Do I Need Witnesses to Get Married in Denmark?
When planning a wedding in Denmark, most couples are surprised by how simple and efficient the entire process is. However, one recurring question often comes up early in the planning phase: do we need to bring our own witnesses to the ceremony? The answer depends entirely on the location of your wedding. Some town halls will provide the witnesses for you, while others will expect you to bring your own. But rest assured, you will always be informed of this well in advance. never on the day of the ceremony itself.
Understanding how this works can save you from unnecessary confusion, especially if you’re traveling to Denmark from abroad without a large group of guests. In this article, we’ll guide you through how the witness requirement works in practice, what to expect in different municipalities, and how Wedding Planner Denmark helps ensure you know exactly what’s required before you arrive.
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Witnesses are required by law
Under Danish marriage law, two witnesses must be present at every civil wedding ceremony. Their role is to confirm that the marriage has taken place, and they will sign your marriage certificate immediately after the ceremony. This requirement applies whether you’re getting married at a city hall, outdoors, or at a private venue. Witnesses must be over the age of 18 and be capable of understanding the ceremony, but beyond that, there are no special formalities.
Some town halls provide the witnesses for you
In many of Denmark’s larger municipalities, particularly those that handle a high number of international weddings, witnesses are included as part of the ceremony service. At Copenhagen City Hall, for example, couples can choose to either bring their own witnesses or rely on the town hall to provide two. If you’re traveling alone or planning an intimate elopement, this option can be extremely convenient. The process is well-organized, and the staff are used to accommodating couples from all over the world.
Frederiksberg is another popular location for city weddings where the town hall will often take care of the witnesses. Choosing a venue like this can remove a layer of stress from your planning, especially if you’re not sure whether any guests will be joining you on the day. The ceremony is still entirely personal, but you won’t need to coordinate witness logistics separately.
In some locations, you must bring your own witnesses
Not all municipalities offer to provide witnesses. In smaller towns or island destinations such as Ærø, Tønder, Esbjerg, and Ribe, couples are typically asked to bring two witnesses themselves. This is usually because the municipality does not have staff assigned to perform this task or because they prefer to keep the ceremony more intimate and private. These towns are beautiful and often chosen for their charm and peaceful atmosphere, but they do require a little more preparation from the couple.
This requirement will always be communicated ahead of time. It’s typically mentioned when you make your booking, either directly through the municipality’s website or through confirmation emails you receive after your date is secured. If you’re working with a wedding planner, this is something you’ll be informed of very early in the process.
Outdoor and private ceremonies require you to bring witnesses
If you’re planning a ceremony outside of the town hall, whether at the beach, in a park, or at a private venue, you will be responsible for arranging your own witnesses. Outdoor weddings in Denmark offer a unique and unforgettable atmosphere, but they also require additional coordination. See our post about some of the best wedding venues around Denmark.
The registrar may not be accompanied by staff, and the ceremony may take place in a location where no other people are present. In those cases, it’s essential to bring two adult witnesses with you who can be part of your ceremony and sign the documents.
This is particularly important to consider if you’re eloping or planning a destination wedding without guests. You might need to ask locals, friends living in Denmark, or acquaintances to be there on the day to fulfil the legal requirement.
You will always be informed in advanced
A key point to keep in mind is that you will never be left guessing about whether witnesses are needed. Whether you’re booking your ceremony through the local municipality or with the help of Wedding Planner Denmark, you’ll be told clearly and early whether you must bring witnesses or not. It’s not something you’ll be told last minute, and it certainly won’t come as a surprise when you arrive at the town hall for your ceremony.
This clarity is one of the many reasons Denmark has become such a trusted destination for international weddings. The process is efficient, well-organised, and designed to eliminate unnecessary stress for couples.
How Wedding Planner Denmark helps you prepare
While Wedding Planner Denmark does not provide witnesses, they play a vital role in helping you understand the requirements to get married in Denmark. From the very beginning of the process, you’ll be advised on whether your chosen city hall includes witnesses or whether you need to make arrangements yourself. This means you can plan ahead, coordinate travel for your guests if needed, and enjoy peace of mind knowing everything is under control.
The team at Wedding Planner Denmark is highly experienced in working with foreign couples getting married in Denmark. We’ll help you with preparing the required documents, booking an appointment at the town hall and much more. See all or prices and services here.
While the legal requirement for witnesses is a fixed part of getting married in Denmark, it is not something that should cause you stress. With the right information and support, it becomes one of the simplest parts of the planning process. In many cases, the town hall takes care of it for you. And in cases where you need to provide witnesses, you will have plenty of time to plan and prepare.
What matters most is that you’re well-informed before your wedding day arrives. With the guidance of Wedding Planner Denmark, you’ll never be caught off guard.