Legal
Legal
If you like to get legally married in Switzerland, you have to fulfill all requirements by the Swiss law.
This means that quite a bit of paperwork has to be done.
Really important, the whole process needs time!
In order to be on the safe side, you have to start the procedure at least six months before your desired date.
First, you have to contact the Swiss Federal representation. This may either be:
They will help you with the application.
You will find the address of the next representation on the WEB:
According to the Swiss regulations, you have to visit the delegation personally, if you can reach it with public transportation (bus, train, etc. - this does not incl. travelling with an aircraft) or your own car within one day (incl. the trip home). If you are further away from the legation*, they will explain you how you have to proceed with notarial certification of your papers. In most cases, you will need an apostille by the local government agency (This usually needs additional time).
Keep in mind, all your papers have to be sent from the embassy / the consulate to the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (States Department) in
Berne (Switzerland). From there it will be distributed to the municipal administration of the town in Switzerland, where your marriage ceremony will be
carried out.
After being registered, the whole paper will be sent back - again via Berne - the Swiss Empassy, to you.
MOST Important:
* As a sample:
In the United States of America, Switzerland has only 4 representations:
If you live in for example in Colorado or Texas, you will not reach a Swiss representation within a day.