How to Get Married in Denmark as a Foreigner: Step by Step Guide

If you're a foreigner looking for the perfect place to tie the knot, Denmark may be the ideal destination for your wedding.

With its simple and straightforward legal requirements, getting married in Denmark can be a stress-free and enjoyable experience.

This guide will walk you through the steps to plan your dream wedding in Denmark.

Choose a wedding location in Denmark

Denmark offers a variety of beautiful locations for your wedding, from historic castles to scenic beaches. Consider the atmosphere you want for your special day and choose a location that fits your vision.

The most popular wedding locations in Denmark are:

Copenhagen City Hall

Located in the heart of the city, this is a beautiful example of Danish architecture. The building is known for its iconic clock tower and beautiful interior decorations. Getting married here offers a romantic and historic setting in one of Europe's most vibrant cities.

Frederiksberg Town Hall

Different name, different Town Hall, but we’re still in Copenhagen. The Town Hall of Frederiksberg is situated near a beautiful park called Frederiksberg Have, and has a stunning modern façade. The interiors are equally beautiful with elegant chandeliers and intricate decorations. The location offers a quiet and peaceful ambiance, perfect for an intimate ceremony.

Stevns Klint

Stevns is a beautiful coastal area located in southeastern Denmark. The town hall here is located in the charming town of Store Heddinge and it’s conveniently close to the sea. The location is perfect for couples who love nature and want a beautiful outdoor wedding.
If you want, you can bring the register from Town Hall to a beautiful church by a cliff. The location is a UNESCO site and the view from the church is incredible.

Ærø Island

The Town Hall of Ærøskøbing is located in the picturesque island of Ærø. The town is known for its historic houses and cobblestone streets, and the island itself is a beautiful example of Danish countryside life. Getting married here offers a unique and romantic experience. Perfect if you wish to have a little getaway from city life.

Ribe

Ribe is the oldest town in Denmark and is known for its rich history and beautiful architecture. The Town Hall is located in the heart of the town and offers a beautiful setting for a wedding. The interiors are elegant with beautiful decorations and chandeliers, making it perfect for a grand and luxurious ceremony.
It’s the ideal location if you plan to drive to Denmark from Germany or France.

Keep in mind that some locations may require a longer waiting period or additional paperwork, so be sure to research the requirements for your chosen location.

Gather all necessary documents and paperwork

Before you can get married in Denmark as a foreigner, you will need to gather all necessary documents and paperwork.

Here’s a comprehensive list that the people from the agency Getting Married in Denmark have prepared.

Make sure to research the specific requirements for your situation and location to ensure that you have all necessary documents in order.

Book an appointment with the local municipality

Once you have gathered all necessary documents, the next step is to book an appointment with the local municipality where you plan to get married. This can typically be done online or by phone. During the appointment, you will need to provide all of your documents and pay any necessary fees. The municipality will then review your application and, if everything is in order, issue a marriage license.

It’s important to note that there may be a waiting period before the license is issued, so be sure to plan accordingly. Once you have the license, you are free to schedule your wedding ceremony.

Attend the wedding ceremony and sign the marriage certificate

The final step in getting married in Denmark as a foreigner is to come here and get married! In other words, attend the wedding ceremony and sign the marriage certificate. This can be done at the municipality or at a location of your choice. Be sure to bring your passports and marriage license.

After the ceremony, the marriage certificate will be signed by you, your spouse, and any witnesses (you don’t need to bring anybody, they will provide witnesses for you), and then registered with the municipality.

Congratulations, you are now officially married in Denmark!

Register your marriage with your home country's authorities

After getting married in Denmark as a foreigner, it’s important to register your marriage with the authorities in your home country. This will ensure that your marriage is recognized and legal in your home country.

The process for registering your marriage will vary depending on your country of origin, so be sure to research the requirements and necessary documents needed. Some countries may require a translated and legalized copy of your marriage certificate, so it’s important to plan ahead and allow enough time for this process.

So far we’ve talked about the bureaucratic process of getting married: although a marriage is a legal contract, this doesn't mean you can't infuse it with romance and create a truly magical day.

After all, the act of committing yourself to another person is one of the most profound and meaningful experiences in life, and there's no reason why it can't also be beautiful and romantic.

Whether you choose to have a small, intimate ceremony or a grand affair, the most important thing is that you celebrate your love in a way that feels authentic and meaningful to you as a couple. So go ahead and create the wedding of your dreams.

And don’t forget to book your photographer, to remember this moment forever!