Is it possible to have a wedding via video chat, or remotely?

Based on traditional ideas and customs about marriage, the idea of marriage without personal presence is absurd. However, in some countries of the world, it has been a common practice for many years to marry by proxy, which allows the parties to marry without being personally present. In the legal systems that allow this, the marriage can be concluded without either party physically appearing before the registrar. In some countries, at least one of the parties must appear before a registrar in person.

It is currently possible to marry by proxy in Japan, Ghana, the Republic of the Gambia. In the United States, this matter is legislated by the states: it is currently legal in Montana, Texas, Colorado, and Kansas. Montana permits a proxy marriage where both parties can be represented by someone else. Due to restrictions caused by the coronavirus, many other countries have also provided this opportunity. Online marriage is legal in some States of the United States, and for example in Pakistan.

The origin of proxy marriage

The institution of marriage by proxy is not a product of modern times, but has a history dating back to the Middle Ages. At that time, it was already possible for the rulers of different kingdoms to take their wives by proxy in view of the obstacles caused by physical distance. This practice was further developed during the first and second World Wars, in some countries couples got married over the telephone.

Is it also possible in Hungary?

It is not yet possible to get married by proxy or online in Hungary, you can only get married in person: both parties must be physically present before the registrar. According to the Hungarian Civil Code, marriage shall be concluded if a man and a woman are both present before the civil registrar and they declare in person that they enter into marriage with each other: these elements are all necessary for the validity.

Marriage must take place in the presence of two witnesses, in public, and in the premises of the municipality - although this latter condition is not mandatory, as the ceremony can also take place at any location chosen by the couple upon request.

If you have any questions about the marriage, the validity of the marriage, or divorce, feel free to contact our office!

As of 1 March 2026, a significant amendment has entered into force in Hungarian real estate law affecting condominium developments: the legislator has introduced a new legal institution, the Condominium Right of Improvement (társasházi építményi jog).

The new regime was enacted, inter alia, through amendments to Act CXXXIII of 2003 on Condominiums and Act C of 2021 on the Real Estate Registry. Its purpose is to provide a more structured and secure legal framework for purchasers in condominium projects under construction.

In this article we summarise the practical implications of the Condominium Right of Improvement for developers, purchasers and financing institutions.

Decree 2/2026 (II. 19.) KTM amends two existing legislative instruments: on the one hand, it clarifies the rules governing the allocation of topographical lot numbers (place numbers) to independent real properties; on the other hand, it introduces detailed amendments to the provisions concerning the fees payable for specified land registry proceedings, as well as for the provision of data from the land registry and from state basic data registers.

On 19 February 2026, Government Decree 28/2026 (II. 19.) was promulgated, introducing an important amendment to the implementing regulation of the electricity (Government Decree 273/2007 (X. 19.) – hereinafter: “Implementing Decree”). The purpose of the amendment is to ensure that inverter replacements carried out in connection with the Home Energy Storage Programme („Otthoni Energiatároló Program”), launched in 2025 and announced for 2026, do not result in unfavourable settlement consequences for operators of household-sized small power plants.

The Home Energy Storage Programme is a state aid scheme designed to promote the installation of battery energy storage systems connected to residential photovoltaic systems. Within the framework of the programme, households may apply for non-repayable grants, subject to specified conditions, for the establishment of energy storage systems.

In this article, we present the essence and practical relevance of the legislative amendment, as well as the legal framework within which inverter replacements and settlement-related issues must be assessed.

Government Decree No. 415/2025 (XII. 23.) on the amendment of consumer protection–related government decrees with a view to ensuring a higher level of consumer protection introduces substantial changes in the field of consumer protection as of 2026.

In this article, we briefly summarise those amendments which will be perceptible to consumers in everyday life and may be of particular practical importance from 2026 onwards.

Government Decree No. 415/2025 (XII. 23.) amends a total of six government decrees related to consumer protection.
The objectives of the amendments are, on the one hand, to strengthen consumer protection and, on the other hand, to reduce the administrative burden on businesses, while also ensuring compliance with EU law and legal harmonisation.

Government Decree No. 448/2025 (XII. 29.) amends Government Decree No. 327/2015 (XI. 10.) on the detailed rules of professional practice related to surveying and cartographic activities for non-cadastral purposes by introducing a new concept and new rules. These amendments will enter into force on 14 January 2026.

The most significant change is the introduction of the concept of the planning base map, the preparation of which now mandatorily requires the setting out of the property boundary.

In practice, the new regulation aims to ensure more uniform, more accurate and, from the perspective of the planning process, more reliable base maps, which may help prevent future conflicts and legal disputes. At the same time, the additional requirements are likely to slow down procedures and increase costs, and stakeholders should be prepared for this impact.