So, you’re planning to tie the knot in Copenhagen? Fantastic choice! Denmark is one of the easiest and most beautiful places in the world for international couples to get married. With minimal paperwork, fast processing, and an effortlessly romantic backdrop, it’s no surprise that Copenhagen is often called the Las Vegas of Europe—but with more hygge and fewer Elvis impersonators.
But before you say “I do” under Copenhagen’s dreamy skies, let’s break down the documents you’ll need, the step-by-step process, and some insider tips to make your wedding day stress-free and magical.
Why Copenhagen? The Best Place for an International Wedding
Denmark has some of the most hassle-free marriage laws in Europe. Unlike other countries that require long residency periods, complicated bureaucracy, or endless paperwork, Denmark keeps it simple:
✅ No residency requirements – You don’t need to live in Denmark to get married here.
✅ Fast processing times – You can get approval in as little as 1-3 weeks.
✅ Internationally recognized marriage certificate – A Danish wedding certificate is valid worldwide.
✅ Romantic city vibes – Copenhagen’s charming canals, historic buildings, and cozy cafés make it the perfect place to elope or have an intimate ceremony.
Quick Checklist: Documents Needed for Marriage in Copenhagen
To get legally married in Denmark, you’ll need to provide:
✅ Valid Passport or National ID (for EU citizens)
✅ Certificate of Marital Status (to confirm you’re single)
✅ Proof of Legal Stay in Denmark (visa, residency permit, or entry stamp)
✅ Divorce or Death Certificate (if applicable)
✅ Completed Marriage Application (submitted online)
✅ Payment of DKK 1650 (~€220 or ~$240)
Let’s go through each of these in detail.
Step 1: Gather Your Documents
🛂 Passport or National ID
Make sure your passport is valid for at least three months beyond your wedding date. EU citizens can use their national ID instead.
💍 Certificate of Marital Status
This proves that you’re legally free to marry. Some countries issue an official document for this, while others don’t. If yours doesn’t, a signed affidavit stating that you’re single should be enough.
🏛 Proof of Legal Stay in Denmark
- If you’re from a visa-free country (like the US, UK, Canada, or most of the EU), your entry stamp is enough.
- If you need a visa to enter Denmark, you’ll need to provide a copy of your visa or residency permit.
📜 Divorce or Death Certificate (If Applicable)
- If you were previously married, you must provide official proof of divorce or a death certificate (if widowed).
- These must be translated into Danish, English, or German by a certified translator.
📩 Completed Marriage Application
- Submit your application online via the Danish Agency of Family Law: Official Website
- Processing time is typically 1-3 weeks, so plan accordingly!
💳 Marriage Application Fee
- The fee is DKK 1650 (~€220 or ~$240), payable online.
Step 2: Book Your Wedding Ceremony
Once your application is approved, you can book your wedding date.
💒 Option 1: Civil Wedding at Copenhagen City Hall
- The most popular choice for international couples.
- The ceremony lasts 10 minutes—short, sweet, and legally binding!
- You can bring two witnesses, or the City Hall can provide them.
- Afterward, you’ll receive your official Danish marriage certificate in Danish (you can request an English copy).
📍 Where to Book?
👉 Copenhagen City Hall
🌅 Option 2: Alternative Wedding Locations in Denmark
If you want something more scenic, consider:
✨ Ærø Island – A fairytale-like island with cobblestone streets.
✨ The Cliffs of Møn – A dramatic, nature-filled setting for your vows.
✨ Ribe – Denmark’s oldest town, perfect for history lovers.
For more inspiration, check out stunning wedding destinations here.
Step 3: After the Wedding – What’s Next?
🎉 Congratulations! You’re now legally married. But what happens next?
📜 Is a Danish Marriage Certificate Valid Worldwide?
Yes! A Danish marriage certificate is recognized internationally. However, some countries may require an apostille for official recognition.
👉 You can get an apostille stamp from the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Check Here
✈️ Name Change & Legal Recognition in Your Home Country
- Some countries allow you to change your last name automatically after marriage, while others require additional paperwork.
- Check with your home country’s embassy to see if you need to register your Danish marriage there.
Best Time to Get Married in Copenhagen?
🌸 Spring (April – June) – Blooming flowers, mild weather, and fewer tourists.
☀️ Summer (July – August) – Long daylight hours and warm evenings (but book early!).
🍂 Autumn (September – November) – Beautiful fall colors and fewer crowds.
❄️ Winter (December – February) – Magical Christmas vibes, twinkling lights, and cozy wedding photos!
📌 Pro Tip: If you want gorgeous wedding photos without crowds, early mornings or weekdays are best.
Why Trust Me on This?
I’ve photographed destination weddings all over Europe, from Copenhagen to Santorini, Paris, and beyond. I know the ins and outs of romantic elopements, intimate ceremonies, and how to capture every magical moment.
📷 Looking for breathtaking wedding photography?
👉 Check out my wedding packages here
💌 Want to make your Copenhagen wedding unforgettable? Let’s chat!
👉 Contact me here
Your love story deserves to be captured beautifully—let’s make it happen! 💕
