struggling with German wedding paperwork? here’s why so many expats choose Denmark instead
If you’re living in Germany and trying to get married, you’ve probably realized how complicated the process can be. Between document translations, long wait times, and unclear requirements, it’s enough to make anyone feel stuck.
You’re not alone. A lot of expat couples find themselves frustrated by how long and unpredictable it can be to legally marry in Germany. The good news is, there’s another option - and it’s a lot easier.
Here’s why more and more international couples are heading to Denmark to get their wedding sorted.
why it’s so hard to get married in Germany as an expat
Germany has strict rules about marriage, especially for people who weren’t born there. Every state - and sometimes every city - handles things a little differently. Couples get inconsistent information from local offices, which makes it hard to know exactly what documents you need or how long the process will take.
Couple have to face many issues, like needing an official translations of foreign documents, or being asked for documents that don’t exist in your home country.
The documentation requirements are simply too hard to meet and the wait time can drag for months.
It’s not impossible. But it’s slow, confusing, and often stressful. That’s why a lot of couples look elsewhere.
why Denmark? it’s simpler, faster, and still fully legal
Denmark has become known as one of the easiest places in Europe for international couples to get legally married. We always say that Copenhagen is like Vegas, but prettier.
The rules are much more flexible, and the process is designed to be fast and clear.
Here’s what makes it work:
You don’t need to live in Denmark
You can apply online
You’ll usually get approval within a couple of weeks
Ceremonies are offered in English and sometimes in German too
Denmark fully recognizes LGBTQIA+ and international couples
The marriage is legal everywhere in the world
You don’t need a lawyer. You don’t need to wait for months. You just need the right documents and a plan.
what the process looks like
Getting married in Denmark is surprisingly simple. Once you choose where you’d like to have the ceremony - places like Copenhagen, Ærø, or Stevns Klint are popular - you send your documents online for approval. The process usually takes just a week or two.
The paperwork itself is fairly easy, especially compared to what many expats deal with in Germany. But if you don’t feel like handling it yourself, there are excellent agencies that can do it all for you. Services like Getting Married in Denmark help with everything from document submission to booking your ceremony date. They’ve done it thousands of times and make things even smoother.
Once everything is set, you just travel to Denmark, say your vows, and walk away legally married, without the stress, long waits, or endless back-and-forth.
want to make it beautiful too?
Getting married in Denmark doesn’t mean just signing papers. Many couples choose to turn the trip into a small wedding experience - with photos, a dinner, and a chance to enjoy one of the most beautiful cities in Europe.
I’m a wedding photographer based in Copenhagen. I work with international couples who want to capture their day in a simple, honest way. Not surprisingly, half of them come from Germany.
You don’t need a huge guest list or a big venue to make it meaningful. You just need the right photographer who can see who you really are. No poses, no fluff.
If you're planning to come to Denmark for your wedding, I’d be happy to help you capture it.
I only take on a small number of weddings each month so I can give each couple my full attention. If you think we might be a good fit, I'd love to hear from you.