Marriage in Germany is governed by the Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch in sections 1297 to 1588 of the fourth book of the code as a branch of family law.^{[citation needed]} Marriage may only be conducted by a civil registrar, although couples may also participate in religious ceremonies. People who are not citizens or residents may marry in Germany.^[1] Since 1 October 2017, same-sex couples may marry.^[2]