Living in the Netherlands - Private Life: Birth, Marriage, Death

In the Netherlands, events such as weddings, births, moving house and deaths must be reported (within a given period) to the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages (Burgerlijke Stand) in your place of residence. 

A registrar of the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages is authorised to draw up documents such as marriage and birth certificates. These registrars, who are 'extraordinary' officials of the Registry, have a special position as they are not in the employment of the municipality. However, they do have the power to perform marriage and registered partnership ceremonies. 

When arranging a marriage or registered partnership, you may specify the name of a registrar. Otherwise, you will be assigned a registrar.

Source: European Union
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