Getting married in Switzerland: here is the step-by-step procedure for planning your dream wedding in the Ascona-Locarno region.
Procedures for a civil marriage for Swiss citizens or foreign citizens with Swiss residency
Step 1: Announcement to the civil office
The couple needs to announce to the competent authority (civil office) of their township (if the couple has different townships, they need to choose one out of the two and announce themselves), that they wish to get married. The civil office will advise them about the procedures and the papers they need to present. After presenting the required papers, the township will issue a written 3 months authorization permit. Within these 3 months, the couple will be able to marry everywhere in Switzerland.
Step 2: Getting in contact with the district administrative office
If the couple wishes to marry in an office other than the one where the documents are prepared, they must contact one of the 8 district administrative offices in Ticino (Ufficio distrettuale dello stato civile).
Step 3: Choosing a wedding venue
The couple needs to present all the requested papers to the district administrative office, then decide in which wedding hall to get married, contact the competent authority (contact information is given by the district administrative office) and in conjunction with the authority set a date.
Step 4: Organisation of the wedding ceremony
Organisation of the wedding ceremony and the celebration. If desired, you can contact a local wedding planner.
Procedures for a civil marriage for foreign citizens without Swiss residency
Step 1: Announcement to the Emassy/Consulate
The couple needs to announce to the closest Swiss Embassy/Consulate their intention of getting married in Switzerland. The Swiss competent authority will inform them about the procedures and the required preliminary papers.
Step 2: Getting in contact with the district administrative office
Afterwards the Swiss Embassy/Consulate invites the couple to contact one of Ticino’s 8 district administrative offices. The bride and groom-to-be will need the help of an interpreter if neither of them speak one of the three Swiss national languages (Italian, German or French).
Step 3: Choosing a wedding venue
The couple needs to present all the requested papers to the district administrative office, then decide in which wedding hall to get married, contact the competent authority (contact information are given by the district administrative office) and in conjunction with the authority set a date.
Step 4: Organisation of the wedding ceremony
Organisation of the wedding ceremony and the celebration. If desired, you can contact a local wedding planner.