If you have already been approved to marry at a town hall in Denmark, or you are simply considering starting the process and wondering what the actual wedding ceremony is like, then this guide is for you.
We have helped hundreds of international couples with the entire process. Therefore, we know many of the questions couples have before or even on their wedding day, from when and where to arrive to whether you need rings or not.
The wedding ceremony is usually very simple, intimate and straightforward. Still, you might have some questions. In this post, we answer all these questions so that you can enjoy your wedding day.
One thing that is surprising or even underwhelming for international couples is how short the actual ceremony can be. The entire ceremony takes around 5-10 minutes, although the exact length and format can vary depending on the town hall and ceremony.
That can feel surprisingly quick when you consider everything that has led up to the moment. Preparing your documents, receiving approval, booking a town hall, travelling to Denmark and perhaps waiting months for your wedding day.
Our advice is to simply enjoy and savour those few minutes that mean so much.
Listen to the registrar, look at your partner and try to be present instead of thinking about everything that needs to happen afterwards. There will be plenty of time for photographs, dinner, calling your loved ones and celebrations once you are officially married.
No. Exchanging wedding rings is not a requirement in Denmark.
Whether you want to exchange rings during your ceremony is entirely up to you and will not be a problem at any Danish town hall. Some couples bring traditional wedding rings, while others prefer to keep their town hall ceremony as simple as possible.
There is no right or wrong choice. If exchanging rings is important to you, make sure you have them ready before entering the ceremony room so you do not have to search through bags or pockets at the last minute.
We do, however, recommend that if you choose to exchange rings, you keep them somewhere safe during your stay in Denmark. For example, you can store them in the safe at your hotel and only bring them with you when it is time to leave for the ceremony
A very important thing to remember is to make sure you know exactly where you need to go and when you need to be there.
Once you receive confirmation from the town hall where your ceremony will take place, take some time to research the location.
Save the address on your phone and look at photographs of the building beforehand. Check your route and calculate how long it will take to get there from your hotel or accommodation.
We recommend arriving at least 10 minutes before your scheduled ceremony unless your town hall has provided different instructions.
Being early gives you time to find the correct entrance, settle down and prepare for the ceremony without unnecessary stress.
This is especially useful if you are unfamiliar with the city. Copenhagen City Hall, for example, has a specific route to its wedding hall, so knowing where you are going beforehand can make the experience much easier.
If Wedding Planner Denmark is assisting with your wedding, we will of course help you with the practical information you need so that you know where to go and what to expect.
A civil wedding in Denmark can be simple without feeling insignificant.
If you would like to make the occasion more memorable, there are many small additions you can arrange. You could order a bouquet or other flowers, dress up for the occasion, book a special restaurant or hire a professional wedding photographer.
If you want a photographer, we strongly recommend arranging this in advance.
Many Danish town halls are situated close to historic streets, parks, waterfronts or other attractions. Copenhagen in particular offers historic architecture, canals and numerous beautiful locations that can become the backdrop for photographs after your ceremony.
Because the ceremony itself is relatively short, it is worth thinking about what you would like to do afterwards.
Perhaps you want a romantic dinner, a sightseeing trip, drinks at your hotel or photographs around the city. You may simply want to find a quiet place and enjoy the moment together.
Whatever you choose, making a few arrangements beforehand can make the day much more relaxing.
Research restaurants and make reservations if necessary. Decide where you would like to take photographs. If you are travelling somewhere after the ceremony, check the transport options in advance.
For some international couples, getting married in Denmark was not originally the first plan.
It may instead have become the practical solution after discovering that getting married in their country of residence involves complicated bureaucracy, extensive documentation or long waiting periods. Denmark has become particularly popular with international couples precisely because its marriage process can be more straightforward than the procedures couples encounter elsewhere.
But choosing Denmark for practical reasons does not mean your wedding day should feel purely administrative.
You are still getting married.
Take photographs. Buy flowers if you want them. Wear something you love. Have a glass of champagne afterwards. Explore the city. Go for dinner. Or simply spend the rest of the day together.
The ceremony may only last a few minutes, but the day itself can become a memory you keep for the rest of your lives.
After your ceremony, you will receive documentation confirming your marriage. Your Danish marriage certificate is an important official document that may be needed for administrative and legal purposes after you return home.
Depending on where you intend to use the certificate, you may also need Apostille legalisation. Requirements vary between countries and authorities, so it is important to check what applies in your particular situation.
This is another area where planning ahead can save you time after the wedding.
At Wedding Planner Denmark, we are here to support you throughout the entire process – from your application to your wedding day.
If you have questions before or during your stay in Denmark, we are ready to help, so you can focus on enjoying your wedding and celebrating the moment together.
Contact us today if you would like our help with starting the process or finding a town hall.
If you have already received an approval letter from Danish Agency of Family Law (Familieretshuset) but cannot find an available wedding date at a Danish town hall, we can help.
Wedding Planner Denmark assists couples in finding an available ceremony date and reserving a time slot at a town hall in Denmark.
Feel free to contact us for more information.
