We Can Get Married in Switzerland!
On July 1, 2022, Switzerland joined other Western nations and legalized same-sex marriage. So, Vacationer is taking Switzerland Tourism’s lead and using their list of the most important information that gay and lesbian couples should know if they want to tie the knot in the country.
But first of all, you should know that Switzerland is a safe, LGBTQ+-friendly travel destination. As with most progressive countries that recognize LGBTQ+ rights, Switzerland’s urban areas are accepting of the community, but LGBTQ+ travelers, as always, should take the proper precautions to select destinations and hotels that embrace our community.
LGBTQ+ Weddings in Switzerland
Now, LGBTQ+ folx can not only travel and explore Switzerland but they can get married there, too! LGTBQI+-supporting service providers have come together to form the Swiss Queer Wedding Association, a platform that lists LGBTQ+-friendly expert service providers whose mission is to provide couples with a positive and supportive experience in planning their wedding. Thankfully, this list of members is constantly growing, but if you have any questions, you can contact the association directly. But before you start planning your celebration to start the next chapter in your life, you should also think about the legal aspects of having a wedding in Switzerland.
Civil Wedding Ceremonies
Prior to July 2022, same-sex couples could only register their partnership, but now, gay or lesbian couples can also marry in Switzerland. To enter into a legally binding marriage, the only choice in Switzerland is to get married in a registry office. Registry offices can be found in major cities and municipalities throughout Switzerland. Click here to see a complete list.
The registry office can also provide detailed information about the documents required and if an interpreter also needs to be booked. After you register at the registry office, you usually have to wait 10 days – it is not possible to arrive one day and spontaneously get married the next in Switzerland. So, plan ahead!
Where to Get Married
Wedding ceremonies usually take place in the registry office’s wedding room and can be rather dry affairs that rarely last longer than 15 minutes – the focus is on the wedding vow and the signing of the documents. However, some registry offices offer more customized ceremonies. The number of guests that can be accommodated in the wedding room and the question of whether personal words or music can be incorporated will therefore need to be clarified with the relevant registry office directly.
It is worth doing a little research. In addition to the official wedding rooms, many registry offices also have outdoor spaces that can be booked by arrangement for civil marriage ceremonies. In Zurich, for example, you can say “I do” at the Zoo, at the top of the local airport control tower, or in the Clouds Bar in the tallest building in the city.
Symbolic Wedding Ceremonies
Many couples in Switzerland now opt for a symbolic or independent wedding ceremony in addition to the civil wedding ceremony. The lucky couple is responsible for selecting a wedding speaker or official to perform the independent ceremony. The time, place, and details are all up to the couple to decide. Keep in mind that this type of wedding ceremony is not legally binding but allows couples the flexibility to arrange an entirely personalized wedding ceremony. Why not say “I do” on a snow-covered mountain peak in the winter, in a Larch Forest in the fall, or next to a glittering mountain lake? An independent wedding ceremony means anything is possible. The best and most experienced wedding officiants can be found directly at the Berufsverband Schweizerischer ZeremonienleiterInnen.
Switzerland as a Wedding Destination
So, same-sex couples should consider getting married in Switzerland with its awe-inspiring natural beauty, cities steeped in history, exciting nightlife, and cultural diversity. It’s the ideal place for a destination wedding to remember!
