Marry Abroad: A Guide to Tying the Knot in Denmark.

Getting married in Denmark is not just an event; it’s a celebration of love that transcends borders. At Easy Weddings Denmark, we are dedicated to making this experience seamless and memorable for international couples. Our mission is to simplify the complexities of marrying in a foreign land, allowing you to focus on what truly matters—your love story.

What is an international marriage?

An international marriage is when a Danish citizen intends to marry a non-Danish citizen, or when individuals from outside Denmark wish to unite in matrimony within this beautiful country. Before you embark on this journey, you must obtain a Certificate of Marital Status. This vital document verifies that you meet the requirements set out in the Danish Marriage Act and paves the way for your union.

If you and your partner wish to marry in Denmark and are both citizens of EU countries or Switzerland, we must gather essential information about your marital status. The application includes questions to determine if either of you has been married before. Should we need to confirm your unmarried status, we may request a certificate of marital status from your country of residence. If you’ve recently relocated, we might also ask for certificates from previous countries of residence. If you do not provide a certificate of marital status in your application, by signing the application, you declare under criminal liability that you are unmarried.

Certificate of Marital Status

When applying for a Certificate of Marital Status, you must meet specific documentation requirements. Your documents might need recognition by an official authority, either with an apostille endorsement or through legalization. Additionally, all documents must be translated into Danish, English, or German. These measures ensure that the Agency of Family Law can verify the authenticity of your documents, ensuring a smooth process.

All foreign documents must be translated into Danish, English, or German by an authorized translator. This requirement also applies to any apostille endorsements. If the document has been legalized, all stamps and markings must be translated as well. Please ensure this translation is completed before submitting your application to the Agency of Family Law.

Documents originating from the US, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, or Turkey typically do not require legalization or an apostille endorsement to be accepted in Denmark. This exemption also applies to documents from other European countries, with certain exceptions, including Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Kosovo, Russia, Tajikistan, Ukraine, and Uzbekistan.

Documents issued by non-European countries (other than the United States, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, or Turkey) must have an apostille endorsement from the issuing country if that country is a signatory to the Apostille Convention. If the documents are from one of the European exception countries and the country is a signatory to the Apostille Convention, they must also have an apostille endorsement from the issuing country. If the documents originate from countries not included in the categories above, they typically need to be legalized to be accepted as genuine in Denmark. Legalization must occur in the country where the document was issued, and the procedure may vary.

Age & Civil Status conditions

If you and your partner wish to marry in Denmark, and at least one of you is a citizen of a country outside of Europe or the European Economic Area (EEA), several conditions must be fulfilled. Both partners must be at least 18 years old and must be unmarried. If either partner was previously married, that marriage must have been legally dissolved before a new marriage can take place. Marriages between close relatives are prohibited, and if one partner is under guardianship, the guardian must consent to the marriage.

Entry and residence requirements

To get married in Denmark, you must be able to legally enter the country and stay here. The requirements for entry and residence vary depending on your nationality. Legal residence in Denmark can be based on Danish citizenship, citizenship in another Nordic country, citizenship of an EU/EEA country or Switzerland, citizenship from a visa-exempt country, a Danish residence permit, or a visa to enter and stay in Denmark or another Schengen country.

The following documents can serve as proof of legal residence in Denmark: a visa (including tourist visas), a residence permit or an EU registration certificate from Denmark, a residence permit from another Schengen country, a passport, other valid proof of Nordic citizenship or citizenship of another EU country, or documentation of the date of entry into Denmark, such as an entry stamp.

If you are from outside the EU/EEA, you must have a valid passport or approved travel document to enter and stay in Denmark. Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your stay, contain at least 2 empty pages, and have been issued within the last 10 years. It is your responsibility to ensure that your entry into Denmark is lawful.

For couples who prefer assistance, a Power of Attorney is essential. This document allows us to act on your behalf when applying for the Certificate of Marital Status. Under Danish law, you do not need to provide your birth certificate or single civil/unmarried certificate.

The Power of Attorney

By granting a Power of Attorney to Easy Weddings Denmark, couples can rest easy knowing that we will handle the submission of the application and make the necessary payments to the Agency of Family Law. We will also maintain communication with the Agency on your behalf, ensuring that all requirements are met efficiently.

Easy Weddings Denmark offers various service levels to suit different needs. Couples opting for our Complete, Priority, or Premium services will require a Power of Attorney to allow us to manage their application process fully. On the other hand, couples selecting the Essential Service will submit their application, pay the service fee, and communicate directly with the Agency of Family Law themselves. Regardless of the service chosen, our team will provide guidance and support throughout the document collection and application process.

Booking an appointment at City Hall is a straightforward process. First, you must apply for a Certificate of Marital Status. Once your application is approved, you will receive a link to the booking system, where you can choose from available dates and times for your ceremony. This is your moment to shine, and we are here to help you select the perfect time to celebrate your love.

Wedding Packages and Services

Easy Weddings Denmark offers three tailored packages to suit your needs: the Complete Package, which covers everything from document preparation to submission, ensuring a seamless process for couples; the Priority Package, ideal for couples looking for expedited service; and the Premium Package, which includes personalized assistance and additional perks. For those who prefer a more hands-on approach, the Essential Service allows you to submit your application and communicate directly with the Agency of Family Law, with our team providing support throughout the process.

At Easy Weddings Denmark, we understand that planning a wedding can be daunting, especially when navigating international regulations. Our goal is to ensure that every couple can focus on what truly matters—celebrating their love—while we take care of the details. Let us help you make your dream wedding in Denmark a reality. Your love deserves the best, and we are here to make it happen.

Frequently Asked Questions About Getting Married in Denmark

1. What is considered an “international marriage” in Denmark, and what is the first crucial step in this process? An international marriage in Denmark refers to a marriage where at least one partner is not a Danish citizen, or when a couple from outside Denmark chooses to get married there. The first crucial step is obtaining a Certificate of Marital Status, which verifies that the couple meets the requirements of the Danish Marriage Act and allows the marriage to proceed.
2. What kind of documentation is required when applying for a Certificate of Marital Status, and what are the translation requirements? Applicants must provide documentation that confirms their marital status, potentially including certificates of no impediment to marriage (or similar documents). These documents often need an apostille or legalization, depending on the country of origin. All foreign documents, including apostilles and legalization stamps, must be translated into Danish, English, or German by an authorized translator before submission.
3. Are there any exceptions to the apostille or legalization requirements for certain countries? Yes, documents from the US, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, and Turkey typically do not require legalization or an apostille for acceptance in Denmark. This exemption generally also applies to other European countries, with exceptions for certain countries like Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, and others listed.
4. What age and civil status conditions must couples meet to get married in Denmark? Both partners must be at least 18 years old and unmarried. If either partner has been previously married, that marriage must be legally dissolved. Marriages between close relatives are prohibited, and if one partner is under guardianship, the guardian’s consent is required.
5. What are the legal entry and residency requirements for marrying in Denmark? To get married in Denmark, individuals must legally enter and stay in the country. This can be achieved through Danish citizenship, Nordic country citizenship, EU/EEA citizenship, Swiss citizenship, citizenship from a visa-exempt country, a Danish residence permit, or a valid visa for entry into Denmark or a Schengen country. Proof of legal residence can include a visa, residence permit, or passport. For non-EU/EEA citizens, passports must be valid for at least three months beyond their stay, have at least two blank pages, and have been issued within the past 10 years.
6. What is a Power of Attorney in the context of getting married in Denmark and why might I need it? A Power of Attorney allows Easy Weddings Denmark to act on a couple’s behalf in the application for a Certificate of Marital Status. It allows them to submit the application, make necessary payments, and communicate with the Agency of Family Law, thereby streamlining the process, particularly for couples choosing more comprehensive service packages.
7. What kind of wedding packages and services are offered for international couples getting married in Denmark? Easy Weddings Denmark offers various packages, including the Complete Package for full service, the Priority Package for expedited service, and the Premium Package with additional personalized assistance. There is also the Essential Service for couples who prefer to manage their application and communicate directly with the Agency of Family Law. These packages are designed to offer flexibility for the needs of different couples.
8. How do I book an appointment for my wedding ceremony at City Hall in Denmark? You cannot book a wedding appointment until the application for a Certificate of Marital Status is approved. Upon approval, couples receive a link to the booking system where they can select available dates and times for their ceremony.