Document background
The Notice of Intent to Marry is a crucial preliminary document required by Belgian law before any marriage can be celebrated within the country. This notice must be filed with the appropriate municipal authority (gemeente/commune) where at least one of the intending spouses resides. The document serves multiple purposes: it initiates the legal marriage process, allows authorities to verify the eligibility of both parties to marry, and enables the public announcement of the intended marriage as required by law. The notice must be filed at least 14 days but not more than 6 months before the intended marriage date. For international marriages, additional documentation and verification procedures may be required. The document must be completed in one of Belgium's official languages (Dutch, French, or German), with certified translations required for any foreign documentation. All personal information and declarations within the notice must be supported by official documentation as specified in the Belgian Civil Code.
