Both partners will most likely need:
- A valid passport
- An official birth certificate
- Proof of a minimum of 21 days of continuous residence in Germany (this can be a Meldebescheinigung issued by the local Anmeldeamt)
- Proof of being single (Ledigkeitsbescheinigung)
- Birth certificates of children (if any) the couple may have had together
- The required application and questionnaire from the Standesamt
One or both partners may have to provide the following depending on their particular circumstances and the requirements of the local magistrate's office:
- Certificate of No Impediment (CNI) (Befreiung vom Ehefähigkeitszeugnis)
- Marriage certificates from previous marriages
- A financial statement
Persons who were previously married must present either a death certificate for the former spouse or proof that the marriage was permanently dissolved by divorce. The former is usually no problem; the latter a rock on which many marriage plans have been wrecked. A simple divorce decree from an American or British court is usually not enough. Proof probably will be required that this decree can no longer be contested. It is usually necessary to get a statement to this effect from the court that granted the divorce.
Certified translations of non-German language documentation may also be required and many documents' issue dates shouldn't be older than six months.
If one or both partners is a foreigner
If either one of the partners is a foreigner documents may be sent to a higher regional court in order to verify the legal status of that person.
Though it is no bar to a marriage, those planning to return to their homeland one day may wish to consider the legal status of their partner. There may be some bar, such as nationality, criminal record or medical condition, that would keep the partner from accompanying you. Your embassy or consulate can advise you on all emigration formalities. It is also a good idea to check if a marriage in Germany will be recognized in your home country.