Getting married in Denmark is one of the most popular choices for international couples seeking a quick, stress-free and legally valid civil wedding in Europe. Thanks to its streamlined process, minimal bureaucracy and flexible requirements, Denmark has become the top destination for couples who want to marry legally without delays, paperwork obstacles or unnecessary costs.
Denmark is known for:
Fast approval times for marriage applications
No need for birth certificates or single status documents in most cases
Acceptance of international couples (including mixed nationalities and tourists)
Beautiful city halls and romantic settings for civil ceremonies
If you’re looking to get married in Denmark as a foreign couple, this is one of the easiest and most efficient countries in Europe to do it legally.
You can learn more about the process, what documents you’ll need, and how to benefit from our Expert Support and discover why so many couples choose Denmark for their dream wedding.
One of the reasons Denmark is so popular for international weddings is its flexible and straightforward documentation process. Whether you’re from the EU or outside Europe, the requirements are designed to accommodate couples from all backgrounds.
Here’s what you typically need to submit:
Valid ID: Passport or national ID card for both partners
Proof of Marital Status: If previously married, this includes a divorce decree or death certificate.
Proof of Legal Residence (for non-EU nationals): This can be a visa, residence card, or another official document proving you live legally in your current country
Proof of Address: Recent utility bill or government-issued letter showing your name and residential address
Depending on your situation, the Danish Agency of Family Law or the City Hall may request additional documentation. That’s why it’s essential to have your case reviewed early to avoid delays or rejections.
If you’d like a personal checklist of the exact documents you need for your wedding in Denmark, feel free to Contact us or start your application here.
Once your documents are ready, the next step is to submit your marriage application to the Danish Agency of Family Law (Familieretshuset). This authority is responsible for reviewing all wedding applications in Denmark and ensuring they meet legal requirements.
The process includes:
Filling out the online marriage application form
Uploading or mailing your required documents
Paying the non-refundable government fee (currently 282 EUR)
In most cases, approval can be issued within 5 working days, making this one of the fastest legal marriage processes in Europe. For the best results, ensure that your documents are complete and submitted correctly the first time.
Once your marriage application has been reviewed, the Danish Agency of Family Law (Familieretshuset) will issue a Certificate of Marital Status this is the official approval allowing you to legally get married in Denmark.
If your documents are complete and correct, you can typically receive this wedding approval within just five working days.
Your approval is valid for four months, giving you the flexibility to choose a wedding date and location that suits your travel plans.
We strongly recommend that you do not book flights or accommodation until you have received this approval, as it is a legal requirement before any ceremony can be confirmed.
Once your application has been approved by the Danish Agency of Family Law, we are ready to book your wedding ceremony. Denmark offers a wide range of romantic and legally recognized wedding locations, making it easy to find the perfect setting for your special day.
Popular ceremony options include:
Charming local town halls with beautiful, historic interiors perfect for civil weddings.
Outdoor locations such as beaches, lakesides, or scenic parks for a natural atmosphere.
Landmarks and cultural sites including castles, gardens, and other unique venues across Denmark.
Civil marriage ceremonies in Denmark are typically short (about 10 minutes) and can be conducted in Danish or English. If needed, an interpreter can be arranged to ensure full understanding during your vows and the signing of the marriage license.
Make sure to book early if you wish to marry in popular locations like Copenhagen or Ærø, especially during peak wedding season.
On your wedding day in Denmark, the process is designed to be simple, fast, and memorable. Here’s what to expect:
Bring the following:
Your original passports or national ID cards
(The same documents used during your application process)
Witnesses, if required
(Most town halls in Denmark provide official witnesses free of charge if you don’t bring your own)
The ceremony itself is:
Short and civil, typically lasting about 10 minutes
Conducted in German or English
Held in beautiful wedding rooms or at special locations (for couples who book private ceremonies)
Immediately after the ceremony, you will receive:
Your official international marriage certificate, which is printed in five languages (Danish, English, German, Spanish, and French)
This certificate is legally valid worldwide and can be used for immigration, visa, or name change purposes depending on your country.
After your legal wedding ceremony in Denmark, you will receive your official Danish marriage certificate right away.
This certificate is:
Issued in multiple languages: Danish, English, German, Spanish, and French
Accepted in most countries around the world
Designed for easy use in immigration cases, name change processes, and legal registration of your marriage abroad
Thanks to Denmark’s international recognition, couples who marry here avoid lengthy bureaucratic processes in their home countries. The multilingual format ensures that you can submit your marriage certificate to authorities without needing a translation in most cases.
If your home country requires further legalization (such as an Apostille stamp), we can handle that process for you. See our Apostille Service page for full details.
No Residency Requirement
You do not need to live in Denmark to get married here. This makes it one of the most accessible destinations for international couples who want to get legally married in Europe without residency restrictions.
Progressive and Inclusive Approach
Denmark has a modern and inclusive marriage policy. It welcomes:
Mixed-nationality couples
Interfaith or intercultural partnerships
This inclusive framework has made Denmark a leading destination for foreigners getting married in Europe.
Flexible Timelines for Marriage in Denmark
From submitting your application to saying “I do,” the process can be completed in just a few weeks perfect for couples who need a fast civil wedding or are on a tight schedule.
Planning a legal wedding in Denmark might seem complex, especially if you’re living abroad but with Wedding Planner Denmark, it doesn’t have to be. We specialize in helping international couples get married in Denmark simply, legally, and without stress.
Whether you need help with your marriage application, finding the right wedding venue, or arranging Apostille legalization, we’re here to guide you through each step of the process. Our team has helped hundreds of couples from around the world, and we’re ready to help you too.
Start Planning Your Wedding in Denmark Today
If you’re ready to begin or just have questions about how to get married in Denmark, we’d love to hear from you. Let’s talk about your situation and how we can make your Danish wedding experience as easy and unforgettable as possible.
Contact us today and let’s start planning the wedding day you’ve been dreaming of.
While getting married in Denmark offers many benefits such as simplicity, speed, and international recognition it’s also fair to highlight a few practical considerations that some couples may face. Being transparent helps you plan better and avoid surprises.
Here are a few potential challenges:
Higher travel and accommodation costs: Denmark is known for its high living standards, and depending on the season, hotels and flights can be expensive.
Unpredictable weather: Especially during autumn and winter, the Danish climate can be cold, windy, or rainy which may impact your outdoor photos or travel experience.
Popular venues may be fully booked: Iconic locations like Copenhagen City Hall are in high demand. Couples often need to book 8 – 10 weeks in advance to secure a date there.
That said, most couples find the process still faster and easier than in their own countries. And with the right guidance, even these small obstacles can be managed smoothly.
One of the most attractive parts of getting married in Denmark is that you don’t need a lawyer. The process is designed to be accessible especially for international couples getting married in Denmark.
While you can apply directly to the Danish Agency of Family Law, many couples prefer to use a professional wedding agency in Denmark. Here’s why:
Faster and stress-free process: Agencies know the system and handle all the paperwork for you.
Lower overall cost: A lawyer might charge high hourly fees, while a wedding agency offers fixed packages with full service.
Better experience: Wedding planners offer personal guidance, fast answers, and practical help from start to finish.
No hidden fees: Reputable agencies are transparent and experienced in dealing with international couples.
Choosing a trusted wedding agency means you avoid costly mistakes, long waiting times, and frustrating communication delays with Danish authorities.
Denmark is known for its chilly winters and limited sunshine during the colder months. That’s why many couples choose to get married in Denmark during spring or summer, when the weather is milder and the days are longer.
However, if you don’t mind the cold, a winter wedding in Denmark can be incredibly romantic. Picture saying your vows on a snowy day, surrounded by peaceful silence and magical winter scenery. Best of all, City Halls in Denmark are often less busy during winter, making it easier to secure your ideal wedding date.
Just dress warmly, and get ready to enjoy the cozy Danish atmosphere complete with delicious cookies and a cup of hot coffee or chocolate after your ceremony.
Denmark offers a wide range of beautiful City Halls for weddings, each with its own charm. Some are modern and minimalistic, others are historic and located in scenic or tourist-friendly areas. Couples can choose the perfect place to say “I do” depending on their personal style and preferences. (See our list of wedding locations here.)
Among all the options, Copenhagen City Hall remains the most requested venue. Its majestic architecture, central location, and historical atmosphere make it a top choice for international couples looking to get married in Denmark.
Because of this high demand, couples often have to wait up to two months to secure a ceremony slot at Copenhagen City Hall.
But don’t worry there are many beautiful alternatives across Denmark where you can get married more quickly, especially if you’re flexible with the season or location. In fact, many couples find hidden gems in other towns, where City Hall weddings are just as meaningful and more readily available.
Dreaming of a fairytale wedding in Denmark? Take the first step to contact us for details or ask us questions that you may have. 💛
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