FAQ – Getting Married in Denmark
Find answers to common questions about international weddings in Denmark, from documents and tourist visits to costs, witnesses and using your marriage certificate abroad. Each answer links to a fuller guide where more detail is useful.
Who can get married in Denmark
International couples can apply regardless of nationality, provided they meet the Danish marriage conditions. Both partners must be adults, legally free to marry and able to attend in person. The rules on lawful stay, consent and family relationships also apply. Start with our step-by-step guide.
Do we need to live in Denmark
No. Many couples apply from abroad and visit for the ceremony. You must still establish a lawful basis for entering and staying in Denmark and follow the chosen municipality's document-check arrangements.
Can tourists get married in Denmark
Yes. A valid tourist visa, visa-free visit or appropriate Schengen residence permit can provide the relevant travel basis, depending on your situation. Marriage approval and travel permission remain separate. See the tourist visa guide.
Can two non-EU citizens marry in Denmark
Yes, provided both meet the marriage conditions and lawful-stay requirements. Neither needs an EU partner. Our nationality guides explain how your residence status and travel documents affect the application.
Which documents do we need
Expect identification and lawful-stay evidence, plus documents relevant to previous marriages, joint children and shared residence abroad. Translations or authentication can also apply. The required documents guide explains each category.
Do we need our own birth or baptism certificates
Your own birth or baptism certificates are not on the Agency’s standard preparation list. If you have children together, their birth certificates are required. The Agency can request further evidence in an individual case.
Do we need a single-status certificate
A separate foreign civil-status certificate or Certificate of No Impediment is not on the Agency's current standard preparation list. Do not order one automatically. You must still declare your history and provide final evidence of previous marriages ending. See the document terminology explained.
What is the Danish Certificate of Marital Status
It is the prøvelsesattest issued after the Danish authority approves your application. It confirms that the marriage conditions have been assessed. You need this approval before the ceremony; it is different from a foreign single-status certificate and from the marriage certificate issued after the wedding.
Can we use EU identity cards instead of passports
EU citizens may use a valid national identity card accepted for travel. Provide both sides in colour. Passport applicants must provide complete passport photographs, including blank pages and covers. Check the document guide before uploading.
Do we have to live together
Couples who live apart can apply. Describe your actual situation and provide relationship evidence where requested. If you share an address abroad, prepare the requested evidence of that address.
What if one of us was married before
Provide final evidence that the previous marriage ended through divorce, death or annulment, as applicable. A separation is not the same as a final divorce. Disclose any registered partnership too, including one with each other, so its treatment can be checked.
Are same-sex weddings possible
Yes. Same-sex couples use the same civil marriage process. Transgender and non-binary applicants also follow that process, with the formal application completed using the required legal information. See our same-sex marriage guide.
How do we apply
Most international couples apply to the Agency of Family Law. Both partners provide information and sign the required declarations; a representative needs the appropriate authorisation. Our application guide explains preparation, the two parts and payment.
How long does approval take
Five working days is a guideline for a complete eligible application. Additional questions or missing information can lead to a much longer review. This is not a guaranteed wedding date: the timeline guide also covers preparation and town hall availability.
How long is the approval valid
The Certificate of Marital Status is valid for a maximum of four months. Relevant document expiry dates can shorten it. Your ceremony must take place before the approval expires and within your lawful stay.
When do we choose the town hall
Choose the intended municipality in the application before signing and paying. After approval, follow its process to confirm an available date. Selecting the municipality does not reserve an appointment. Compare wedding locations before applying.
Can we change the municipality after approval
A change may be possible, but the approval may need to be transferred. Coordinate with the authorities and check availability before assuming another town hall can marry you on your preferred date.
Must we arrive the day before the wedding
It depends on the municipality. Some inspect originals on the wedding day; others require an earlier working-day check. Ask about the exact booking before choosing flights. Bring the original identification used in the application.
Does the town hall provide witnesses
Many town halls provide two witnesses for standard ceremonies, but the arrangement varies by date and venue. You may need to bring your own, particularly for some weekend or off-site appointments. Confirm this before travelling.
Which language is used for the ceremony
Options vary by municipality and appointment. English is available at many town halls, and other languages may be offered. Both partners must understand the ceremony. If an interpreter is needed, the municipality decides its requirements; do not assume any accompanying guest will automatically qualify.
How much does it cost
If you handle everything yourselves, choose a free standard ceremony and need no paid document services, interpreter or apostille, your only direct marriage-process cost can be the DKK 2,100 application fee per couple in 2026, approximately €282. Travel and accommodation are separate. See costs and fees for examples and optional support.
Is our Danish marriage recognised abroad
A Danish wedding is concluded under Danish law. Recognition, registration and immigration effects elsewhere depend on the receiving country's rules and your circumstances. Ask the relevant authority which documents and steps it requires; do not assume registration happens automatically.
Do we need an apostille
Only if required for the intended use of your marriage certificate. Some public-document uses within the EU are exempt from legalisation. An apostille authenticates the document's origin; it does not itself determine recognition. Read the apostille guide.
Does getting married extend our visa
No. Marriage approval, a pending marriage application and the ceremony do not automatically extend your permitted stay or grant residence. Immigration applications are separate from the marriage process.
How can Copenhagen Weddings help
Essential Service gives you guidance while you apply and book yourselves. Complete Service includes application processing, Agency communication, ceremony-date coordination and the government application fee. Compare services and prices, or contact us with your nationalities, residence countries and preferred dates. Our wedding checklist helps you prepare.