When planning a wedding abroad, many international couples are drawn to Denmark because of its simplicity, efficiency, and welcoming approach to love across borders. One of the most well-known ways to get married in Denmark is through a city hall ceremony, which is fast, legally recognised across the world, and easy to arrange.
However, not every couple dreams of saying “I do” inside a town hall. Some couples prefer a more personal setting, perhaps surrounded by nature, in a romantic castle, or at a place that holds sentimental value. Others want to avoid the often busy waiting areas or standard backdrop of a government building. If you have asked yourself whether it is possible to get married in Denmark outside a city hall, the good news is yes, it absolutely is.And this opens up an entirely new level of flexibility for couples looking to make their wedding day truly their own.
Yes, you can get legally married in Denmark outside a city hall, as long as the ceremony is carried out by an authorised registrar. Many municipalities across Denmark, including Copenhagen, allow couples to arrange an external wedding location. These ceremonies follow the same legal structure as those inside a town hall, but they take place at a location chosen by the couple and agreed upon with the registrar in advance.
This flexibility allows you to personalise your ceremony while still enjoying Denmark’s famous efficiency and international legal recognition. Whether you are dreaming of an intimate beach wedding, a garden ceremony in springtime, or even something more grand like a castle or estate, the Danish system supports this with the right preparation.
For many couples, getting married outside a city hall simply feels more meaningful. While a town hall ceremony can be beautiful in its simplicity, some couples are looking for something more personal and tailored to their love story. Choosing an external location allows you to shape your wedding day around your unique vision and values. You decide the setting, the atmosphere, and often the timing as well, creating a far more flexible and relaxed experience than a standard indoor ceremony.
There is also the added benefit of convenience. You might already be planning a celebration or reception at a venue with room for guests and loved ones, and getting married at the same place means you avoid travelling between two locations. It also allows your guests to remain in one setting, fully immersed in the occasion from beginning to end.
In many cities across Denmark, especially in Copenhagen, city halls are extremely popular wedding venues. This high demand often results in long queues and limited availability, particularly during peak seasons such as summer and around public holidays. Even in smaller towns, it is not uncommon to experience delays when trying to secure a wedding appointment, especially on desirable days like Fridays or weekends.
These scheduling limitations can make it difficult for couples to plan ahead or celebrate their wedding on the day that truly matters to them. In some cases, you may find yourself waiting several weeks or even months just to secure a suitable time slot.
Choosing an external ceremony gives you the freedom to bypass these constraints. Rather than navigating crowded waiting areas or being rushed through a tight schedule, you can enjoy a calm and private moment that reflects your pace and preferences. It also allows you to plan your entire wedding day around your own timeline, from the ceremony to the reception, without being bound by the city hall’s availability.
Perhaps you already have a dream venue in mind. It could be a charming restaurant with a sea view, a historic castle with grand architecture, or a small private garden that feels just right. Getting married outside a city hall means you can transform your ideal venue into the actual setting for your ceremony.
Denmark offers a wide variety of spectacular locations for weddings. From the dramatic cliffs of Stevns Klint to elegant historic castles like Kronborg, the options are endless. If you value atmosphere, setting, and creating unforgettable memories, an external wedding ceremony allows you to bring your vision to life in a way that is both romantic and legally recognised.
In another post, we’ve made a list of beautiful wedding locations across Denmark that you can use for inspiration.
Planning a wedding outside a city hall does involve a bit more coordination, but you do not have to do it alone. At Wedding Planner Denmark, we specialise in helping international couples organise both town hall and external ceremonies across Denmark.
For those dreaming of a wedding in Copenhagen but wanting something outside the town hall setting, our Copenhagen Express Service is the perfect solution. We help couples get married quickly and legally in Copenhagen while choosing their own venue. Whether you want to marry in a historic building, a private garden, or a stylish restaurant, we take care of the paperwork, the coordination with the registrar, and all practical details. Please note, that you are responsible for picking and booking the location.
From submitting the correct documents to securing your chosen date and location, our team ensures that everything runs smoothly from start to finish. We are here to make sure your ceremony is not just legally valid, but also exactly how you imagined it.
