Step-by-Step Guide
How to Get Married in Denmark as a Foreigner
A clear, practical guide to the entire process — from gathering documents to your wedding day.
Get Your Free Document ChecklistDenmark is one of the most accessible countries in Europe for international couples who want to get legally married. The process is well-established, the requirements are clear, and the resulting marriage certificate is recognised worldwide.
This guide walks you through every step of the process.
Step 1: Understand the Requirements
To marry in Denmark, you need to meet these basic conditions:
- Both partners must be at least 18 years old
- Neither partner can be currently married
- The couple cannot be closely related
- Both must consent freely to the marriage
There is no residency requirement. You do not need to live in Denmark, hold a Danish visa, or have visited Denmark before.
Step 2: Gather Your Documents
The documents required depend on your nationality and personal situation. Common requirements include:
- Passports — All pages, full colour, high resolution scans
- Birth certificates — Original or certified copies
- Proof of civil status — Certificate of no impediment or equivalent
- Divorce decree — If previously married, must be final and complete
- Translations — Certified translations for documents not in Danish, English, or German
- Relationship evidence — Photos together and a brief relationship timeline
Document quality is critical. Incomplete scans, missing pages, or name mismatches are the most common causes of delays.
Step 3: Submit Your Application
The marriage application is submitted to the Danish government for review and approval. The application must be structured correctly and include all required documentation.
This is where most couples benefit from professional handling. A correctly structured, complete application is processed faster and has a significantly lower risk of delays or requests for additional information.
Step 4: Wait for Government Approval
Once a complete application is submitted, government approval typically takes 5–10 working days. Incomplete applications can take significantly longer.
During this period, the government reviews your documents, verifies your eligibility, and issues the approval for your marriage.
Step 5: Coordinate with the Municipality
After government approval, the local municipality coordinates your ceremony. This includes setting a date, confirming the venue, and arranging any logistical details.
Different municipalities have different procedures and availability. With Full-Service Handling, we coordinate directly with the municipality on your behalf.
Step 6: Your Wedding Day
You travel to Denmark for your ceremony. The ceremony can be as simple or as personal as you like — from a quick civil ceremony to something more intimate with personal touches.
You will need two witnesses present. If you do not have witnesses, we can arrange them for you.
After the ceremony, you receive your Danish marriage certificate. This certificate is internationally recognised and can be apostilled for use in over 100 countries.
Costs
Our handling packages:
- Standard Handling: €395 + €285 Danish Application Fee — document review, application preparation, and submission
- Full-Service Handling: €895 all-inclusive — everything in Standard plus priority handling, municipality coordination, witness arrangement, and dedicated WhatsApp support
- Apostille and Legalisation: €250 per certificate (+ possible courier fee)
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