Getting married in Denmark: Complete guide for couples

Getting married in Denmark is possible for couples from all over the world, and the process is more straightforward than many expect.

This guide gives you a full overview in the right order, with links to our detailed pages for every step, from the legal requirements to the wedding day itself.

Getting married in Denmark: your step-by-step overview

1. Check the requirements for marrying in Denmark – who can marry and which documents you need
   
   

2. Apply through Familieretshuset – the marriage application explained step by step
   
   

3. Choose where to get married – our guide to the best town halls in Denmark
   
   

4. Plan your wedding in Denmark – timing, photographer, flowers and accommodation
   
   

5. Enjoy your wedding in Denmark – the ceremony, the traditions and ideas for the day.

   
   
   
   

Step 1: Check the requirements for marrying in Denmark

Both partners must be at least 18 years old, and same-sex couples marry on exactly the same terms as everyone else. Which documents you need depends on your nationality, your marital status, and where you live, so it pays to check this before you book anything.

Our guide to the requirements for marrying in Denmark walks you through the rules and the paperwork couples are most often asked for.

Step 2: Apply through Familieretshuset

If either of you is not a Danish or Nordic citizen and does not hold a permanent residence permit in Denmark, your application is handled by the Danish Agency for Family Law (Familieretshuset). You can apply at the earliest about four months before your wedding, and a fee applies to the application.

Read how the Familieretshuset marriage application works to see every step from start to approval.

Step 3: Choose where to get married

Civil ceremonies take place at town halls across the country. Copenhagen City Hall is the best-known choice, but Denmark has several other beautiful venues, each with its own atmosphere and practical details.

Compare them in our guide to the best town halls to get married in Denmark.

Step 4: Plan your wedding day

Once you know where and roughly when you will marry, it is time to think about the rest: a timeline for your trip, a photographer, flowers, a restaurant and a place to stay. Starting early makes it easier to get the dates and suppliers you want.

Use our checklist to plan your wedding in Denmark, from first ideas to the last detail.

Step 5: Make it a day to remember

A Danish wedding can be as intimate or as festive as you like. Get inspired by the ceremony, local traditions and ways to celebrate in our guide to a wedding in Denmark.

Frequently asked questions about getting married in Denmark

Can foreigners get married in Denmark?

Yes. Couples from abroad can marry in Denmark, provided they meet the conditions and have their documents approved first. See the full list of requirements.

Do we need to live in Denmark to get married there?

No. Couples living abroad can marry in Denmark. The paperwork simply goes through Familieretshuset, as described in our application guide.

Is same-sex marriage allowed in Denmark?

Yes. Same-sex marriage is legal in Denmark, and all couples marry on equal terms.

How early should we start?

Start as soon as you have a rough date in mind. Collecting documents from your home country can take time, and popular venues fill up. Our wedding planning guide helps you set a realistic timeline.

Where is the best place to get married in Denmark?

It depends on the atmosphere you want. We have compared the most popular options in our town hall guide.

Official information

Rules, fees and processing times can change, so always confirm the current requirements with the authorities before you book:

• Familieretshuset (Danish Agency for Family Law)
• Borger.dk

Ready to begin? Start with the requirements for marrying in Denmark.

 

 

 

 

 

Why Denmark is Europe’s top wedding destination

Thousands of international couples travel to Denmark every year to celebrate their wedding in Denmark. Often referred to as the easiest and most welcoming place in Europe for civil ceremonies, the country combines efficient public administration with world-class hospitality and scenic backdrops.

 

 

1) Easy bureaucracy & fast processing

Unlike many European countries that require months of complex paperwork, residence requirements, or bureaucratic delays, Denmark offers a centralized digital process.

Applications from non-residents are handled online through a single government agency, making it straightforward to apply from abroad and plan your trip with predictable timelines.

 

 

2) Worldwide legal recognition

A Danish marriage is legally binding and internationally recognized across the globe. After the ceremony, you receive an official marriage certificate issued in five languages, making the registration process in your home country or country of residence smooth and transparent.

 

3) Same-Sex & LGBTQ+ friendly laws

Denmark has a long history of progressive equality, having introduced registered partnerships for same-sex couples in 1989 and full marriage equality in 2012.

Foreign same-sex couples follow the exact same digital application and ceremony procedures as opposite-sex couples, with warm and inclusive venues across the country.

 

 

Legal requirements and necessary documents

To marry in Denmark, all foreign couples must obtain approval from the Danish authorities before booking a wedding date. Ensuring your documents meet official standards from the start prevents processing delays.

 

Document Checklist (Passports, Divorce Decrees, Civil Status Certificates)

• Valid Passports or National ID Cards: Full-color copies of all pages (including covers and blank pages).
  
  

• Proof of civil status: A certificate of marital status, single status affidavit, or equivalent issued by your country of origin or official residence, typically dated within the last 4 months.
  
  

• Divorce decrees or death certificates: If previously married, official and finalized decrees showing the marriage has been legally dissolved.
  
  

• Official translations: Any document not in Danish, English, or German must be translated by a certified translator.

 

 

Legal Entry and Visa Requirements (Schengen, EU, US, UK Citizens)

You must prove that both partners are legally present in the Schengen Area at the time of the wedding. Accepted documentation includes:

• EU/EEA citizenship: Valid passport or national identity card.
  
  

• Visa-free travel: Entry stamps or valid travel documents for citizens of countries with 90-day Schengen visa waivers (e.g., USA, UK, Canada, Australia).
  
  

• Visas & residence permits: Valid Schengen tourist visas (C-visa) or valid residence permits from any Schengen member state.

 

Step-by-step application process via Familieretshuset (AFL) 

All international couples marrying in Denmark must first apply for a Certificate of Marital Capacity (Prøvelsesattest) through the Agency of Family Law (Familieretshuset).

Step 1: Submitting your application online

Complete the digital application form on the Familieretshuset official portal. You will upload clear, high-resolution scans of all required personal identification, status documents, and travel documentation.

Step 2: Paying the government processing fee

Pay the non-refundable statutory processing fee directly via the online portal upon submission. This fee covers the legal review of your case by the central authority.

Step 3: Receiving the certificate of marital capacity (Prøvelsesattest)

Once approved, Familieretshuset issues your Prøvelsesattest digitally. This certificate confirms you meet all legal requirements to marry under Danish law and is valid for 4 months from the date of issue.

Step 4: Booking the town hall ceremony

Forward your approved certificate to your chosen Danish municipality (Kommune) or wedding coordinator to confirm your ceremony date, pay the local municipal fee, and finalize your travel arrangements.

 

 

Best places to get married in Denmark

Whether you prefer a historic capital setting, a peaceful island elopement, or a romantic castle ceremony, Denmark offers distinct venues tailored to every travel style.

Copenhagen City Hall & Urban elopements

The historic Copenhagen City Hall (Københavns Rådhus) on Rådhuspladsen is one of Denmark's most iconic wedding venues. Featuring grand architectural halls, intimate ceremony rooms, and dedicated multilingual staff, it is ideal for couples seeking an urban celebration combined with Copenhagen’s vibrant culinary and cultural scene.

Ærø Island: The fairytale wedding destination

Located in the South Funen Archipelago, the island of Ærø is renowned across Europe for its cobblestone streets, colorful 18th-century half-timbered houses, and dramatic coastal cliffs. Ærøskøbing offers a picturesque, relaxed island atmosphere specifically catering to international elopements and small ceremonies.

 

Historic Castles, Manors & Coastal Settings

Couples looking for a regal or nature-oriented ceremony can choose from historic estates, Renaissance castles, and windswept North Sea beaches across Jutland and Zealand. Many local municipalities permit outdoor ceremonies in public parks, coastal reserves, and private historic manors upon prior arrangement.

 

See more about best places to get married in Denmark

 

Post-wedding logistics: Legalizing your Danish marriage certificate

Following your ceremony, completing the proper legalization steps ensures your marriage is recognized by immigration offices, embassies, and local registries worldwide.

The 5-Language International Marriage Certificate

Upon conclusion of the ceremony, the registrar issues your original Danish marriage certificate. The document is officially printed in five languages: Danish, English, German, French, and Spanish, eliminating the need for further translation in most international jurisdictions.

Apostille Stamp via the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs

For countries that are members of the Hague Apostille Convention (including the US, UK, and most non-EU nations), your certificate must receive an Apostille stamp from the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Udenrigsministeriet). This can be done in person in Copenhagen or by post, verifying the authenticity of the registrar's signature for foreign legal use.

 

 

 

Frequently asked questions about marriage in Denmark

 

• Can tourists get married in Denmark? Yes. You do not need to be a resident of Denmark. A valid tourist visa or visa-free Schengen entry is sufficient.
  
  

• How fast is the approval process? The standard review time at Familieretshuset is typically 5 to 7 business days from the date of complete document submission.
  
  

• Are witnesses provided? Yes. Most Danish town halls can supply two official witnesses for your ceremony upon request, often free of charge or for a nominal fee.