MarryDenmark

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about the process, approval, documents and ceremony coordination.

Do we need to live in Denmark?

No. Danish residency is not required. You must still meet the Danish marriage requirements and be able to document that you can legally enter and stay in Denmark.

How long does the approval process take?

Complete and straightforward applications are often processed by the Danish authorities within approximately five working days. If the authorities request additional information or documentation, the process may take considerably longer. Processing times are determined solely by the Danish authorities and cannot be guaranteed by any private service.

Can MarryDenmark guarantee approval?

No. Only the Danish authorities can approve or reject an application. MarryDenmark reviews and structures the case to reduce avoidable errors and delays, but no private service can guarantee the outcome of an authority decision.

Can you guarantee a wedding date?

No. Ceremony dates depend entirely on the availability of the relevant municipality. We use our experience and partner network to search for suitable options, but couples may need to be flexible regarding location, municipality, weekday and time of day.

How long is the Certificate of Marital Status valid?

A Certificate of Marital Status issued by the Danish authorities is normally valid for four months from the date of issue. The legal ceremony must take place before it expires. If it expires before the wedding takes place, the couple must submit a new application and pay a new government fee.

Is the Danish government fee refundable?

The official Danish application fee is generally non-refundable once the application has been submitted. This applies even if the couple later changes plans, does not travel to Denmark or decides not to proceed with the process.

Is a Danish marriage certificate valid in our home country?

Danish marriage certificates are widely recognised internationally. The requirements for use or registration vary by country. An apostille, legalisation, certified translation or local registration may be required. Couples should confirm the specific requirements with the relevant authority in the country where the certificate will be used.

Can same-sex couples marry in Denmark?

Yes. Denmark has permitted civil marriage for same-sex couples since 2012. The same application requirements and process apply to both opposite-sex and same-sex couples.

Can non-EU citizens marry in Denmark?

Yes, provided the Danish marriage requirements are met and both partners can document lawful entry and stay in Denmark. The specific documentation required depends on nationality and immigration status.

What documents are required?

The required documents depend on nationality, country of residence, legal status and previous marriages. There is no single universal list. Each case is assessed individually, and a tailored document checklist is provided after the case assessment.

What happens if the authorities request additional documents?

The Danish authorities may request additional information or documentation during the assessment process. If this happens, we will communicate the request, assist with understanding what is needed and guide the process from there. The timeline extends accordingly, and we cannot influence the authority's internal processing.

We already have approval — can you help us find a ceremony date?

Yes. If you hold a valid Certificate of Marital Status from the Danish authorities, our Already Approved – Ceremony Date Assistance service is specifically designed for this situation. Please submit a case assessment and indicate that you already have approval.

Does the service include the ceremony?

The Application Handling service covers the application process only and does not include ceremony coordination. The Complete Marriage Service includes municipality and ceremony-date coordination based on availability. The Already Approved service covers ceremony-date coordination for couples who already hold a Certificate of Marital Status.

Are witnesses required for the ceremony?

Two witnesses are required for a civil ceremony in Denmark. In many Danish town halls, witnesses can be provided for weekday ceremonies — this is coordinated as part of the relevant service where applicable.

Can we choose Copenhagen for the ceremony?

Copenhagen City Hall is a popular choice for many couples. Availability for international applicants at Copenhagen City Hall cannot be guaranteed. Several other Danish town halls are available, and we will search for the best available option based on the circumstances.

Should we send passports by WhatsApp or email?

No. Please do not send passports or other sensitive documents by ordinary email or WhatsApp before receiving individual document-submission instructions. Once your service has started, you will receive instructions for secure document submission.

Are translations included in the service?

Translation costs are not included in any service fee unless explicitly confirmed in writing. Where a translation is required, this will be communicated as part of the document guidance.

What if our visa or travel permission is refused?

MarryDenmark cannot control immigration decisions, visa outcomes or travel permissions. Couples are responsible for ensuring their own ability to legally enter and stay in Denmark. If travel is refused after the application has been submitted, the government fee is generally non-refundable.

Have a question not covered here? Submit a free case assessment and we will review your situation individually.

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