How Long Do I Have to Stay in Denmark To Get Married?
If you’re considering getting married in Denmark as an international couple, one of the most common questions is: “How long do we actually need to be in the country?”. It’s a relevant country, as some people want to return to their home country to celebrate the wedding with family and friends.
Fortunately, Denmark is known for its flexibility, efficiency, and openness to foreign couples – and in many cases, it’s possible to get legally married with just a one-day visit.
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Is it possible to get married in Denmark in just one day?
Yes, you can get legally married in Denmark even if you’re only in the country for a single day. As long as all your documents are submitted and approved in advance, the actual ceremony can take place within a short visit. Many couples travel to Denmark in the morning, have their ceremony at a city hall, and leave the same or following day. This makes Denmark an especially attractive option for couples with limited time or tight schedules.
However, it’s important to remember that while your stay can be short, proper planning and document handling must take place before you arrive. This includes submitting all necessary paperwork to the Agency of Family Law and receiving approval ahead of time. That’s where a wedding planner becomes invaluable, ensuring that everything is in place for your brief and beautiful visit.
For couples coming from Germany or other parts of Central Europe, this process is even more convenient. Several Danish town halls are located just across the Danish-German border, making it possible to drive up, get married, and return the same day. Alternatively, international couples often fly into Copenhagen, Billund, or Aalborg and combine their wedding with a short romantic getaway.
That said, not all town halls operate the same way. Some may require you to appear in person the day before your wedding to show your passports or confirm your appointment. In these cases, it may not be possible to get married on the same day you arrive. This is why it’s essential to choose your location carefully and confirm the specific requirements of the town hall in advance—something a wedding planner can help you navigate with ease.
Whether you’re planning a quick trip or a longer stay, Denmark offers flexible options that suit your timeline. The key is in the preparation.
Do you need to stay longer for legal reasons?
No. Denmark does not require you to stay in the country for any minimum number of days before or after your ceremony. There are no residency requirements, and you are not legally obliged to stay overnight unless you wish to as part of your personal plans. What matters is that both partners are physically present on the day of the ceremony and that all required documents have been submitted and approved in advance.
If you are working with a wedding agency, they will make sure everything is in place before your arrival, so you can enjoy a smooth and stress-free experience.
Do you need to bring witnesses?
Having witnesses is a legal requirement when getting married in Denmark. However, you don’t necessarily have to bring witnesses yourself. The good news is that most town halls in Denmark can provide witnesses for your ceremony free of charge. This is particularly helpful for couples who are travelling alone or planning a small, intimate wedding without guests.
That said, it’s always a good idea to check in advance whether the town hall at your chosen location will be providing witnesses or if you’re expected to bring your own. This kind of information is usually clarified when you book your appointment, which is typically done well ahead of your wedding date. So there’s no need to worry or stress about it on the day of your ceremony. Everything will already be arranged.
If you’re bringing friends or family along, they are more than welcome to act as your witnesses, provided they are over 18 years of age. No ID is required from your own witnesses, and the entire process is designed to be simple, smooth and stress-free.
If you choose to work with a wedding agency to help you get married in Denmark, they will also take care of this detail for you, ensuring that either the town hall provides witnesses or making arrangements in advance, so you don’t have to think about it.
What if you don't speak Danish?
No problem at all. Denmark is a popular wedding destination for international couples precisely because of how accessible and welcoming it is. You do not need to speak Danish to get married here. Most of the official communication with Danish authorities, such as submitting documents, receiving approvals, and booking the ceremony, takes place in English. This makes it easy for international couples to navigate the process without language barriers.
When it comes to the ceremony itself, many town halls offer to conduct it in either English or Danish, and several also provide the option of having it in German. If neither of these languages works for you, it is often possible to request an interpreter, depending on the location.
Working with a professional wedding planner makes everything even easier. Your planner will communicate with the Danish authorities on your behalf, ensure that all documents are submitted correctly, and book your wedding ceremony for you. This way, you avoid misunderstandings and delays, and you can focus on enjoying the experience.
As mentioned in another post, you don’t need to speak Danish to get married in Denmark.
Hiring a wedding planner makes all the difference
While Denmark’s process is famously simple, having an experienced wedding planner by your side can make all the difference – especially if you’re hoping for a short stay. At Wedding Planner Denmark, we specialize in helping international couples marry easily and legally, no matter where in the world they come from.
Our Express Service or Copenhagen Express Service package is ideal if you’re short on time. With this option, we handle everything on your behalf and ensure you can get married within just two weeks from the start of the process. The ceremony itself can take as little as one day.
You can get started today by purchasing one of our services, or by contacting us.