Weddings Behind Bars: Inmates Exchange Vows in Dutch Prison
Nieuwersluis, Netherlands – In a rare occurrence, a wedding took place within the walls of the Penitentiary Institution (PI) Nieuwersluis in the Netherlands last week, highlighting that life, even within a correctional facility, continues to hold moments of significant personal commitment. The ceremony involved two female inmates, and while celebrations were kept modest, the event underscores the fundamental right to marry, even while serving a sentence.
A Simple Ceremony with a Sweet Reveal
The meeting room of PI Nieuwersluis was temporarily transformed into a wedding venue for the occasion. A fellow inmate baked a cake, incorporating blue Smarties to reveal the gender of the bride’s unborn child during the celebration. Francesca Salamone, the director of the facility, described the event as “a special event that you don’t often experience,” noting that another inmate crafted the bride’s veil.
Marriages in Dutch Prisons: Rare but Permitted
According to a spokesperson for the Dutch Judicial Institutions Agency (DJI), marriages between inmates are uncommon. While the DJI does not track the number of such unions, they confirmed that they do occur under specific conditions. The Netherlands operates 26 prisons in total.
The Process for Inmate Marriages
Inmates seeking to marry must first obtain permission from the institution’s management by submitting a motivation letter. If approved, arrangements are made for a location, a wedding registrar, and witnesses. Inmates can marry both individuals from outside the prison system and fellow detainees. When marrying another inmate, approval from both facilities is required, and one party may be transferred to the other’s location via the Transport and Support Service (DV&O).
Modest Celebrations and Restrictions
Marion ten Laar of Bonjo, an advocacy group for (former) prisoners, explained that prison weddings are far from lavish. Celebrations are typically simple, involving a ceremony and, if possible, a glass of apple juice and a small cake. Alcohol is prohibited, and the atmosphere is intentionally kept subdued – “it is not the case that a party song is played afterwards,” and “gezellig” (coziness) is discouraged. A wedding night is not permitted; inmates return to their cells following the ceremony.
A Fundamental Right
Despite the restrictions, ten Laar emphasizes that marriage is a fundamental right, even for those incarcerated. She notes that marriages typically occur between individuals with pre-existing relationships, stating, “You can’t just marry someone you’ve never met.” The decision to marry, even within the confines of prison, reflects the enduring power of love and commitment.
Source: RTL Nieuws