To get married in a Catholic church in Bavaria, you will need to complete your entire marriage preparation through your local parish in the United States. Here is a short checklist for this:
1. Documents from your home parish (USA)
- Recently issued Baptismal Certificates (not older than 6 months)
- Confirmation Certificate (usually included in the baptism record)
2. Marriage Preparation (in the USA)
- Pre-marriage interview with your priest
- Completion of marriage preparation (Pre-Cana, if required)
- Pre-Nuptial Investigation (prepared by your parish)
3. Permission to marry abroad
- Your parish will arrange all necessary paperwork
- The documents will be officially sent via your diocese to Germany
(this process is called Nihil Obstat / Dimissoriale)
4. Civil documents (for the wedding in Germany)
- Valid passports
- Civil marriage certificate (must be completed before the church wedding)
Important Notes
- Please start this process at least 3–6 months in advance
- Your local parish in the USA is your main point of contact
- No special permissions are required since you are both Catholic
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