Germany has many unique wedding traditions and customs. A traditional wedding in Germany lasts three days, but not necessarily consecutive days (Phelan 2005). On the first day the couple is married by the justice of peace, or as in Germany called “Standesbeamte.” This is because in Germany it is not legal to marry “only” in a church ceremony. The civil ceremony takes place one week or one day before the church ceremony, and only the couple’s closest family members and friends in attendance. The ceremony is usually followed by a dinner (German Wedding Traditions, Part 2 2004 & Marriage 2005). In Germany, the couple has to give a six-week notice to the city of their intended marriage. If not, the civil ceremony may take place in the city hall, usually with only two witnesses and the parents (Marriage 2005).