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Ah, Denmark. The land of fairy tales, stunning landscapes, and pastries that should come with a warning label. But did you know it’s also one of the easiest places in the world to get married? If the thought of a romantic, stress-free civil wedding makes your heart flutter, you’re in the right place. This guide is here to walk you through the steps of how to get married in Denmark as foreigners without losing your mind—or your paperwork.

Step 1: Why Get Married In Denmark? (Hint: It’s Easy-Peasy)

You don’t need to be Danish royalty to say “I do” in Denmark. Its marriage laws are famously simple, especially for international couples. Plus, who wouldn’t want wedding photos with cobblestone streets, historic City Halls, and dreamy Scandinavian vibes in the background?

Here’s the gist: Denmark welcomes couples from all over the world, regardless of race, gender, LGBTQA+. Whether you’re from Europe, Asia, or Mars, the process is straightforward as long as you’ve got your documents in order. (We’ll get to that part, don’t worry.)

For more information, please check the official website.

Step 2: Gather Your Paperwork

It’s important to note that the specific requirements may vary depending on your circumstances and the municipality where you plan to tie the knot. To avoid any last-minute surprises, I highly recommend consulting with the municipality or a professional wedding planner to ensure you have all the necessary documents in order. With proper guidance, you’ll breeze through this part of the process. Here are the documents typically required for a foreign national to get married in Denmark:

1. Valid Passport / EU ID card (everyone): You will need to provide a valid passport as proof of your identity.
2. Valid Visa/residence permit (if applicable): When entering and staying in Denmark as a citizen of a country outside the EU / EEA, you must hold a valid passport or another approved form of travel documentation.
3. Divorce Decree (if applicable): If you have been previously married and are now divorced, you will need to provide a divorce decree to prove that the marriage has been dissolved. The decree should be translated into Danish, English or German and legalized with an apostille stamp.
4. Proof of your relationship: This includes evidence such as flight tickets documenting visits to each other, a written account of your relationship story, proof of traveling together (like hotel bookings or travel receipts), photos capturing shared moments, and chat histories that reflect your genuine and ongoing connection.

Pro tip:

1. The Danish Agency of Family Law needs to read and understand your documents before approving your marriage application. If your documents are in Danish, English, German, or Nordic languages, you’re good to go. But if they’re in any other language, you’ll need to get them professionally translated into one of these accepted languages before submission.

2. Denmark requires all marriage application documents to be submitted digitally, either as PDFs or clear image files. No mailing or handing in physical copies here. The Danish Agency of Family Law (AFL) is very specific about document quality. Small mistakes, like unclear scans, missing corners, or dark images, can delay your application. The AFL might ask you to resubmit, which can add significant waiting time, especially during busy periods.

So, double-check everything before you hit send to avoid delays. While the AFL typically responds within five business days, resubmissions can stretch things out.

It’s important to note that these requirements may vary depending on your individual circumstances, and the municipality where you plan to get married may have additional requirements or requests. It’s recommended that you consult with the municipality or a professional wedding planner to ensure that you have all the necessary documents in order.

For more information about the specific requirements for getting married in Denmark as a foreign national, you can visit the official website of the Danish government’s Agency of Family Law.

Step 3: Submit your document to AFL

Once you have all the required documents, it’s time to make an appointment with the municipality where you plan to get married. The booking process is usually straightforward. You can reach out to the AFL and fill up the forms online. Submit your documents and cross your fingers for getting a YES within 5 business days.

Step 4: Book Your Wedding Date

Once you received a YES from the AFL, it’s the time to book your date!

Most city halls let you schedule online or by email. When you see all the appointments are marked red in their system, that means you need to contact the city hall by email. You can top it up to get an extra session during weekdays for kr. 1,500 and a private ceremony for kr. 3,800. (price quoted from Jan 2025).

Pro Tip: Book early, especially if you’re aiming for summer or Saturdays. Popular spots like Copenhagen City Hall can get busy faster than you can imagine.
Pro Tip 2: If you are really in a hurry to marry each other, try town halls which are not in Copenhagen nor nearby Copenhagen. eg, Helsingør, Ærø or even somewhere close to the German boarder. It will save you tremendously time of planning and negotiating and money too.

❗️ But do notice that it may also limit how many wedding vendors you can get for your big day to these places. Because a lot of good vendors are based in Copenhagen. So logistic might be something you are going to consider for the vendors and your guests who are attending your wedding.

Step 5: The Big Day!

It’s finally here—the day you’ve been dreaming about. Whether you’re exchanging vows at City Hall or at your designated location, the ceremony will be short, sweet, and oh-so-romantic. And don’t forget to bring witnesses if required (or ask the City Hall—they often have staff ready for you!).

Bonus: After the Wedding

Once the ceremony is done and you’re officially married, celebrate like the Danes do—with cozy hygge vibes. Head to a local café, take a canal cruise, or stroll through Tivoli Gardens. It’s your day; soak it all in!

❗️One thing to remember is that you need to bring your passport / visa / EU ID for the city hall to check either one day before your ceremony or 2 hours before your ceremony.

Bonus of A Bonus:

Denmark offers two options for your wedding ceremony: getting married at the town hall or opting for an approved location of your choice. If you choose the municipality, the ceremony will usually take place in a designated wedding room or hall.

However, for a more personalized and unique experience, consider tying the knot at an approved location like a beach, park, or castle. Make it “your day” by booking a registrar at your preferred location!

Pro tip: Planning an Open-Air Wedding in Copenhagen:

If you have your heart set on an open-air wedding in Copenhagen, you’re in luck! The official website provides detailed information on open-air wedding venues and services in the city. Whether you envision a beachfront ceremony or a historic building backdrop, the website lists various options to suit your taste. Don’t forget to jot down the contact details of relevant venues and service providers.

Getting married in Denmark is as simple as it is magical. With its straightforward process and stunning venues, it’s no wonder couples from around the world are flocking here to tie the knot. So, grab your passport, gather those papers, and get ready for the easiest (and most beautiful) wedding of your life.

Cheers to love, adventure, and a wedding day as stress-free as a Danish summer breeze!

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