Modern Civil Wedding –  ceremony, planning, and tips

A civil wedding is no longer just a quick formality at the registry office. Today, it can be a beautiful and elegant event, planned exactly the way you want. Many couples choose stylish venues like hotels or riverside restaurants to make the day special. So, what does a civil wedding look like and how can you plan it step by step?

Civil Wedding Step by Step – where to start

Planning a civil wedding is not difficult if you take it one step at a time.

Documents for a Civil Wedding

First, you need to take care of the formalities. You will need:

• ID cards or passports
• Birth certificates (if not already in the system)
• If divorced – a marriage certificate with divorce confirmation
• If widowed – a death certificate of your spouse
• If one partner is a foreigner – a document confirming they can legally marry
• A declaration that there are no legal obstacles to the marriage (signed at the office)
• A fee (usually 84 PLN, more for ceremonies outside the office)

You should register your intention to marry at least 31 days before the ceremony. This gives the office time to check all documents. In special cases, this waiting time can be shorter.

You also need two adult witnesses at the ceremony.

Choosing the Venue – where to have a civil wedding?

Most civil weddings take place at a registry office, but more and more couples choose outdoor locations or elegant venues.

A hotel is a great option because it allows you to organize both the ceremony and the reception in one place. For example, at Qubus Hotel, you can have everything in one location without moving between places.

Civil wedding invitations

Civil wedding invitations can be just as elegant as church wedding invitations. Popular styles include:

• Minimalist designs
• Glamour style
• Invitations that include both the ceremony and a wedding dinner

This is also a good way to clearly inform guests about the plan for the day.

What to wear to a civil wedding?

The couple’s outfit is an important part of the day.

Men usually choose a classic suit, sometimes with more creative colors or accessories. Brides have more options. A civil wedding dress can be:

• Classic and elegant
• Short and modern
• Boho or minimalist

Light and simple dresses are very popular because they match the relaxed style of civil weddings.

What else do you need?

Besides documents, venue, and outfits, you also need wedding rings.

It’s also worth planning small details like music and decorations to create the right atmosphere.

What does a civil wedding ceremony look like?

A civil wedding is led by a registry officer. It is official, but often also very emotional and elegant.

The most important moment is the vows, when the couple promises to support each other.

After that:

• The marriage certificate is signed
• Rings are exchanged
• The couple is officially announced as married

The ceremony usually takes about 15–20 minutes.

Personalizing your vivil Wedding

Modern civil weddings are often based on a theme that reflects the couple’s personality.

Details make the event special, such as:

• Custom decoration of the venue
• Personalized invitations
• Your own music during the ceremony
• A menu with your favorite dishes
• Decorations inspired by your story or hobbies

Popular Civil Wedding Themes

Travel Theme 🌍

Perfect for couples who love to travel. World maps, table names inspired by cities, place cards in the form of plane tickets, or decorations referring to shared trips.

Movie Theme 🎬
Favorite movies or TV series as inspiration – from subtle references (e.g. quotes) to full venue styling in a cinematic atmosphere.

Italian / Mediterranean Theme 🍋
Lemons, olives, bright colors, lightness, and a holiday vibe – perfect for a formal dinner instead of a traditional wedding reception.

Music Theme 🎶
Vinyl records, instruments, playlists important to the couple – you can also create your own soundtrack for the entire ceremony.

Nature / Mountains / Lakes Theme 🌿
Perfect for a civil wedding outside the registry office – lots of greenery, wood, natural materials, and a calm, romantic atmosphere.

A modern civil wedding is more than just a formality – it’s a unique celebration that you can plan entirely your own way.

What to do after the ceremony?

It’s worth celebrating this special day and not ending it with just the ceremony at the registry office, so you can remember it for years to come. A popular choice is a formal dinner or a small gathering with family and close friends. Qubus Hotel recommends hosting a celebration at its venues – for example, a restaurant by the Vistula River in Kraków, with a view of the Motława River in Gdańsk, near the Market Square in Wrocław, or in the center of Katowice, as well as in other cities. These are great places to celebrate such an important occasion. Elegant interiors, refined menus, and excellent service help highlight the importance of the event.

More and more couples choose to have a civil wedding in a wedding hall – it’s a convenient and impressive solution. Not only does it offer a unique atmosphere and more уютny setting than a registry office, but it also has many practical advantages:

• no need to travel between locations
• a consistent style for both the ceremony and the reception
• the ability to personalize the space

At Qubus Hotels, you can combine the ceremony and the reception in one place. Our venues offer elegant spaces for civil weddings that can be arranged according to the couple’s vision. You will also have support from an event specialist who will help you with the planning.

Wedding at a Hotel – Comfort and Convenience

At Qubus Hotel, you can organize both a dinner and a larger wedding reception. It’s a very convenient solution because:

• Guests can stay overnight
• Parking is available
• Breakfast is served the next day
• You can also plan a post-wedding gathering

Whether you are planning a wedding in Kraków, Gdańsk, Wrocław, or another city, or looking for a wedding venue in Bydgoszcz, the most important thing is that the day reflects your vision.

Create your dream wedding with Qubus Hotel.