Civil marriage in Romania: documents, timeline, steps at the registry
In short
The marriage file is submitted to the civil status service of the town hall where one of the future spouses has their domicile or residence, 10 calendar days before the ceremony (the term includes the filing day and the ceremony day). The key pieces are the identity documents, birth certificates and the prenuptial medical certificates — the latter valid only 14 days, so the tests are done right before filing.
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The civil ceremony is the only form of marriage with legal effect in Romania — a religious ceremony may only follow it. The administrative side is simple at heart, but holds one calendar trap that catches many couples: the prenuptial medical certificate valid just 14 days, combined with the 10-day legal notice period after filing. Getting the schedule right is the difference between a relaxed week and one of panicked errands.
The correct calendar, day by day
- Day 0–1: prenuptial tests and obtaining the medical certificates;
- Day 1–2: filing the complete file at the civil status service (both spouses, in person);
- Days 2–10: the declaration stays publicly posted at the town hall;
- Day 10–14: the ceremony — earliest on the 10th day from filing (the filing day and ceremony day both count), latest before the medical certificates expire.
Details people forget
- The witnesses — two adults with their IDs; relatives or friends both work;
- Rings are not a legal requirement — but the name declaration is: decide before filing what names you will carry;
- Weekend fees — Saturday or off-site ceremonies cost extra at many town halls; the amount is local, so ask when reserving the date.
Steps to follow
- Choose the town hall and reserve the date. The marriage is concluded, as a rule, at the town hall where one of you has domicile or residence. Many large town halls have online booking for ceremony dates — reserve early, especially for wedding-season Saturdays.
- Do the prenuptial medical tests. The prenuptial medical certificates come from your family doctor or a clinic, based on the legally required tests (HIV, syphilis and, as applicable, a chest X-ray). Watch the calendar: the certificates are valid 14 days and must also cover the wedding day.
- File the marriage declaration 10 days ahead. The complete file — marriage declaration, identity documents, birth certificates, medical certificates and the declaration on the name carried after marriage — is filed in person, by both future spouses, 10 calendar days before the ceremony date.
- Public posting of the declaration. The marriage declaration is displayed publicly at the town hall for the 10 days — the legal mechanism through which any impediments (an existing marriage, for instance) can be raised.
- The ceremony and the marriage certificate. The marriage is officiated by the civil status officer, in the presence of two witnesses with ID. The marriage certificate is issued immediately after the ceremony, and the declared name choice takes effect.
Required documents
- The future spouses' identity documents, in original
- Birth certificates, in original
- Prenuptial medical certificates — valid 14 days from issuance
- The marriage declaration and the declaration on the name carried after marriage (forms at the counter)
- For divorcees: the final divorce decision or divorce certificate; for widowed persons: the former spouse's death certificate
- For foreign citizens: proof from their state's authorities that they meet the conditions for marriage (certificate of no impediment), with legalised translations
- The two witnesses' identity documents, at the ceremony
Costs
| What you pay | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ceremony during working hours, at the town hall | Usually free or a small local fee | Differs between town halls |
| Weekend or off-site ceremony | Variable local fee | Set by local council decision; check the town hall's website |
| Prenuptial medical tests | Variable | Free or paid, depending on provider (family doctor vs. private clinic) |
Fees change over time. Always check the current amounts on the official websites listed under “Official sources”.
How long it takes
The file is submitted 10 calendar days before the ceremony — the legal minimum, counting both the filing day and the ceremony day. In practice: tests on days 1–2, file immediately, ceremony on day 10 or at the latest day 14 from the medical certificates' issuance.
Frequently asked questions
Can we marry in a city other than our domicile?
The rule is the town hall of one spouse's domicile or residence — so a registered residence (flotant) opens up another city. For special situations, some town halls accept officiating with the mayor's approval; ask the civil status service directly.
What names can we carry after the marriage?
Four legal options: each keeps their name; both take one spouse's name; both take the joined names; or one keeps their name and the other takes the joined names. The choice is declared at filing and recorded in the certificate.
Can the 10-day term be shortened?
Yes, for well-founded reasons (medical, imminent departure), the mayor can approve concluding the marriage before the term ends — with a complete file and a motivated request.
How does a Romanian marry a foreign citizen?
The procedure is the same, but the foreign partner additionally needs proof from their state's authorities that they meet the legal conditions for marriage (certificate of no impediment / celibacy attestation), translated and legalised — and an authorised interpreter at the ceremony if they do not speak Romanian. Requirements differ by country; check early with the registry.
The medical certificates expired before the ceremony — what now?
The marriage cannot be officiated on expired certificates: redo the tests and, if needed, refile the declaration. Hence the correct calendar: tests → immediate filing → ceremony within the 14-day validity window.