Copenhagen is one of the most iconic and romantic places to get married in Denmark. With its beautiful cityscape, historical City Hall, and international atmosphere, it has become a dream destination for couples from all over the world. But what if you’re short on time? What if you’re looking to tie the knot fast, without waiting months for a slot? In this guide, we’ll explore what your options are if you’re in a hurry to get married in Copenhagen, and how Wedding Planner Denmark can help you make it happen without unnecessary delays.
To many foreigners, Copenhagen is Denmark. It’s by far the largest city in the country, and chances are that couples planning a destination wedding have already come across stories about the city and what it has the offer and maybe even about weddings held at the iconic Copenhagen City Hall. For many international couples, the city represents the ideal combination of being able to get married and experience the Danish Capital. The process when getting in Copenhagen, and maybe even the rest of Denmark, is transparent, the list of required documents is relatively short, and with the right preparation, getting married in Denmark can be both smooth and stress-free.
However, even in a country known for efficiency, the popularity of Copenhagen as a wedding destination comes with its own challenges, especially for those with a limited timeframe. As the most sought-after location for town hall weddings in Denmark, Copenhagen City Hall receives a high volume of applications, particularly during peak wedding season. This demand has led to longer waiting times and limited availability, which can be frustrating if you’re hoping to plan your ceremony on short notice.
See our guide to get married in Copenhagen to get tips and tricks on how to get married in Denmark.
One of the first things to know if you’re hoping to get married at Copenhagen City Hall is that you may face a long waiting time. Due to high demand, especially in the spring and summer months, available appointment slots can be booked weeks or even months in advance. This can be frustrating for couples with urgent timelines, whether for legal, immigration, or personal reasons. If you book the appointment at the City Hall very quickly in the application process, you might have better chances if you dream about getting married in Copenhagen City Hall.
The waiting time isn’t just a result of the sheer number of couples applying; it’s also a reflection of the limited number of ceremonies that can be conducted each day. Copenhagen City Hall offers a beautiful and historic setting for weddings, but the logistics of managing many weddings within a day create natural limitations. If you’re in a hurry, relying on the standard city hall schedule might not be the most efficient route.
If you can’t wait weeks or months and want more flexibility in terms of time and location, hiring a private registrar may be the perfect solution. A private registrar is an authorized wedding official who can legally marry you outside of the town hall setting. This means your wedding can take place at a location of your choosing, whether that’s a cozy restaurant, a castle, a scenic outdoor spot, or a private event venue.
The cost of booking a private registrar typically ranges from 3,800 DKK to 4,500 DKK, depending on the location and your specific requests. While this option is more expensive than a traditional town hall ceremony, it offers unparalleled flexibility and speed. In addition to skipping the waiting list, you also gain full control over your wedding setting, making it an excellent choice for couples who want a personal and memorable experience.
If you’re curious about where you could host such a wedding, we’ve written a guide on some of the best wedding locations in Denmark. From elegant castles to scenic seaside venues, there are plenty of places that can turn a short-notice wedding into a spectacular event.
For couples set on a town hall wedding but willing to be flexible on location, there is another option: consider other town halls in or around Copenhagen,or even elsewhere in Denmark. While Copenhagen City Hall is the most iconic, other town halls in the Greater Copenhagen area or in smaller towns across the country also offer beautiful and professional ceremonies, often with much shorter waiting times.
Municipalities such as Frederiksberg, Hvidovre, or Gentofte may have quicker availability while still offering charming venues and excellent service. Going even further afield opens up even more possibilities, especially in towns that specialize in hosting international couples. The experience may differ slightly in terms of atmosphere or architecture, but the legal validity of your marriage remains the same.
If you’re even more flexible and are open to other locations around Denmark, there are usually more available slots in other town halls around Denmark.
At Wedding Planner Denmark, we understand that some couples can’t wait. That’s why we offer the Copenhagen Express Wedding Service, a premium service designed specifically for couples who want to avoid the queue at Copenhagen City Hall and enjoy a smooth, elegant, and fast wedding experience in Copenhagen.
This exclusive service includes a private registrar from Copenhagen City Hall, who will marry you at a location outside of the city hall building. We handle every detail of the wedding planning process, from submitting your documents to organizing the wedding venue. The ceremony can take place at a hotel, restaurant, or other venue of your choice, allowing for a more personal and relaxed atmosphere.
As part of the package, a professional wedding photographer will be present for one hour during and after thethe ceremony to capture the special moments. You will receive two official marriage certificates on the day, and one of them will be apostilled by the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, ensuring legal recognition abroad.
The total price for the Copenhagen Express Wedding is €1,900. This all-inclusive amount covers planning, legal formalities, the registrar, photography, and all administrative fees including 25% Danish VAT.
