get married in Denmark as a foreigner in 5 steps

from someone who’s seen it all

Let me start with this: getting married in Denmark is doable and it’s also surprisingly simple. That is, once you know the path.
Denmark offers a smooth process that many couples prefer, rather than swimming in papers back home.

I’ve worked with countless couples from all types of situations - EU citizens, non-EU nationals, expats, people with complicated stories like illegal marriages where they’re from, or divorce decrees and death certificates to submit. The stories change, but the common thread is that Denmark works. Especially if you're feeling stuck somewhere else.

Let’s see it step-by-step so you don’t get lost.

Step 1:

Understand Why Denmark

A lot of people - especially people living in Germany - end up here because they’ve hit walls elsewhere. In many countries, marriage applications take months and require too much paperwork. In Denmark, you’re often looking at weeks and waaay less paperwork.

And you don’t need to be living in Denmark or hold a residence permit (though if you do have residence in Denmark, it helps smooth the ride). In most case, you don’t even need a birth certificate.

So if you’re short on time or patience, this country just makes sense.

Step 2:

Paperwork You’ll Actually Need

Now, this part matters because Denmark is efficient, but it’s not sloppy: you’ll still need to show you're legally free to marry. According to Getting Married In Denmark, the best marriage application service (so good that I’ve hired them for my own wedding), here’s what to gather:

• A valid passport or ID card (make sure it's not expired)

• Proof of residence (if you have residence in Denmark or elsewhere)

• A divorce decree if you’ve previously been married

• A death certificate if you're a widow or widower

• And - please note - you’ll need to apply for a certificate of marital status in many cases

They’ll want it in English, German, or Danish. Otherwise, get it translated. Don’t wait till the last minute on that - trust me, I’ve seen panic the day before a wedding more times than I can count.

You can also have a look at this Reddit thread about weddings in Copenhagen.

Step 3:

Apply Through the Agency of Family Law

You’ll submit everything through Denmark’s Agency of Family Law. That’s the gatekeeper. They review your docs and - if everything checks out - they’ll approve your application and forward it to the town where you plan to marry.

It will usually take 1–2 weeks to get approval. But if there’s missing info or unclear documents it will take longer (so, double-check everything before you submit).

Step 4:

Pick a Place for Your Wedding Ceremony

Once your application is approved by the Agency of Family Law, it's time to choose where the magic happens: your wedding ceremony location. And honestly, this is where it starts to feel real.

The most common choice is Copenhagen City Hall, because it’s easy to reach, easy to find vendors, easy to do anything really.

And it’s also iconic: grand without being over-the-top, historical and modern at the same time. Copenhagen City Hall has a unique vibe, with its marble floors, high ceilings, and the big wooden doors. It’s not the usual town hall, where you get married in the meeting room, or next to the unemployed office.

But Denmark isn’t only about Copenhagen. Some couples prefer smaller, more intimate towns like Ærø, an island that feels almost too romantic to be real. It’s a place out of this world, and one of my absolutely favorites, with sea views, cobbled streets, charming old buildings. And the best smoked salmon in the world.

Others go for places like Ribe, the oldest town in Denmark, where you can walk out of the town hall and straight into medieval atmosphere.

There are also Odense, Stevns Klint, Roskilde, Tønder, Fanø, Møn, and more, each with its own feel and rhythm.

If you’re unsure which city fits your vibe, it’s worth looking at pictures of the town halls or even asking your photographer (hi 👋) for suggestions. I’ve been to most of them, and some towns just feel right depending on who you are and what kind of story you want to tell.

There is really everything here, from a city wedding to cozy countryside and coastal fields, from old-world charm to dramatic nature.

Step 5:

Travel + Get Married

Now comes the fun part, your wedding day. Bring your original documents. You don’t even need witnesses (some towns provide them for you) unless otherwise stated.

It’s simple, personal, emotional in that “we really made it” way.

And afterward, you get your marriage certificate in multiple languages, that’s accepted in most countries. But please note: some places may require legalization or an apostille. Check with your home country’s authorities just to be sure.

A Few Tips From Someone Who's Seen It All

Some couples think they can "wing it": they arrive with documents missing, or something untranslated. Don’t do this to yourself.

1. Be honest on your form. If you’ve previously been married, say so. If you’ve changed names, explain it. The more transparent you are, the faster things go.

2. EU citizens usually have an easier ride. If you're from outside the EU and don’t hold a residence permit, just be extra cautious with documents. It’s not impossible, it just means paying attention on what you submit matters even more.

Final Thoughts (From Behind the Lens)

As a wedding photographer, I get a front-row seat to all of this: the stress before the ceremony, the sigh of relief after, the moments when a couple realizes "this is really happening".

I’ve photographed couples who waited years to get approval back home. And here they’re done in 30 minutes.

So if you're looking for a wedding without stress, that respects your timeline, and actually feels like your day, consider Denmark.

Not just because it’s easier. But because it feels like someone finally thought that it doesn’t have to be that hard.

If you’re planning your wedding ceremony in Denmark, you’ll want an experienced photographer, someone who’s seen hundreds of weddings and knows how to capture the real moments without making it feel staged.

Get in touch here to check my availability.

Let’s make your special day unforgettable.