While Denmark offers one of the most accessible marriage systems in Europe, the process still relies heavily on correct documentation and procedural accuracy.
Submitting an incomplete or incorrect application can lead to delays, rejections, and disrupted wedding plans. This article provides clear guidance on who must apply through the Agency of Family Law, what challenges may arise, how long delays can extend, and what steps to take if your application doesn’t go as planned.
You must apply to the Agency of Family Law if either you or your partner is not a Danish or Nordic citizen, does not hold an indefinite residence permit in Denmark, or does not have an indefinite right to reside under the Executive Order on Residence in Denmark. In contrast, if both of you are Danish or Nordic citizens or hold indefinite residence rights in Denmark, you can apply directly through the municipality of your choice. Applying through the incorrect channel is a common pitfall that can lead to immediate delays.
Many rejections occur due to issues with documentation. The most frequent problems involve missing files, unclear scans, or incorrect formats. Documents that are not officially translated or fail to meet Danish legalisation requirements can be instantly disqualified. Even something as simple as a blurry passport image may result in rejection.
Another source of delay is incomplete or mismatched visa and passport information. If a visa has expired or immigration stamps are unreadable, this can raise red flags. In some instances, the Agency might suspect that a marriage is pro forma, arranged solely for immigration purposes. These suspicions may trigger a request for interviews. Missing such an interview often leads to automatic rejection, and in such cases, the decision usually cannot be appealed.
Not submitting the correct documents is another reason for rejections or delays. See all the documents you’ll need or might need here.
A rejection has several immediate consequences. The application fee of DKK 1,800 is non-refundable, and a new application must be submitted in full. This includes preparing all documentation again and, most likely, adjusting your wedding plans and travel arrangements.
Timeframes can become unpredictable. While the Agency of Family Law officially aims to respond within five working days, real-world processing times may stretch into weeks, especially if your case was previously flagged or during peak seasons.
Prevention starts with precision. Every document you submit should be complete, clearly scanned, and correctly formatted. If legalisation is required, such as an apostille, ensure it’s acquired in advance. Translations must be done by authorised professionals familiar with Danish requirements.
Pay special attention to your passport and visa pages. Immigration stamps should be clearly legible and correspond with the timeline and details in your application. If anything seems inconsistent, include a written explanation with your submission to preempt queries.
If you receive a request for additional information from the Agency, respond as quickly and accurately as possible. Each new request restarts your waiting pe
Applying to marry in Denmark may seem straightforward, but it’s a detail-sensitive administrative process. One minor oversight can set you back weeks. Professional wedding planners specialising in Danish marriage applications can navigate the system effectively, helping you avoid errors that often lead to rejection.
For couples dealing with complex personal histories, immigration challenges, or previous legal marriages, expert help can mean the difference between success and delay. These specialists also keep up to date with the latest procedural changes and have experience liaising with Danish authorities.
At Wedding Planner Denmark, we have helped hundreds of couples get married in Denmark. If you have tried completing the process yourselves and it got delayed or rejected, we can help you . Contact us today to get started.
Enter your name and email below to receive your free list of required documents and get started!
© 2024 Wedding Planner Denmark – All rights served.
