If you are a foreign couple looking to get married quickly, you may find that the process in your home country or country of residence is more complicated than expected. Residency rules, lengthy waiting periods and difficult documentation requirements can all create obstacles.
Denmark offers an alternative. International couples can legally marry in Denmark without being residents, making it a popular choice for couples who want a straightforward and relatively quick route to marriage.
Can Foreign Couples Get Married in Denmark?
Yes. You do not need to be a Danish citizen or resident to get married in Denmark.
Couples from many different countries can apply, provided they meet the relevant Danish legal requirements. This makes Denmark particularly useful for expats, couples of different nationalities and people currently living somewhere other than their country of citizenship.
Your application is assessed by the Danish Agency of Family Law (AFL), which determines whether you meet the requirements to marry.
How Quickly Can Foreigners Get Married in Denmark?
Once a correctly completed application has been submitted with the necessary documentation, AFL approval can typically be issued within five working days.
However, couples should not assume this means they can necessarily arrive in Denmark and marry five days after starting the process.
Before submitting the application, you need to gather the appropriate documents and make sure everything meets Danish requirements. After approval, you will also need to arrange an available ceremony at a Danish town hall.
If the AFL requires further information, your application can be paused while the issue is resolved. This makes careful preparation particularly important if you need to marry quickly.
What Documents Do Foreign Couples Need?
There is no single document checklist that applies identically to every international couple. What you need will depend on your nationalities, residency status, relationship history and individual circumstances.
Previous marriages, for example, may require evidence that a divorce has been legally completed. Documents from different countries may also raise questions concerning their format, language or validity.
Some couples encounter difficulties obtaining documents commonly requested in their home country, such as certificates relating to marital status or eligibility to marry.
Rather than assuming which documents you need, it is important to establish the requirements for your particular circumstances before applying.
What If You Are an International or Expat Couple?
Denmark can be particularly helpful where two people have different nationalities or live together in a third country.
Returning to a home country to marry may be impractical because of distance, work commitments or local administrative requirements. Other couples may face legal or social barriers surrounding same-sex or mixed-religion relationships.
Denmark has a well-established legal framework for international marriages, giving couples an alternative when marrying elsewhere is difficult.
How Can You Make the Process Quicker?
Preparation and flexibility are two of the most important factors.
Make sure your documents are complete and clearly readable before your application is submitted. Respond quickly if further information is needed and avoid making travel arrangements based on an assumed approval date.
Once approved, flexibility about your ceremony can also help. Town hall availability varies across Denmark, so couples willing to consider different locations and weekdays may be able to secure an earlier wedding date.
Getting Help With a Quick Danish Wedding
A quick wedding in Denmark is achievable for many foreign couples, but the exact process depends on your individual circumstances.
Marry Abroad Simply works with international couples every day and can help you understand the documentation requirements, prepare your application correctly and establish a realistic timeframe for getting married.
If you are a foreign couple considering marriage in Denmark, getting the right information at the beginning can help you avoid unnecessary delays and move towards your wedding with confidence.
