Getting married in Denmark
Denmark makes it simple. We take care of the rest.
A complete guide to marrying in Denmark — the legal process, the paperwork, and the celebration itself.
As seen in
Why international couples choose Denmark.
Of all the places in Europe where international couples can marry, Denmark is among the most practical and among the most beautiful. The legal framework is genuinely accessible — no residency requirement, no religious prerequisite, paperwork that can be managed remotely, and a review process that moves quickly. Ceremonies can be conducted in English.
Beyond the process, there is Copenhagen itself — a city that has spent two decades becoming one of the world’s great destinations for people who care about food, design, and the quality of an evening. A city with remarkable venues, with light that holds until midnight in June, with a particular kind of warmth that is nothing like the warmth of the Mediterranean and everything like itself.
We have planned celebrations for couples from New York, Mumbai, Berlin, Dubai, London, and Sydney. They all arrived for the same reason: Denmark makes it straightforward to be there, and the city rewards the decision.
Four reasons
Why couples from around the world marry in Denmark.
The legal process is genuinely simple
Most European countries require weeks of residency, complex notarial chains, or religious involvement. Denmark requires none of this. The process is designed to be accessible — and it works.
The setting is genuinely good
Copenhagen in June. Ten o’clock and the sky still holds light. The food scene that changed how the world eats. Harbours, courtyards, design hotels, the rooms that don’t appear on any venue-finder. There is nowhere quite like it for a celebration.
Direct flights from nearly everywhere
New York, London, Dubai, Mumbai, Berlin — Copenhagen is well-connected. Your guests fly in, and the city does the rest.
Legally recognised worldwide
A Danish marriage certificate is recognised across the EU and in most countries globally, including the United States, the United Kingdom, India, and the UAE.
The process
How to get married in Denmark.
No residency requirement
Unlike most European countries, Denmark does not require couples to live in Denmark before marrying here. You can arrive, marry, and return home — legally recognised across the EU and in most countries worldwide.
Documentation
Both partners provide a valid passport, birth certificate, and proof of civil status (single, divorced or widowed). Documents in languages other than Danish, English, German, or the Nordic languages typically require a certified translation. We coordinate this for you.
Apply through Familieretshuset
Denmark’s Family Law Agency processes all foreign marriage applications online. The review typically takes two to six weeks. We submit on your behalf and manage all correspondence in English.
Choose your ceremony
Legal ceremonies can take place at a Copenhagen City Hall, or through a registered officiant at a venue of your choosing. Ceremonies are conducted in English, Danish, or both.
The celebration
The legal ceremony is the smallest part. The celebration — designed entirely around you — is where we spend our time together.
Requirements vary by nationality and civil status, and they change over time. Nothing on this page is a legal guarantee. We advise on your specific situation at the beginning of our process together, we manage the entire application on your behalf, and current requirements are always verified directly with Familieretshuset before anything is submitted.
For the full document-by-document detail, read the guide to getting married in Denmark.
Timeline
How far in advance do you need to plan?
12–18 months before
Full-service weddings
Ideal for full-service weddings with 60 or more guests. Allows time for venue selection, vendor curation, design development, and the legal application process.
6–12 months before
Intimate celebrations
Works well for intimate celebrations, elopements, or couples with a clear vision who move quickly. Legal applications typically take two to six weeks.
Under 6 months
Elopements
Possible for elopements and very intimate gatherings. We are direct about what is achievable in the time available.
“We have never had a couple tell us they wished they had booked later. The celebration begins the moment you reach out.”
What we handle — from document to dance floor
- Legal application and correspondence with Familieretshuset
- Document coordination and certified translations
- Officiant selection and ceremony scripting
- Venue sourcing across Copenhagen and Denmark
- Chef, menu, and sommelier curation
- Guest travel and accommodation management
- Full-day orchestration — entirely invisible
- Post-wedding logistics and guest farewell
Common questions
Marrying in Denmark
Do we need to be in Denmark to submit the marriage application?
The application to Familieretshuset can be submitted online. A Danish digital identity (MitID) is required for online submission, so couples without one typically need a representative in Denmark with power of attorney to submit on their behalf, or they can visit in person.
How long does the Familieretshuset process take?
Two to six weeks from the date of a complete application. Incomplete applications are returned and the processing window restarts, so we recommend submitting no later than eight weeks before the intended ceremony date, with additional time for document procurement.
Can we marry in Denmark if one or both of us is divorced?
Yes. Divorce documentation — a certified copy of the decree absolute or equivalent — must be included in the application. Divorces obtained abroad must meet Danish legal recognition standards, and some countries’ documents require apostille and translation.
Can we have a religious ceremony with full legal standing in Denmark?
Yes, if the ceremony is conducted by an authorised religious officiant. Christian, Jewish and some other denominations are authorised. Hindu, Sikh and Islamic ceremonies do not carry automatic legal standing — couples typically complete a separate civil formality and hold the religious ceremony independently.
Continue exploring
Copenhagen Weddings
The city as celebration — venues, food, and the Danish way of an evening.
Denmark Destinations
Coastal manor houses, island venues, and Copenhagen’s finest rooms.
Our Services
Full-service, destination, multicultural — every engagement is bespoke.
Guide: Getting Married in Denmark
Familieretshuset documents, processing timelines and what to prepare.
Private commissions