Getting married in The Netherlands is more than a legal formality; especially for international couples. It’s one of the few countries where a wedding ceremony can be both fully legal and deeply personal. For couples whose love story crosses borders, languages, and cultures, choosing the right wedding officiant can make all the difference.
A Legal Marriage With Room for Meaning
In The Netherlands, all legal marriages are registered through the gemeente (municipality). Couples submit a notice of intent to marry and provide official documents such as passports and birth certificates. Once approved, the marriage itself can take place at a municipal location or another approved venue.
Traditionally, the ceremony is conducted by a gemeente trouwambtenaar: a civil servant appointed by the municipality. These ceremonies are correct and official, but often short and fairly standard.
Dutch law, however, also allows for independent wedding officiants — and some of them are officially sworn in. This means they can both create a fully personalised ceremony and legally marry you, signing all documents on the spot.
Oriana is such an independent wedding officiant: sworn in in Delft, but also officiating weddings in almost any location in the Netherlands, allowing couples to celebrate wherever feels most meaningful.
This combination is quite unique internationally. In many countries, legal ceremonies are purely administrative. In The Netherlands, they can be warm, emotional, multilingual, and deeply personal.
Why a Mindful Wedding Officiant Makes the Difference
For international couples, language and cultural understanding matter just as much as legal clarity. A mindful wedding officiant doesn’t just “speak good English”; they listen carefully, read between the lines, and understand how cultural backgrounds shape family dynamics, traditions, humour, and expectations.
That sensitivity is essential when families come together from different countries, sometimes speaking different languages, but all wanting to feel included and seen.
Love That Crosses Borders
“For more than four years now, I’ve had the honour of creating heartfelt wedding ceremonies for international couples in The Netherlands,” says Oriana van der Sande-Semenciuc, independent and sworn-in wedding officiant and municipal officiant for the city of Delft since 2021.
A connector and storyteller at heart, Oriana brings together her background in intercultural communication, coaching, and teaching with her deep love for ceremonies that truly reflect the people standing in front of her.
“Every wedding moves me,” she says. “Whether couples are young or older, marrying for the first or second time, it’s always about two life stories being woven into one.”
With her Romanian roots, international work experience, and multilingualism, Oriana feels deeply connected to the international community in The Netherlands. This shows clearly in her ceremonies, where language is never a barrier, but a bridge.
Multilingual, Inclusive, and Personal
Multilingual ceremonies are especially close to Oriana’s heart. She weaves different languages and cultural elements: a word, a poem, a promise, into one shared story, so everyone feels at home. She often experiences quiet joy and pride as she stands behind the couple she has just married, seeing families speaking different languages come together through the universal language of love and connection.
Over the years, Oriana has married couples across the Netherlands, and this year she will officiate her first international ceremony, celebrating the same couple twice: once legally in the Netherlands and again ceremonially abroad. Whether it’s Ja, Yes, Si, or Da, what matters most is that couples and their guests feel truly recognised and represented.
Planning Your Wedding in 2026 or 2027?
If you’re an international couple planning to get married in The Netherlands in 2026 or beyond, now is the perfect moment to start exploring what kind of ceremony truly fits you.
A wedding here can be legal and meaningful, personal and inclusive. Choosing the right wedding officiant is not just a practical decision, but an emotional one.
Oriana warmly invites couples to reach out with questions or simply to make acquaintance. Every love story deserves to be told with care, in all the languages and locations that matter.
Kingstreet Magazine and Ondernemersgala Den Haag (Entrepreneurs’ Gala The Hague) will enter into a multi-year partnership starting in 2026. As the new media partner, Kingstreet connects entrepreneurs from a wide range of sectors and cultures during one of the most festive evenings in The Hague’s business calendar. The Ondernemersgala will take place on Saturday 28 March 2026 and will be held for the 19th time in the Atrium of The Hague City Hall at Spui. The gala is organised by initiators Municipality of The Hague, ROC Mondriaan, Rabobank Den Haag and DB Evenementen.
During the gala evening, culinary captain Marc Smeets will guide the students of ROC Mondriaan, who are actively involved both in the kitchen and in service. Kingstreet Magazine will have a visible presence with its own table for ten guests from The Hague and the international business network.
International community
“Kingstreet Magazine is relevant all year round and, like us, speaks to a broad target group of entrepreneurs,” says Peter Boelhouwer of DB Evenementen, co-founder of Ondernemersgala Den Haag. “With both a Dutch and English magazine, the platform perfectly reflects The Hague as an international city. Through our partnership with Kingstreet, we can also connect an international community to the gala. I see that as a major added value. We are proud that Kingstreet will be our media partner in the coming years.”
According to Annerieke Simeone, publisher of Kingstreet Magazine, the Ondernemersgala is a natural partner: “The Ondernemersgala Den Haag shows what this city stands for: ambition, connection and entrepreneurship. At Kingstreet, we share the stories behind entrepreneurs, creators and tastemakers throughout the year, both locally and internationally. That we will literally sit at the table together during the gala feels like a fitting reflection of our philosophy.”
Charities
In addition to networking and gastronomy, Ondernemersgala Den Haag annually supports social initiatives in the city. In 2026, the selected charities are My Lima Lima, which offers young people perspective and self-confidence through fashion and community projects, and Stichting Vitalis, which supports children and young people aged 5 to 18 with a listening ear and positive guidance. With the proceeds of the gala, the entrepreneurial network contributes to a stronger and more inclusive The Hague.
Ondernemersgala Den Haag 2026 Saturday 28 March 2026 More information (in Dutch)
To promote the Schilderswijk and Transvaal districts as shopping areas, a tourist map was launched earlier this month. The map introduces visitors to the multicultural shops, restaurants, and cultural and historical richness of the five shopping streets in these two neighborhoods. The map is illustrated by The Hague resident Boy Boelhouwer, who gathered input from residents and business owners in the area.
Alderman Nur Icar (SME, Participation): “A while ago, I was walking through the neighborhood and saw Boy standing on the street with an easel. This map wasn’t created behind a desk, but actually in the neighborhoods, together with residents and businesses. It’s fantastic that this is the result. I hope many visitors will discover the area. Let this map guide you through the wonderful places and businesses these neighborhoods have to offer!”
Co-creation with residents and entrepreneurs
Boy Boelhouwer presented the first copy to Alderman Icar. “To create the illustrated map, I spent a lot of time in the neighborhoods this summer and fall, speaking with over fifty residents, business owners, and visitors of all ages. We captured these wonderful encounters and treasures in the drawings and writing. I hope that this colorful map will give residents of The Hague, as well as tourists, a new perspective on the neighborhood,” says Boelhouwer.
One of the entrepreneurs featured on the map is Sarah van Soldt (Head of Programs & Partnerships at Theater de Vaillant). Van Soldt: ” Theater de Vaillant is the premier theater and cultural anchor for the Schilderswijk and Transvaal districts. Our tower proudly features in the beautifully illustrated map by Boy Boelhouwer. Do you live in our neighborhoods and would you like to perform, sing, or rap on the city’s highest stage? Send me a message!”
Schilderswijk and Transvaal on the map
The municipality of The Hague is investing €7 million to strengthen the business climate in the Schilderswijk and Transvaal districts. This includes promoting and marketing the area. The tourist map is part of this effort. The map was launched during WijkFest, a neighborhood festival in the Schilderswijk district for residents and businesses, which was also organized as part of the plans for the Schilderswijk and Transvaal districts.
The map is now available from businesses, tourist information points, and hotels and hostels in The Hague.
Photographer: Martijn Beekman.
Featured photo: (from left to right): Boy Boelhouwer (illustrator of the map), Alderman Nur Icar, Sarah van Soldt (Head of Program & Partnerships Theater de Vaillant).
Next month, on March 18, The Hague will hold its municipal elections. Many international residents are eligible to vote in these local elections, yet many are either unaware of their eligibility or unclear about the voting process, how to communicate their specific concerns to the City Council, and whom to vote for.
Expaterience, the unique English-language talk show produced by and for the international community in The Hague, is hosting a Municipal Elections Special on February 27 to change that.
This two-hour election special begins with an informative segment (in English) explaining voting rights, how municipal elections work, and highlighting key themes and topics in The Hague neighborhoods with a relatively high expat and international population.
The second hour of the Expaterience Municipal Elections Special features a unique TV debate (the only local TV debate in English), organized exclusively by Expaterience, between candidates from the four major political parties currently in the Municipal Council of The Hague.
• Coen Bom – Hart voor Den Haag
• Andrew van Esch – D66
• Maarten De Vuyst – GroenLinks-PvdA
• Benjamin Broekhuizen – VVD
Recording takes place on Friday, February 27 at the TV studio of Expaterience (to the southwest of downtown The Hague).
Take part:
International residents are invited to participate as studio audience members or potential TV show guests. Seats are limited and awarded on a first-come, first-served basis: RSVP via expaterience@rtvdiscus.nl
What:Expaterience Municipal Elections Special – an informative session on voting rights and on issues and concerns of international citizens followed by a debate between election candidates of the major political parties
When: TV recording*Friday, February 27 at 2 PM-4 PM (guest arrival 1:30-1:45 PM)
Venue provided complimentary food and drinks during Sherika’s visit for this feature. The Hague Online retained editorial control, and the views expressed are the writer’s own
De Oude Tol has been successful since the doors opened 2.5 years ago nearby one of the city’s most iconic buildings, the Peace Palace.
Owners Michelle and Roland van Breemen who originate from Durban, South Africa, were looking for a new adventure and decided to move to The Hague, following their son and daughter. With over 28 years of experience in the food industry, Roland spotted that the space was for sale while on holiday visiting his kids, it felt only natural to bring the delicious taste of sunny South Africa to The Netherlands.
Many restaurants around in the city frequently suffer from long waits and poor service, which can detract from the overall dining experience, however that is not the case here. You’re welcomed with a smile and can expect service that feels like you’re truly looked after – Roland wants to ensure he brings that same friendly, personal service of his home town to De Oude Tol.
What can you expect on the menu? Iconic South African favourites such as chicken mayo toasties (as a South African myself, it tastes like the real deal), boerewors rolls, biltong sandwiches and homemade milk tarts will soon be available. Almost everything on the menu is freshly made, including the mixing of coffee beans and biltong by Roland himself and all can be enjoyed with some delicious wine, also from SA of course. And if you’re a rugby fan, the restaurant has viewings available during the big games. You may also run into some of the judges from the International Court too who frequently dine here.
What is Roland most proud of since opening? That he and his wife already feel settled and the business is doing well. While the restaurant industry can be challenging, Roland has found his feet and continues to grow and adapt.
De Oude Tol is located on Scheveningseweg 23, Wednesdays to Sunday from 10:00 to 17:00. The space can also be rented out for private functions.
Images: Sherika Rooplal-Clappers and De Oude Tol
Do you have a story about your own café, restaurant or bar in the city? Reach out to sherika@thehagueonline.com to possibly be featured.
Sherika Rooplal-Clappers is a contributing writer for The Hague Online, covering culture, lifestyle, and local events. With a passion for storytelling and international perspectives, she highlights the people, places, and experiences that make The Hague a dynamic city.
We welcome families to our Junior Schools to see learning in action and experience our friendly, supportive community. Whether your child is beginning their school journey (ages 3–5) or joining us in the later primary years (ages 8–10), these events are great opportunities to discover everyday learning at the BSN first-hand.
Our Beginners Open Mornings invite you to experience the joyful, hands-on learning that shapes the Foundation Stage. You’ll see how our youngest learners build confidence, curiosity, and early skills in an environment designed to help them grow. Children can enjoy taster sessions with our specialist Music and PE teachers, giving you a feel for the rich experiences that support their early development.
Junior School Leidschenveen – 3 March, 8:45–11:00
Junior School Vlaskamp – 12 March, 8:45–11:00
Junior School Taster Afternoons (Ages 8–10)
For families exploring learning in the later primary years, our Taster Afternoons offer a glimpse into the engaging, supportive environment that helps children flourish academically and socially. During the session, children will take part in fun, hands-on activities led by specialist teachers—an authentic look at what everyday learning feels like in our Junior School classrooms.
Junior School Leidschenveen – 4 March, 13:30–15:00
