Historic Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul: Civil weddings now possible!

Historic Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul: Civil weddings now possible!

In a joyful turn of events for couples wanting to tie the knot, the city of Brandenburg an der Havel and the Brandenburg Cathedral Abbey signed a groundbreaking contract on August 13, 2025. From now on, civil weddings will be possible in the historic Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul. This agreement complements the existing church weddings and offers the future spouses the opportunity to seal their love in one of the most important places in Brandenburg.

The signing of the contract took place in the presence of Dr. Cord-Georg Hasselmann, the curator and chairman of the cathedral monastery board, and Mayor Steffen Scheller. Both emphasized the importance of the new branch of the registry office, which will soon be set up directly on the cathedral island. The aim is to offer the couples and their guests an unforgettable wedding celebration in a unique ambience.

A place with history

The Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul, often referred to as the Brandenburg Cathedral, is not only the largest church building in the city, but also the “landmark” of Brandenburg and is considered the cradle of the Mark Brandenburg. The cathedral's construction history dates back to 1165, when the first stone foundations were laid. Initially designed as a Romanesque hall church, over the centuries the building acquired its characteristic shape as a three-aisled cross basilica in the brick Gothic style.

The historical significance of the cathedral is also reflected in its function as the center of the first diocese of Brandenburg, which was founded by Otto I in 948. Although the original plan failed, the re-establishment of the diocese in 1161 led to the construction of the cathedral, which remains an important cultural heritage today. In 1848, the cathedral even served as a meeting place for the Prussian National Assembly and thus played a role in Germany's political history.

Special conditions for weddings

The available rooms for weddings include the auditorium of the Ritterakademie, which can accommodate up to 100 guests, as well as the garden salon of the Alte Dechanei for smaller celebrations with up to 25 guests. Mayor Steffen Scheller was positive about this new opportunity and emphasized how the city is expanding its wedding offerings while respecting the historical character of the cathedral.

Dr. Cord-Georg Hasselmann added that both civil and church weddings and wedding celebrations in the Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul offer a special atmosphere that can make the wedding day a unique experience. “This illustrates the connection between history and the present in Brandenburg,” he added.

On the occasion of this new opportunity, the cathedral is likely to become more attractive not only for newlyweds, but also for everyone who is connected to the city. Above all, the beauty of the cathedral, which is underlined by the recently completed renovation in 2014, invites you to choose it as a place for unforgettable moments in life.

There are also numerous resources for those interested, such as books about the cathedral, which are available in the cathedral shop. This allows curious people and history buffs to delve even deeper into the fascinating world of the cathedral.

The new partnership between the city and the cathedral monastery is a sign of the commitment to keeping history alive while promoting contemporary use of this historic site. Anyone who thinks of getting married in Brandenburg Cathedral will not only find a place for reflection, but also the perfect ambience for the most beautiful day in their lives.