Un Dutch couple His legal recognition of his marriage was revoked after a ceremony deemed irregular by the courts. The issue stemmed from a speech delivered during the exchange of vows that did not comply with the wording prescribed by civil law, rendering the act legally invalid.
The ceremony took place in the spring of 2025 in Zwolle, with a close friend of the couple exceptionally authorized to officiate, under the supervision of a municipal officer. Desiring an informal atmosphere, the speaker had prepared his text using an artificial intelligence tool, favoring a personal and symbolic tone.
A legal requirement that has not been met
Upon reviewing the case, the court determined that the spouses had not explicitly expressed their commitment to fulfilling the legal obligations of marriage, as required by the Dutch Civil Code. The absence of this formal declaration led to the conclusion that the marriage had never been validly entered into, despite its initial registration with the civil registry.
The couple requested that the date be maintained for personal and emotional reasons, citing an error beyond their control. However, the court refused, reiterating that strict adherence to the rules takes precedence over all other considerations, including when the irregularity stems from the inappropriate use of new technologies.
