On the liberated territories, life is gradually being revived every day after the occupiers have been driven out. The population is not only returning to their homes, but also starting to make plans for the future. One of the main decisions for many people at this time is to create a family. Despite the fact that civil registry offices cannot register marriages in areas where active combat operations are taking place, it is still possible to get married in a frontline settlement, not only for military personnel but also for civilians. The charitable foundation “Pryame Vklyuchennya” shares the details of the wedding ceremony on the front line.

The main differences

The Ministry of Reintegration of Temporarily Occupied Territories of Ukraine has updated the procedure for registering marriages for military personnel, police officers, investigators, medical personnel, and rescuers who are stationed on the front line.

From now on, the Civil Registry Office can conduct registration even without the presence of one of the spouses if he or she belongs to one of the following professional groups:

  • Military personnel;
  • Civil defense service personnel;
  • Police officers;
  • State Bureau of Investigations employees;
  • Medical workers;
  • Officials of the National Anti-Corruption Bureau;
  • Economic Security Bureau employees;
  • State Criminal Executive Service employees.

Initially, the groom or bride submits a statement to the Civil Registry Office expressing their desire to enter into marriage. Then, together with his/her partner, he/she submits a similar document to the supervisor or military commander. The supervisor or commander personally delivers the joint application of their subordinates to the Civil Registry Office.

In addition, the supervisor or commander of a person serving on the front line can also marry them. It is not necessary for the bride and groom to be present at the ceremony: they can register their marriage through video communication.

The procedure for medical personnel is similar. The marriage certificate is prepared by the head of the medical institution. In order to obtain a marriage certificate, one of the spouses must appeal to the Civil Registry Office.

The charitable foundation “Pryame Vklyuchennya” also reminds that individuals from the aforementioned list are exempt from paying fees for the registration procedure.