Denmark has become one of the most popular destinations in Europe for international couples who wish to get married quickly and with minimal bureaucracy. The country is known for its efficient procedures, flexible documentation requirements and internationally recognised marriage certificates.
However, there are important differences between getting married in Denmark as an EU citizen and as a non EU citizen. Understanding these differences is essential for a smooth application process and to avoid unnecessary delays when submitting your documents to the Danish authorities.
As described in our guide to how long it takes to get married in Denmark, preparation and correct documentation are the key factors that determine how fast your wedding can take place.
All couples who wish to get married in Denmark must submit their application to the Danish Agency of Family Law. The authorities assess whether both parties meet the legal conditions for marriage under Danish law. This includes confirming identity, age, marital status and legal stay.
Denmark is known for its streamlined legal procedures and minimal paperwork compared to many other countries . However, the documentation requirements can vary depending on whether you are an EU citizen or a non EU citizen.
For EU citizens, the process is generally more straightforward due to the principle of free movement within the European Union.
EU citizens have the right to enter Denmark without a visa and can stay for up to 90 days without additional permits. This makes planning a wedding in Denmark much easier, especially for couples who want a quick ceremony.
There is no requirement for long term residency in Denmark before getting married. In many cases, EU couples can travel to Denmark, have their documents approved and complete the ceremony within a short timeframe, provided all paperwork is correctly submitted.
Although the process is simple, EU citizens must still provide:
The key advantage for EU citizens is that they usually do not need a visa and rarely face additional scrutiny regarding their right to stay in Denmark. See our page on the required documents for both EU and non-EU citizens here.
For non EU citizens, the process remains efficient compared to many other countries, but there are additional considerations you’ll have to be aware of before trying to get married in Denmark.
Denmark is widely known for welcoming international couples and simplifying marriage procedures for foreigners. However, non EU applicants must pay closer attention to immigration requirements.
Non EU citizens must document their legal stay in Denmark or another Schengen country at the time of application and at the time of the wedding ceremony.
If you require a Schengen visa to enter Denmark, this must be arranged before travelling. The Danish authorities will verify that you are legally present in the country. Overstaying a visa or lacking valid entry documentation can lead to rejection of the marriage application.
Importantly, Denmark does allow couples to get married while on a tourist visa, provided all legal stay requirements are met. This flexibility is one of the reasons Denmark has become a leading wedding destination for international couples.
Non EU citizens may be asked to provide:
In certain cases, authorities may request further clarification to ensure the marriage is genuine and complies with Danish law.
Once married, couples receive a Danish marriage certificate that is internationally recognised . This certificate can be used for administrative and legal purposes in other countries.
However, there may be differences in how the certificate is processed after the wedding.
For many EU countries, an Apostille is not required when using a Danish marriage certificate within the EU. Still, some authorities may request it depending on local administrative rules.
For non EU countries, especially those outside the European Union or outside the Hague Convention framework, an Apostille is often necessary to ensure legal recognition .
Applying for an Apostille in Denmark is a straightforward process handled by the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
In general, both EU and non EU couples benefit from Denmark’s efficient system. As explained in our overview of processing times, once the application is approved, couples can quickly schedule their ceremony at a Danish city hall.
The primary difference lies not in the ceremony itself but in the documentation phase:
Despite these differences, Denmark remains significantly faster and less bureaucratic than many other countries in Europe .
Whether you are an EU citizen or a non EU citizen, Denmark offers a transparent and predictable application process with no long residency requirements. Couples benefit from internationally recognised marriage certificates, flexible ceremony dates and the possibility of having the ceremony conducted in English.
The overall experience largely depends on how accurately and completely your documents are prepared and submitted. When the paperwork is handled correctly from the beginning and all nationality specific requirements are clearly understood, the process becomes smooth, efficient and stress free.
While EU citizens may experience a slightly simpler administrative path, non EU citizens can still get married in Denmark quickly with the right preparation.
The most important step is ensuring that all required documents are submitted correctly to the Danish Agency of Family Law and that visa and entry rules are fully respected.
If you are considering getting married in Denmark, our team can help you navigate the entire process, from document preparation to booking your ceremony at the right city hall. With proper guidance, both EU and non EU couples can enjoy a smooth, efficient and memorable wedding experience in Denmark.
