FAQ for Foreign Couples Planning a Wedding in Budapest
Welcome! If you’re dreaming of a wedding in Hungary, here’s everything you need to know in one quick-read guide.
1. Who are you and do you work in English? {#faq1}
Yes! We’re an experienced team of Masters of Ceremonies and wedding celebrants, led by Misi Dunai, Hungarian Wedding Award winner MC &Celebrant – working mostly in English and Hungarian (and now available in Spanish, too). We specialise in international weddings in Budapest and beyond.
2. Can you legally marry us? {#faq2}
We can create and lead a personalised SYMBOLIC ceremony anywhere you choose — in a park, hotel, boat, or historic landmark. For a legally binding marriage, you must also have a civil ceremony through the Hungarian registrar. Many couples do this before or after our celebrant-led ceremony.
3. Can you run a bilingual ceremony? {#faq3}
Absolutely. We can design a ceremony in English + Hungarian, alternating or summarising so all your guests understand and enjoy the moment.
4. What legal documents do we need to marry in Hungary? {#faq4}
Typical requirements include:
- Passports or national IDs
- Birth certificates
- Proof of marital status (single, divorce, or death certificates if applicable)
Foreign documents often need certified translations (and sometimes an apostille). Civil offices usually require at least 30 days’ notice. Rules vary by nationality, so check with your embassy and the local registrar early.
5. Will our Hungarian marriage be recognised back home? {#faq5}
In most cases, yes — but you may need to register or translate your marriage certificate in your home country. Check with your consulate for the exact steps.
Here are some more legal wedding-related issues worth considering:
If one partner has been divorced – what paperwork is needed?
You’ll need an official divorce certificate (or final decree), translated into Hungarian by a certified translator. Some registrars may also request an apostille. It’s best to prepare this early and send us a copy so we can confirm if anything else is required.
• If a same-sex couple wants legal recognition
Same-sex couples in Hungary cannot legally marry, but they can enter into a registered civil partnership. The process is similar to civil marriage and requires an appointment with the registrar. We can help you arrange the meeting and gather the necessary documents.
• If both partners are foreigners / non-residents
International couples can marry in Hungary, even if neither lives here. However, you must appear in person at the civil office at least once before the ceremony and present all required documents (passport, birth certificate, proof of marital status, translations, and apostilles if needed). We’ll coordinate with the registrar and guide you through the timing and paperwork.
• How to handle name changes (if desired)
You can choose to change or keep your names when completing the marriage application. The decision must be declared at the registrar’s office before the ceremony. After the wedding, you can use your new names immediately with your marriage certificate, then update IDs and travel documents in your home country.
6. How do we book you? {#faq6}
Fill out our Request a Quote form or email hello at weddingmc dot hu with:
- Your wedding date (or possible dates)
- Guest count
- Ceremony location
- Legal or celebrant-only ceremony preference
- Language needs
- any plans you have already made or dreams you have about your wedding in Hungary
7. Do you help with reception hosting and coordination? {#faq7}
Yes — we can MC the reception, this is our main job we have won awards for 🙂 – we will introduce speeches, run a game if needed, but mostly keep the timeline on track, and coordinate the celebration in the background and in the foreground, too – so you can relax.
8. Where in Budapest can we hold our ceremony? {#faq8}
Popular choices include Buda Castle, Fisherman’s Bastion, riverside terraces, Danube boats and Hotels on the river bank. If you have a venue in mind – do let us know – but we can also advise on scenic spots, permits, and local vendors – especially all-in planners who can take care of all your plans. WE have wonderful connections with English speaking wedding planners in Budapest, happy to recommend the best of the best to you, just ask!
9. How far in advance should we book? {#faq9}
Bilingual MCs and celebrants in Budapest, Hungary book fast, especially from May to September. We recommend booking 6-12 months ahead for peak dates.
10. How much does it cost? {#faq10}
Prices vary depending on services (ceremony only, full-day MC, extra coordination, travel). Request a quote for your exact needs — we’ll provide all details on deposit, payment schedule, and cancellation policy. But to give you an estimate – our services are available from 500-1000 EUR (ceremony only) to 900-1600 EUR (for full day wedding MC services) depending on and tailor-made to your requirements of course.
Still have questions?
Email us at hello at weddingmc dot hu or use our quote form — we’re here to make your Budapest wedding unforgettable.
LAST UPDATED: 1ST OCTOBER 2025.