Getting Married at the Haarlem Town Hall
Are you considering saying “I do” at the Town Hall in Haarlem?
Here’s everything you need to know about tying the knot at this beautiful historic venue.
A wedding at the Haarlem Town Hall can feel just as meaningful and emotional as a big celebration at a country estate or castle. Because really, at the heart of it all, there’s only love.
When you choose to get married in the Town Hall of Haarlem, you’re right in the heart of history. This building dates back to the 14th century, has risen from fire and time again, and now makes a gorgeous setting for your civil ceremony — especially intimate weddings. I’ve lived here for over 20 years, so I might be a bit biased, but honestly: small weddings in this building are simply lovely.
From the busy Grote Markt outside, you and your partner can step into a moment that feels like the center of your own universe. Your story becomes part of Haarlem’s rich history.
You can say your vows with views toward the Grote or St. Bavo Church from the Librije room, perfect for smaller groups. If you’re inviting more people, the Gravenzaal offers more space and character for a slightly larger gathering.
Just you,
as you are
Why the Haarlem Town Hall Works Beautifully
On the very spot where the Counts of Holland once gathered for banquets, you can now exchange your vows — whether you choose a full ceremony or a short and simple one. Afterwards, you step outside and take in the atmosphere of the historic city.
Intimate ceremonies
Getting married in a small and intimate way works beautifully at the Haarlem Town Hall. The Librije room — once the library of the Dominican monastery — is especially suited for an intimate wedding. And even though your celebration may be small, every wedding here feels personal, heartfelt, and truly unique.
Perfect location
Right in the city center, close to parking and within walking distance of the train station. It’s easy for your guests, and great for post-ceremony photos around town.
Amazing photo opportunities
Of course, I’m a little biased when it comes to my home city of Haarlem. But when it comes to wedding photography, you can really go in any direction here — romantic, modern, or historic. Haarlem has it all. And it’s all within easy walking distance of the Town Hall, while your guests make their way to your favourite restaurant.
Great local dining
Whether you want a Michelin-star experience or a cozy brunch, Haarlem has options to suit any style.
Rooms you can choose
Librije
If you’re planning a small wedding and want to keep it truly intimate, the Librije is perfect for that. The light-filled space carries a sense of history while still feeling warm and welcoming. There’s plenty of room for a small group of your closest family and friends.
A bright and historic room that suits small weddings perfectly. It seats up to 24 guests, with room for a total of 75 people if you want a bit more company. After the ceremony, you can step into the peaceful cloister garden for photos.
Gravenzaal
Named after the Counts of Holland, this grand room has high stained-glass windows and elegant chandeliers. It can accommodate larger groups (up to 140 people, with 51 sitting). Ideal if you want a bit more space without losing that old-world charm.
Getting married at Haarlem Town Hall
What It Costs to Marry at Haarlem Town Hall
Librije
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Basic package: €351,- Monday–Wednesday (10 minutes, no speech, officiant assigned by the municipality)
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All-in package: €693,- Monday–Friday (40 minutes, you can choose your officiant)
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Saturday all-in: €1002,- (May–September)
Gravenzaal
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All-in Monday–Friday: €1002,-
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Saturday all-in: €1278,- (May–September)
Marriage in Haarlem isn’t the cheapest in the Netherlands, but it’s beautifully historic — and very reachable for you and your guests. Just note that Saturdays during the market can be a little busier on the Grote Markt.
You must register your intended wedding at least 2 weeks and up to 1 year before your date via the Municipality of Haarlem online form.
Additional costs
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Marriage booklet: €46.20
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International extract: €17.10
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Civil registrar as a witness: €28.50 per witness
Click the link below to get in touch with the Municipality of Haarlem and book your wedding date.
Do you have
any questions?
Our ceremony lasts 10 minutes. How long should we book you for?
That completely depends on what you’d like. I can start at your home and capture some moments while you’re getting ready. Even with fewer hours, your day can still include many elements of a “big” wedding — just on a smaller scale. We’ll decide this together. My City Delight packages range from 2 up to a maximum of 4 hours.
Can we play our own music?
Yes, absolutely. There’s a moment for this while you walk in. Just keep in mind that there’s no sound system available, so you’ll need to bring your own speaker. It works best to ask a good friend to be the ceremony DJ and press play at the right moment.
Do you take photos during the ceremony?
Definitely. This is the heart of your day. I work as unobtrusively as possible, capturing the key moments, the atmosphere, and the emotions of your guests. My advice: enjoy it. Walk into the ceremony room slowly — this is the moment you’ve been waiting for.
Can we park at the Town Hall?
You’ll receive parking permits for up to three cars when you register your wedding date. Perfect for your wedding car, witnesses, or guests who have difficulty walking.
Are we allowed to throw confetti?
Unfortunately not. This also includes rice or flower petals. The Town Hall is a protected monument, and the municipality wants to limit pollution as much as possible.
Also good to know
What if it rains?
Nothing is as unpredictable as the weather. Even in summer, rain showers can happen, so it’s good to be prepared. Bring beautiful (preferably transparent) umbrellas — they create fewer harsh shadows — and keep an eye on the weather forecast. We’ll try to do the group photos as quickly as possible, but if the rain is really coming down, being outside won’t be ideal. In that case, we’ll look at a plan B together.
May we read our own vows
With the short 10-minute ceremony, there isn’t time for this. But if you choose a longer ceremony, there’s definitely room for it. Sharing in your own words why you choose each other, day after day, is so beautiful that even your photographer often ends up photographing with tears in her eyes.
Can we see each other for the first time at the Town Hall?
With the short 10-minute ceremony, there isn’t time for this. If you choose a longer ceremony, it’s definitely possible. We can also get creative and plan this moment at a different location, so you can arrive at the ceremony together.
We would like photos on the steps
We’ll definitely try to make this happen. However, there are sometimes multiple weddings, and we may need to wait a moment. On Saturdays there’s a market right in front of the Town Hall, and occasionally vans are parked outside. That said, I always do my best to make it work. As an alternative, the cloister garden is also a beautiful option for group photos.
What my wedding couples say about me
Ready to meet your
Haarlem Town Hall
Wedding photographer
Town Hall weddings come in all shapes and sizes, but for most couples they’re intimate moments shared with a small group of family and friends.
That’s exactly why I offer a mid-week package for couples choosing a small Town Hall wedding in Haarlem. It’s a no-fuss approach: a few photos as you arrive at the Haarlem Town Hall, coverage of the ceremony itself, a handful of family photos, followed by some relaxed portraits around the city. No pressure, no rush.
Just honest, laid-back photography for couples who want to celebrate their Haarlem city wedding in their own way. Curious to learn more about my Town Hall package? Click the link below.
Parking for your Civic Hall Wedding in Haarlem
When you arrive by car at the Haarlem Town Hall for your wedding, you’re allowed to park up to three cars directly at the Town Hall for the duration of the ceremony.
Your other guests can park at De Appelaar parking garage, just a 5-minute walk away. De Raaks is about a 6-minute walk, and De Kamp is less than 9 minutes away. On Saturdays it can be busy, so it’s good to keep that in mind. Plenty of options to choose from.
