Get Married in Denmark
Overview
Many couples choose to marry in Denmark due to long administrative processes in their home countries or simply for a unique ceremony. With over 15,000 weddings annually, Denmark is now one of Europe’s top destinations for marriage.
International couples can get married in Denmark without becoming Danish residents, provided they satisfy the Danish marriage conditions and can lawfully enter and stay in Denmark.
Most international applications are first assessed by the Danish Agency of Family Law. If the requirements are met, the Agency issues a Certificate of Marital Status authorising the couple to arrange a civil ceremony with a participating Danish municipality.
The application and ceremony are separate stages. Receiving the certificate does not automatically confirm a particular wedding location or date.
MWeds assesses the couple’s circumstances, provides tailored document instructions, prepares and coordinates the application and assists with arranging the civil ceremony and subsequent certificate formalities.
| Can same sex couples get married in Denmark? | YES |
| Can I change my surname? | NO |
| Is the wedding valid globally? | YES* |
| How long does it take to have my wedding done? | 1-4 months |
| Will I need to send any originals for the wedding application? | Only copies |
| Consultancy Fee | €390 (incl. VAT) |
| Application Fee | €305 |
Scheduling Note
Copenhagen City Hall may require several months of advance scheduling due to high demand.
Wedding Locations and Property Regime
Amanda and Gustavo
Where can I get married in Denmark?
Denmark offers ceremonies at most City Halls, but the most popular locations are Copenhagen, Ærø, and Billund. Availability varies by season, and Copenhagen is generally the busiest option.
Can I choose the regime of property for the wedding?
The default matrimonial regime is community of property, meaning all assets become joint upon marriage. The applicable law depends on the couple’s habitual residence. However, spouses may opt for a full or partial prenuptial agreement with a solicitor in their country of residence.
Approval Validity
You can send your wedding application four months before the intended date of marriage, not before that. This is because the wedding approval issued by the Danish governmental body called the Agency of Family Law (AFL) is valid for four months, and you must get married within this period; otherwise, a new application and new fees will apply.
Copenhagen City Hall is Denmark’s busiest wedding location, and appointments may take up to four months to secure. The city also prioritises some dates for local residents. For quicker scheduling, couples often choose a Private Registrar or other towns such as Ærø or Billund, which typically have shorter waiting times.
Renan and Matheus
AFL Processing Time
Usually, five to seven working days from the moment we submit the wedding application. However, if the AFL requires better-quality documents, further information, or invites the couple for an interview, there is no deadline. Approval from the AFL does not guarantee immediate availability at your preferred City Hall, especially in Copenhagen.
Documents and Timeline
Documents Required
The list of documents will vary according to the couple’s situation, nationality, place of residence, civil status, and other circumstances. This will be assessed individually, and a tailored list of documents will be sent to the couple after starting the consultancy. Some documents that may be needed include passports, visas, divorce certificates, and proof of relationship.
Timeline
The full process usually takes 1-4 months, depending on how quickly documents are prepared, how long the Agency of Family Law (AFL) takes to approve the application, and the availability of appointments at your chosen City Hall.
City Hall Options
Copenhagen City Hall – Standard Wedding
This is the City Hall couples request most, which makes it the busiest option. It may be available about two to three months, depending on the season, after you receive the wedding approval. It is not possible to pre-book a date within this option.
Copenhagen City Hall – Open Air Weddings
These weddings are organised by the Registry Office of Copenhagen and take place at locations such as Tivoli Park, the beach, gardens, and the Opera House on pre-established dates throughout the year. Dates are listed at idocph.kk.dk/en/open-air-wedding. It is not possible to pre-book a date within this option, and additional costs may apply.
Ærø Town Hall
This option may be available about 4-10 weeks, depending on the season, after you receive the wedding approval. It is not possible to pre-book a date within this option. The island is about four hours from Copenhagen and requires a ferry crossing on a specific schedule. There are no extra costs.
Billund Commune
This option may be available about 8-14 weeks after you receive the wedding approval. It is not possible to pre-book a date within this option. The easiest route is by plane to Billund Airport, which is 15 km from Grindsted, where the weddings take place. There are no extra costs.
When do I need to choose the City Hall?
You need to choose before we send your wedding application for review. Your approval will be valid for that City or Town Hall specifically, and after we send the application, you cannot change to another place.
How long is my approval valid?
Your approval will be valid for four months, except where a passport expires sooner or where you are from a visa-required country and your Danish or Schengen visa expires in less than four months.
Do we need to pay to change the wedding date?
No. There is no fee to change the wedding date once it is scheduled.
Other locations in Denmark
Many other municipalities across Denmark are also available; information is available upon request.
Visa, Language and Partnerships
Visa Requirements
If you are a citizen of a visa-free country, you do not need a visa for the wedding application. If you are a non-EU citizen in this category, you will need an entry stamp from the Schengen Area for the wedding day. If you are a citizen of a visa-required country, you will need a Danish or Schengen visa for the wedding application, and the wedding approval will be valid for the period of that visa.
Check whether you require a visa for Denmark at Visa Requirements (CLICK HERE).
Language and Witnesses
The City Hall will provide two witnesses. However, if you choose to marry on a Saturday, you may need to bring your own witnesses. The ceremony is held in English, German, or Danish.
Partnerships
MWeds couples enjoy exclusive discounts on hotel bookings when they choose to book their wedding through us. We have partnered with trusted hotel groups to offer special rates that make your stay more affordable and comfortable.
Fees
Consultancy Fee: €390 (incl. VAT). It needs to be paid immediately to start the process so that we can send you the list of documents that we will need for your application.
Application Fee: €305. It needs to be paid when you are ready to send us the documents for the wedding application.
Start Your Danish Wedding Application
1
Click “Start Now” and review the Terms and Conditions.
2
Complete the payment and registration form.
3
Our team reviews the information and contacts you with the next steps.
Consultancy Fee
Wedding in Denmark
€390 (incl. VAT)
START NOW
Important Information
- All advisory fees are inclusive of VAT.
- Speak with a specialist before proceeding.
- By purchasing our services, you confirm that you have read and agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.
- As our services are personalised and time-sensitive, all purchases are non-refundable, non-transferable and non-exchangeable.
