Germany!

Happy Fall!

I can think of no better way to welcome fall than kicking back and celebrating Oktoberfest with my friends....which got me thinking. Fall is a great time for a honeymoon, and the best beer comes from Germany! (I’m a little biased because of my heritage). Now, don’t think I’m crazy. Unless you’re deathly adverse to Oktoberfest or the thought of lederhosen (those leather shots for men and boys in traditional German garb) makes you want to cringe, hear me out.

Germany has castles (!), a richly loved and preserved history, and plenty of contemporary culture to delight anyone. As the home to many foreign car dealerships as well as a highway that has no speed limit, Germany is a viable option for the car enthusiast or speed demon in your life (not that I’m an advocate of speeding; always wear your seatbelt...etc etc....)

Germany is host to The Romantic Road – once a trade route through several villages and towns – has become a front runner for auto enthusiasts and romantic newlyweds alike. The best part about this adventurous road? No speed limit means you can travel as leisurely as you’d like....or, just as fast. It’s a perfect honeymoon adventure for the couple that wants to do or see something all the time! For my article today I’ll concentrate specifically on what this road offers honeymooners, and tell you a little bit about marriage requirements in Germany (which are very, very specific)!

Würzburg – The center of Germany’s Franken Wine region and one of the northernmost towns on the Romantic Road, Würzburg offers two major attractions: Marienberg Fortress and the Residenz.  The Residenz, which is home to the UNESCO World Heritage, is over 300 rooms styled in Baroque and rococo architecture. The Marienberg Fortress is built over the first church in Germany and hosts a museum, garden, and a 100 meter deep well. Including sculptures and carvings from Tilman Riemenschneider (the site also is host to his gravestone). The entire place is a park, with open walkways and plenty of places to explore.

 Weikersheim – Along this portion of the road, you’re guided through towards Rothenburg with the gentle Tauber River on one side, and lush vineyards on the other. Weikersheim claims the beautiful Schloss Palace as its own, with its pristine Baroque gardens which are open to the public and host open air concerts.

Creglingen – In this region, be sure to see the Fingerhut (Thimble) Museum, and the world-famous Altar of Mary by legendary woodcarver Tilmann Riemenschneider. Among others, ruins are quite plentiful here and bring about a serene reverence for the history of the Creglingen and surrounding areas.

Rothenburg ob der Tauber – Perhaps the most romantic spot on the road, Rothenburg o.d.T (as its’ nicknamed) has it all – shops, museums, churches, wine, festivals and an ever-present feeling of history. The entire town takes you back to a quieter, more peaceful way of life –that is, until you visit the hauntingly accurate Medieval Crime Museum.  For a glimpse at a romantic German sunset, try the  Burg Gate & Garden (near the rear), and for shopping you simply must try The Christmas Village. Not enough action for you? The Town Square boasts shops, performers and quaint architecture that will have your camera snapping away! For the child in everyone, the Figuren-Theater hosts’ daily puppet shows (think a more sophisticated version of the original Punch and Judy puppets).

Pfaffenwinkel – Known as the land of churches, this area boasts at least one church per village in the Rococo or Baroque style as well as numerous hiking paths and a splendid view of the Alps - essentially must for all architecture lovers and religious history buffs.

Neuschwanstein – This is definitely the place for the princess in us all. It includes the towns of Füssen and Schwangau as well as Pfronten and the resort village on Lake Hopfensee. Most importantly, it is host to castles, castles, and more castles! The most famous, Castle Neuschwanstein, was the inspiration for Walt Disney World’s magical creation in Florida. Other activities for the adventurous include castle crawling, swimming, hiking (or walking) along nature trails in the mountains, biking and sailing and boating...the options go on and on, and promise a grand time for newlyweds!

Of course, our Personal Honeymoon Consultants have much more information regarding these areas and can offer exclusive tips to the most popular, romantic and budget friendly hotels along the route.

But what if you want to get married IN Germany? Well, there are a lot of rule – but if you’re thorough and have the aid of a trusty Travel Agent, you will be just fine and can make that dream come true!

Europe and Germany are a little stricter on their marriage rules, and their deadlines are made weeks ahead of what we, as Americans, consider a normal schedule. Only marriages performed at a registrar's office (Standesamt) are legally valid in Germany. A Church ceremony may only happen after the civil marriage takes place.

Here is a list of applications and/or documents to be Submitted to the Registrar. Bring along original copies of the following:

·         Birth certificate (with certified translation if certificate is not in German)

·         Marriage certificate of parents (with certified translation if document is not in German). This certificate is not required if the birth certificate gives the parents' personal data and marriage date.

·         Proof of residence for German citizens (see below for non-residents)

·         Proof of citizenship (passport)

·         Health certificate (only if required under laws of American citizen's home state)

·         Certificate of Free Status (Ehefähigkeitszeugnis). Required of all foreigners marrying in Germany. Registrars will generally accept an Affidavit of Free Status executed before an American Consul.

·         Certificate of registration (Anmeldenachweis) required of foreigners in Germany. Written statement from local resident registration office that the foreigner is properly registered.

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While there are no residency requirements and no waiting period, it’s better to make sure all your I’s are dotted and your T’s crossed – stop in or call us to make your German honeymoon or destination wedding a reality!