Elope in Europe in March

In France, at least when I got married there a long time ago, we had to have an official announcement posted on a board in front of our local city hall for two weeks before the ceremony. This law probably hasn't changed, so France would be out.

So what you're saying is that you're looking for the German equivalent of a Las Vegas wedding. In the East, we go to Gatlinburg, TN, where the county offices are open until noon Saturdays for wedding licenses. Surely there's some place that can accommodate you. But will they have an Elvis to perform the ceremony?
Good Luck!

so you really are looking for a "symbolic" marriage ceremony and will get married "for real" later in the US? That should be possible but a wedding with an official certificate at the end would be a big headache for foreigners in most of Europe, especially if you're there for only a short period of time. If you are already in Germany you might want to check out locations in the romantic Middle Rhine area. The Schoenburg Castle in Oberwesel has a very nice hotel that would be able to help you with a special "honeymoon" night and possibly other contacts. It's not a cheap hotel but as you're travelling in low season you can get a better deal: www.hotel-schoenburg.com

I'm not sure of the exact laws in Germany, but in several other European countries, only the state can officiate over a legally binding marriage ceremony, and at least one spouse must be a legal resident of the country. Religious ceremonies are performed for tradition, but they are not legally recognized as sufficient in and of themselves. So, you may be able to arrange a church wedding, but because it probably won't be legally binding in Germany, it probably won't pass legal muster in the US either. Where is your fiancee going for work? Perhaps we could suggest some nearby locations? Weather is unknowable this far in advanced. Since I've lived in Germany, I've experienced everything from cold, wet and cloudy to sunny, dry and warm in March.

Assuming your fiance is also American, you two would not be able to legally get married in France (because you are not resident there). As for a romantic location to get married - well, I guess it just depends on your idea of romantic. Standing outside a castle in March may be one person's idea of romantic, and another's idea of dreadful. I, personally, would go for beach or water view and head south. Cote d'Azur and Venice are two of the most romantic places I've visited in Europe. Either of which could be doable for a weekend getaway.

Liz, I have the same questions as some of the others. Could you provide a bit more information on what you have in mind for a "symbolic wedding". Are you already legally married in your home state, and are you looking just to renew your vows? Also, what are your criteria for a "romantic" location? Based on comments from the others, it appears that France won't be possible, and there may be some issues in Germany. I hesitate to suggest this as the bureaucracy can be onerous, but have you considered Italy? While there are no guarantees, the weather will likely be a bit more "favourable" in southern Italy in March, perhaps Sorrento or somewhere else on the Amalfi Coast. Whether that will be possible will likely depend on what type of "symbolic" ceremony you're considering. If you decide to pursue that further, I may be able to provide some links that will get you started. I can also suggest a photographer in that area. I'm travelling in Portland today, so don't have time to find the information. Congratulations and good luck!

Since Liz is asking for suggestions for a "symbolic" ceremony I assume that they know about the bureaucratic hoops involved in having a legally binding ceremony in France, Italy, Germany, etc., and just want a "non-legal" ceremony (exchange of vows) that will be meaningful to them, with photos. They can legalize it either before or after in the US and that is none of anyone's business here. So they don't need a full-on wedding planner, just contacts for a celebrant and a photographer, and a romantic place to hold the private ceremony.

Thank you all for your replys. Sasha is absolutely right. I've done some online research and found there to be too much red tape for 2 US citizens to have a binding marriage in Europe so that's the meaning behind "symbolic". We'll just have one in the state before or after. Romance: A old character church or cottage with land would be romantic to me. Basically a enchanting place to exchange vows and beautiful pictures to capture the moment. My fiance will be working in Frankfurt and being that his family is mostly German, it would be somewhat meaningful to have it in Germany.If not, we would prefer a manageable train ride to a neighboring country/location. We both have been to Italy in the warmer months so going back to Italy in subpar weather would just be a let down. We just have to accept that weather maybe a hinderance but was hoping anyone would have a idea how to make the best of it in a perfect location. Keep the ideas and suggestions coming...

OK, then, two ideas near Frankfurt would be Miltenburg and Büdingen. The former sits on a scenic bend of the Main river, it has a nice Altstadt, castle and an old stone bridge across the river. The latter still retains its defensive wall and has a castle hotel.

If you want any kind of church wedding, then it will help if you are already married. I doubt if any pastor or priest will do the deed if you aren't. Büdingen is a great suggestion and the palace there has a fabulous wedding chapel. Their website says they have wedding planning help available, though the website itself is in German. Maybe contact the tourist info in Büdingen and ask them. They speak English in this office. There are several very nice hotels in town. http://www.buedingen-touristik.de/en/travel-guides/castle-buedingen.html You might look at something on the Rhine too. Some of the castles do weddings. A closer town to Frankfurt would be Kronberg. It has a beautiful little Staufen castle, which can also be rented for affairs. The website is all in German, but if you email them, I am sure they will be able to send you information in English. http://www.burgkronberg.de/?page_id=105

Yes,the biggest catch would be to find the person whom you would want to marry you and your beloved symbolically. In France, and I imagine it's the same in Germany, a it is illegal for a religious officiant to marry a couple without having proof that the couple had already been married legally by the state authority.

Are boat captains still allowed to perform ceremonies? Perhaps you could arrange a boat ride on the Rhine and arrange to have the captain perform a symbolic ceremony. This would be romantic, scenic, and a real hoot for everyone on board. Champagne toasts everyone!

"Are boat captains still allowed to perform ceremonies?" No, and for the most part, no country in modern times has designated that legal authority to the master of the ship. This is just a persistent myth.

Nope - not legal. Hollywood.

Party poopers.

Thank you all. I'm really liking www.hotel-schoenburg.com at least from the website. Has anyone had experience with this hotel/area? BTW, a special thanks to Tom for his informative input.

I'll bet the boat captain would do one for "fun".

The captain has to steer through a winding stretch of river with heavy barge traffic and frequent rock hazards. I bet he won't. Europe isn't Disney World...

Liz,
You may have the best success realizing your dream if you get married here in the U.S. before your trip, even a courthouse ceremony. Approach whomever you would like to perform your ceremony in Europe with a request to "renew your vows" rather than a "symbolic ceremony", as this term may get lost in translation. To make arrangements prior to the trip the hotel manager or concierge where you will be staying may be able to steer you in the right direction for someone to officiate or organize the ceremony. Since it isn't a legally binding but a sentimental ceremony, you should be able to avoid the red tape problem. Keep in mind that marriage in the Catholic Church is a sacrament and a renewal of vows with a priest would require documentation of already having made this sacrament. This would only be an issue if you have your heart set on walking down the aisle of an ancient Catholic Church. Good luck with your plans. It does sound like a lovely day to look back on.