If you are looking to get married abroad as an international couple, there is a good chance that Denmark has already appeared on your shortlist.
For many years, Denmark has been the number one choice for foreign, international, mixed-nationality and same-sex couples looking for a straightforward and legally recognised marriage. The country has built a reputation for offering a simple, efficient process without many of the administrative obstacles that couples often encounter elsewhere.
Whether you live in different countries, hold different citizenships, require a quick wedding date or simply want a stress-free experience, Denmark remains one of the easiest places in Europe to get married legally.
Why Do Foreign Couples Choose Denmark?
One of the biggest reasons couples choose Denmark is the simplicity of the application process.
Unlike many countries, Denmark does not require you to obtain a Single Status Certificate or Marital Status Certificate from your home country before applying.
This is often a source of confusion because, during the application process, you will need to obtain a prøvelsesattest from the Danish Agency of Family Law.
The direct translation of this Danish term is “certificate of marital status”, but in reality it is simply your permission or licence to get married in Denmark. It is not the same as the marital status certificates that many countries require their citizens to obtain.
Understanding details like this is one of the reasons many couples choose to work with an experienced wedding planner who can explain the process clearly and avoid unnecessary delays.
Can Foreigners Legally Get Married in Denmark?
Yes.
Foreign nationals can legally marry in Denmark regardless of their nationality, provided they meet the legal requirements and have legal entry into the country.
There is no minimum residency period, meaning you do not need to live in Denmark before your wedding.
Many couples arrive in Denmark specifically for their ceremony and return home shortly afterwards.
Documents Required to Get Married in Denmark as a Foreigner
The exact documents required will depend on your individual circumstances, but foreign couples will typically need to provide:
Valid Passport
You must provide your original passport or travel document.
Your passport should remain valid for at least three months beyond your wedding date.
Residence Permit (Where Applicable)
If you are living in a country that is not your country of citizenship, you may need to provide a valid residence permit.
Evidence of a Genuine Relationship
The Danish authorities require evidence that your relationship is genuine.
This is usually straightforward and may include photographs, travel history, communication records and other evidence demonstrating the longevity of your relationship.
At Marry Abroad Simply, we help prepare this documentation for our couples and guide them through exactly what is needed.
Evidence of Living Together
If you currently live together, supporting evidence can be included within your application.
While it is not mandatory, it can help strengthen your application.
Birth Certificates for Shared Children
If you have children together, copies of their birth certificates may be required as supporting evidence.
Divorce Decree or Death Certificate
If either partner has previously been married, documentation confirming the end of that marriage will be required.
Depending on the country of issue, these documents may need to be legalised in accordance with Hague Convention requirements.
Residency Requirements
One of Denmark’s biggest advantages is that there is no residency requirement.
As long as you have entered Denmark legally, you can get married.
This may include:
- Visa-free entry to the Schengen Area.
- A valid Schengen Visa.
- A residence permit from another qualifying European country.
- Tourist travel permissions where applicable.
Depending on your chosen wedding venue, you may be asked to present your original travel documents either on the wedding day itself or on the preceding business day.
Choosing Where to Get Married in Denmark
Denmark offers a wide range of wedding locations, each with its own advantages.
Some couples choose the iconic Copenhagen City Hall, while others prefer a smaller town hall close to the German border or a picturesque Danish island.
The right venue often depends on:
- How quickly you would like to get married.
- Whether you are travelling by air, car or train.
- Availability at your preferred venue.
- The type of wedding experience you would like.
Some venues can accommodate weddings relatively quickly, while others may be booked months in advance.
This is where working with an experienced wedding planner can make a significant difference.
Booking Your Wedding Appointment
Once your marriage licence has been approved, your wedding planner can arrange your ceremony directly with the relevant Danish municipality.
You will be able to choose:
- Your preferred wedding date.
- The ceremony language (English, German or Danish).
- Whether you will bring your own witnesses.
- Whether witnesses should be provided by the municipality.
You will also receive confirmation of any original documents that need to be presented before or on the day of the ceremony.
Your Wedding Day
On the day of your wedding, simply arrive at the venue at the time advised.
If the municipality is providing witnesses, they will be ready for the ceremony. If not, you will attend with your own witnesses.
The ceremony itself can usually be conducted in:
- English
- German
- Danish
The process is straightforward, professional and focused entirely on celebrating your marriage.
Receiving Your Marriage Certificate
Following the ceremony, you will receive two copies of your international marriage certificate.
The certificate is internationally recognised and accepted worldwide.
Before leaving the venue, it is always advisable to carefully check all names, dates and details to ensure there are no spelling errors or administrative mistakes.
Do You Need an Apostille?
Some countries require a marriage certificate to be legalised before it can be registered locally.
This process is known as obtaining an Apostille.
Requirements vary between countries, so it is always worth checking with the relevant authorities in your home country before travelling.
Some couples choose to obtain their Apostille themselves while staying in Copenhagen, while others prefer to use a professional legalisation service.
Additional Things to Consider
Language
Most Danes speak excellent English. However, if neither partner is comfortable understanding English, German or Danish, an interpreter may be required.
Timelines
The overall process depends on both the approval of your marriage licence and the availability of your chosen venue.
A marriage licence alone does not guarantee a specific wedding date, which is why planning ahead is important.
Witnesses
You will need two witnesses for your ceremony.
Many Danish municipalities can provide witnesses if required, although some locations and dates may require you to bring your own.
Registering the Marriage at Home
After returning home, you may need to register your marriage with local authorities depending on the requirements of your country.
It is worth checking these requirements before travelling to ensure there are no surprises afterwards.
How Marry Abroad Simply Helps
Getting married in Denmark is often much easier than couples expect, but understanding the process and preparing the correct documentation can still feel overwhelming.
At Marry Abroad Simply, we guide couples through every stage of the journey. From checking documentation and preparing relationship evidence to securing your licence and arranging your wedding appointment, our experienced team ensures the process is as smooth, stress-free and efficient as possible.
We have helped couples from around the world successfully get married in Denmark, and we are always happy to answer questions, explain requirements and provide personalised advice based on your circumstances.
Planning to Get Married in Denmark?
If you are considering getting married in Denmark as a foreigner, international couple, mixed-nationality couple or same-sex couple, we would be delighted to help.
Contact Marry Abroad Simply today for a free, no-obligation documents list and a friendly chat about your plans.
We’ll help you understand exactly what is required, guide you through the process and ensure everything is handled correctly so that you can focus on what really matters – celebrating your marriage together.
