Getting married in Vienna is a one-of-a-kind experience. Having your wedding in Vienna means tying the knot in an atmosphere that you simply won’t be able to replicate anywhere else in the world! 

The Austrian capital is a symphony that deftly balances old-world enchantments with new-world thrills. Vienna’s architecture harmoniously blends the chic and modern with the timeless and classical. Grandiose, baroque palaces stand alongside hip, cutting-edge concert halls and nightclubs. Streets that have witnessed centuries of rich history run through romantic vistas that evoke a bygone era, only to lead into a bustling metropolitan hotspot on the cultural vanguard of everything that’s currently cool and buzzworthy. 

Vienna also mixes this gorgeous urban design with breathtaking natural beauty. The city is located along the banks of the Danube River and is nestled among rolling hills and deep, majestic forests. The overall effect is a feeling of intoxicating magic and the impression that you’re getting married in the middle of your own personal fairy tale.

If you’re wondering how to get married in Vienna and aren’t sure where to begin planning your wedding in such a vibrant and multifaceted city, I’ve got some recommendations. This complete guide will tell you everything you need to know about planning your wedding in Vienna.

What Do You Need To Get Married In Vienna?

The first step in planning your wedding in Vienna is to make sure you have all the required paperwork and preparations in place. Getting together a bunch of documents and getting through logistical red tape is far from the most glamorous part of any wedding, but we’ve broken all the steps down for you to make the process as quick and painless as possible. 

Here are the legal requirements for getting married in Austria.

How Easy Is It To Get Married In Austria? 

The good news is, pretty easy! The process is ultimately quite straightforward, especially if you plan carefully and make sure you’ve got all the necessary documents in order early in the process. Follow these steps, and you’ll find that getting married in Austria is a total breeze.

Can Foreigners Get Married In Austria? 

They sure can! There are just a couple of things to keep in mind if you’re planning a destination wedding in Austria as a resident of another country. First, depending on your country of residence, you may need to get certain documents translated into German, particularly your birth certificate, which is an essential document in the process. 

Also, keep in mind that the official language in Austria is German, and while there are plenty of English speakers in the country, it might be worth considering hiring an interpreter to help you communicate with locals and navigate parts of the administrative process.

Proof of Identity: The first thing you’ll need to get married in Austria is a valid proof of identity. A valid passport (make sure it’s not expired!), or a driver’s licence are all totally fine. As long as it’s a government-issued document that lists your name and address you should be good to go!

Birth Certificate: To have a wedding in Austria, you’ll need to provide your original birth certificates.

Wedding Application: You’ll need to submit a wedding application to the Standesamt (Registry Office) for the First District of Vienna. If you have any questions about this part of the process, feel free to reach out and I’ll be happy to help you with this part!

Witnesses: You’ll need two witnesses over 18 years old to attend your wedding ceremony. These witnesses will also need to bring valid documents of identification.

Marriage Registration in Vienna: After your big day, the Standesamt will register your marriage and issue you a marriage certificate. This document will serve as legal proof that you’re officially married!

How Much Does It Cost To Get Married In Vienna?

The cost of your destination wedding in Vienna will depend on many different factors — the number of guests, the venue, the caterers you use, and even the time of year you choose for your Vienna wedding. For a small, intimate wedding with just a few dozen guests at a low-key venue, the cost will probably be somewhere around a few thousand Euros. However, on the other end of the scale, a wedding at a pricier venue with a larger guest list (200 or 300 guests) can cost up to 20,000 to 40,000 Euros. 

You’ll also need to factor in the legal fees. Filing your wedding application and registering your marriage usually costs 150 Euros.

What’s The Best Time Of The Year To Get Married In Vienna?

There’s no designated “wedding season” in Vienna, because the city is beautiful year round, and each season offers a unique experience that is unforgettable in its own way. Here’s an overview of what each season is like in the city so you can choose what time of year is best for you while planning your wedding in Vienna.

Spring (April to June)

During the spring, Vienna’s gardens and parks are in full bloom, lending a vibrancy to the city that creates the perfect environment for a wedding (and a stunning backdrop for some truly timeless Vienna wedding photography). 

The weather is typically mild, with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F). This delightful climate combined with the natural beauty of the city in bloom is ideal for outdoor ceremonies and photoshoots.

Summer (June to August)

Summer in Vienna is pretty gorgeous. The temperature rises enough to create plenty of gorgeous sunny days, but not so much that it gets unpleasantly hot. You can expect the temperature for a Vienna summer wedding to range from about 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F). 

This makes summer ideal for outdoor ceremonies and open-air celebrations, and you can really take advantage of Vienna’s wide variety of courtyards, vineyards, and parks as stunning locations for parties and photoshoots.

One thing to keep in mind, however, is that summer is also the peak of Vienna’s tourist season. As a result, venues and landmarks will likely be more crowded and prices for certain venues might be higher. It’s definitely something to keep in mind, but summertime in Vienna is definitely amazing, and if you have your heart set on a summer destination wedding in Vienna, it’s definitely worth it!

Autumn (September to November)

Autumn’s arrival in Vienna marks the beginning of a magical time in the city. The trees and gardens change into vibrant shades of red and gold, creating an eye-popping panoply of stunning foliage that’s perfect for photoshoots, or just contemplatively taking in the autumnal beauty. Though the weather starts to get a little chillier this time of year, it’s still relatively mild and pleasant. 

Anyone planning a destination wedding in Vienna during the autumn months can expect temperatures between 12°C to 22°C (54°F to 72°F). This season provides a unique and romantic atmosphere for your wedding, especially if you appreciate the beauty of fall foliage.

Winter (December to February)

During the winter, Vienna is transformed into an otherworldly wonderland. The people in this city really take the holidays seriously, so as the temperature starts to drop and snow begins to fall, Vienna begins to fill with Christmas markets, holiday decorations, and an all-pervading atmosphere of Christmas cheer. Once you throw in a gentle dusting of snow, the city pretty much starts to feel like a fairy tale (just with a bit more Christmas music). 

All of this wintertime beauty creates the perfect environment for a Vienna wedding, just be sure to prepare for some slightly cooler weather. The temperatures during a Vienna winter usually range from  -2°C to 6°C (28°F to 43°F). This means that if you’re planning a destination wedding in Vienna during the window, you’ll probably want to consider holding your ceremony and wedding party at an indoor venue. 

Fortunately, Vienna has tons of awesome indoor venues to consider, ranging from historic buildings, to majestic palaces and chic modern spaces.

Where Can I Get Married In Vienna, Austria?

One of the best parts about getting married in Vienna is the sheer variety of options you have when it comes to wedding venues! From opulent palaces to low-key, elegant spaces, there’s something in this amazing city for everyone. Here are some of the best places to get married in Vienna.

Lusthaus

This charming Baroque-style country house dates back to the 18th century and once belonged to the legendary Hapsburg family. Everything about this place is amazing and unforgettable – and it’s where I had my own wedding! 

The historic architecture makes you feel like you’ve travelled back in time, and its location in the heart of Vienna’s Augarten Park creates a sense of seclusion even in the heart of the bustling city. On top of the classical Viennese charm of its design, the Lusthaus boasts an amazing staff of kind, dedicated people who will make sure that your wedding day is completely perfect and absolutely stress-free. 

The Lusthaus is a bonafide Viennese icon and hands-down one of the best wedding venues in Vienna.

Hotel Sacher Vienna

The iconic Hotel Sacher Vienna is more than just a hotel — it’s a slice of Austrian history. It’s been around since 1876, and well over a century later it’s still at the forefront of the Viennese cultural scene. Still, the hotel never goes out of its way to hit you over the head with its historical pedigree. 

It’s definitely elegant and glamorous but in an understated way. The hotel makes its guests feel totally taken care of without getting in your face about how “glamorous” they are. They don’t try too hard; they’re just effortlessly cool. The decor is classic Viennese with a modern twist. You’ve got your chandeliers, antiques, and all the fancy stuff, but it’s mixed with a dash of contemporary style. The result is an unparalleled chicness and effortless charm that make the Hotel Sacher one of the most amazing Vienna wedding venues.

I also need to take a second to mention the food here. The Hotel Sacher Vienna has some of the best food of any wedding venue in Vienna, and that’s definitely saying something. They’ve got this thing called the Original Sacher-Torte, which is basically a chocolate cake kicked up about 1000 notches. Your wedding menu here will be completely unforgettable, trust me.

The Hofburg Vienna

This Viennese landmark dates all the way back to the 13th century. It was originally the imperial residence of Austria — and it definitely shows. Ornate gothic architecture and masterful stonework adorn the building’s exterior while the inside is filled with sprawling, well-appointed rooms that would make any emperor feel right at home. 

Still, one of the things that makes the Hofburg such a great wedding venue is that despite its regal origins, its elegance is tasteful and understated. Sure it’s a palace, but it’s the kind of palace where you and your friends can go crazy on the dance floor to your favourite 90s power ballad. In short, it’s a perfect place for an epic wedding that no one will ever forget.

The Belvedere

One of the things that sets Vienna apart from most other cities is that you’ll be walking down the street and suddenly find yourself looking at a castle. Like, a real-life castle, built centuries ago, that real-life royalty used to live in. 

The Belvedere is one of those places. It consists of two palatial buildings, Upper Belvedere and Lower Belvedere, built amid a vast, stunning garden right in the centre of Vienna. The killer location, jaw-dropping Baroque architecture, and immaculately manicured grounds all make the Belvedere one of the best places to get married in Vienna (it’s also a pretty amazing place for wedding photoshoots). 

This one-of-a-kind Vienna wedding venue is also totally versatile and can accommodate weddings of any size, from small, intimate celebrations to large-scale galas. The Belvedere really gives you a chance to make your wedding day entirely your own and entirely unforgettable, which is exactly what you’d want from a destination wedding in Vienna.

Schönbrunn (Sissi’s Castle)

This historic palace was recognized with the Austrian Wedding Award as the country’s Best Location for weddings, and it’s easy to see why. This stately Baroque palace was built in the 16th century and over the centuries its stunning, elegant architecture has made it one of the most famous landmarks in Austria. 

If you choose to get married here, you won’t just get to enjoy the gorgeous building; you’ll also get to tie the knot in full view of one of the most beautiful, manicured gardens in the world. In fact, some people are so enchanted by the gardens that they choose to have an outdoor ceremony in the midst of the idyllic vineyards and expertly cultivated blooms. 

The versatility at Schönbrunn makes it a venue worth considering for any couple planning a destination wedding in Austria.

Vienna Wedding Vendors

There’s no shortage of amazing florists, caterers, bakers, and wedding planners in Vienna, but one that I definitely think is worth noting is Stulze’s Cakes. The designs of these wedding cakes need to be seen to be believed. I recommend checking out her Instagram if you really want your mind blown. She’s definitely the first person I’d recommend for any couple planning a wedding in Vienna.

Also, if you’re still figuring out what to wear and want the best of what Vienna has to offer, definitely check out my guide to bridal fashion stores in Vienna.

Let The Vienna Wedding Journey Begin

Ready to get started planning your destination wedding in Vienna? That’s amazing! I’m so excited for you and would love to work with you to make sure that you get the wedding of your dreams. If you’re looking to hire a wedding photographer in Vienna, or just have any questions about what the process entails, get in touch any time.