In the Netherlands you can marry, enter a registered partnership (geregistreerd partnerschap), make a cohabitation agreement (samenlevingscontract) or live together without a formal agreement. These choices are not administratively identical.
Marriage or registered partnership
You normally notify the municipality where you want the ceremony at least two weeks beforehand. Most municipalities allow the notification online. You need at least two and no more than four adult witnesses. Fees, available locations and ceremony options are municipal, so check the municipality itself.
Property and agreements
For marriages entered into in the Netherlands since 1 January 2018, limited community of property is the default unless you make different arrangements with a civil-law notary. A samenlevingscontract can set out arrangements for unmarried cohabitants and can matter for matters such as partner pensions.
International couples
If one or both partners are not Dutch, the municipality may need additional declarations or foreign civil-status documents. Documents from abroad may need legalisation. A marriage concluded abroad should be registered in the Dutch BRP when applicable. If your residence right depends on your partner, also check the IND.
Useful Dutch words
trouwen, huwelijk, geregistreerd partnerschap, samenlevingscontract, getuige, burgerlijke stand, melding voorgenomen huwelijk, huwelijkse voorwaarden, notaris.