? That’s possible! It’s an additional 1,000 PLN, but worth every złoty for the Insta-worthy vibes.
🤵👰 Civil or Church Ceremony?
In Poland, you can go two ways:
➤ Civil Wedding
Held at the USC or any location approved by the registrar. Legally binding. Fast and formal.
➤ Church Wedding with Concordat Effect
The dream Catholic ceremony… with legal recognition, too. But you’ll need:
- Pre-marital classes (yes, even in 2025!)
- Church-issued documents
- Permission from the bishop (sometimes)
- Coordination with the USC
Learn more here: Episkopat.pl
🗣️ Do You Need a Translator?
Yes — if one of you doesn’t speak Polish fluently.
Hire a sworn interpreter to translate the ceremony and help at the USC.
Check the registry of interpreters at www.tlumacze.gov.pl.
✅ Quick Checklist for Foreigners Marrying in Poland
🔲 Valid passport
🔲 Birth certificate (translated)
🔲 Certificate of No Impediment / court exemption
🔲 Proof of legal stay
🔲 Apostille/legalization (if needed)
🔲 Sworn translations
🔲 Interpreter (if needed)
🔲 Patience, love, and a sense of humor
✨ Did You Know?
💡 Outdoor civil weddings in Poland have only been legal since 2015!
💡 You can get married in a palace, forest, or even a hot air balloon — as long as it's safe and dignified.
💡 The most popular wedding date? Any Saturday in June… so book that USC early!
❤️ Final Thoughts
Falling in love is easy. Navigating Polish bureaucracy? A bit less romantic. But this process — all the stamps, translations, and time — is just another adventure you're conquering together. And trust me, it makes the “I do” even sweeter.
📸 Let’s Make Your Love Story Unforgettable
Poland is a beautiful stage for your wedding — let’s capture every smile, tear, and kiss. At Priceless Moments Studio, we turn fleeting moments into timeless memories. From cozy city hall vows to breathtaking destination weddings, our photography is all about you.
Browse our photo packages to find your perfect fit, or just drop us a love note via our contact form.
Let’s turn your priceless moment into forever.
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