So, you’ve decided to tie the knot in Norway—good choice! With its breathtaking fjords, charming stave churches, and the chance to say “I do” under the Northern Lights, Norway is a dream wedding destination. But before you start envisioning that perfect first dance in a cozy wooden cabin, let’s talk paperwork.
Yes, I know—bureaucracy isn’t exactly romantic. But don’t worry! This guide will walk you through the Norwegian wedding certificate process in a fun, stress-free way. Plus, I’ll throw in some expert tips so you can avoid the most common wedding mishaps (because trust me, I’ve seen it all).
Step 1: Can You Legally Get Married in Norway?
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of Norwegian wedding paperwork, let’s make sure you can get married here in the first place. Norway is pretty open when it comes to marriage laws, and they fully recognize same-sex marriages too. However, there are a few conditions you need to meet:
✅ Both partners must be at least 18 years old (Norway is cool, but it’s not Vegas)
✅ You cannot already be married (sounds obvious, but you’d be surprised…)
✅ If previously married, you need official proof of divorce or widowhood
✅ You can’t be closely related (again, let’s keep things non-medieval)
✅ You must provide all required documents as a foreign couple or be a legal resident in Norway
If one of you is Norwegian and the other is from abroad, or if you’re both foreigners, you’ll need some extra paperwork. So, let’s get into that.
Step 2: Documents You Need for a Norwegian Wedding Certificate
Norway might be laid-back about many things, but when it comes to weddings, they like their paperwork just right. Here’s what you’ll need to submit to Skatteetaten (The Norwegian Tax Administration) before your wedding:
📜 Marriage Notification Form (Prøvingsattest) – This document proves you’re legally eligible to get married.
📝 Personal Declarations – Standard forms confirming you’re not committing accidental bigamy.
📄 Birth Certificates – These must be official and translated into Norwegian or English if needed.
🛂 Passports or National ID Copies – Because love may be blind, but bureaucracy isn’t.
📃 Certificate of No Impediment to Marriage – Proof from your home country that you’re not already married.
📑 Divorce or Widowhood Papers (if applicable) – To confirm your last marriage is officially over.
Once you’ve gathered everything, send it to Skatteetaten for processing. If all is good, they’ll issue you a Certificate of No Impediment to Marriage (Prøvingsattest)—which is valid for four months. So, time your wedding accordingly!
🔗 Submit your application here: Norwegian Tax Administration
Step 3: Choosing the Perfect Norwegian Wedding Ceremony
Now comes the fun part—choosing where and how to say “Ja, jeg vil!” (Yes, I do!).
🏰 Traditional Church Wedding: If you love the idea of an intimate ceremony in a historic setting, consider a stave church like Borgund Stave Church or Heddal Stave Church. They look like something straight out of a Viking fairytale!
🏔 Adventure Elopement: Norway is famous for breathtaking nature elopements. Picture exchanging vows on Trolltunga, beside a majestic fjord in Geirangerfjord, or under the Northern Lights in Lofoten Islands. (Bonus: Reindeer may be optional wedding guests.)
🏛 Civil Ceremony: If you prefer a more urban setting, Oslo’s City Hall or Bergen’s historic Bryggen Wharf offer stunning backdrops for a stylish city wedding.
Once you’ve chosen your venue, book an officiant—either a priest, judge, or an approved celebrant for civil and symbolic ceremonies.
Step 4: The Wedding Day & The Legalities
It’s time to celebrate! But before you pop the champagne, make sure you have:
📜 Two witnesses (friends, family, or even random friendly Norwegians—you never know!)
📄 Your marriage certificate form (which your officiant and witnesses must sign)
💍 Rings, flowers, and an awesome photographer (Oh hey, I know a great one—keep reading!)
Once your ceremony is complete, your officiant will send the signed marriage documents back to Skatteetaten, and you’ll receive your official Norwegian Marriage Certificate (Vigselattest) in the mail.
✈️ Planning to use your marriage certificate abroad? You might need an Apostille stamp from the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs to validate it internationally.
Step 5: Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them
🚨 Mistake #1: Applying Too Early or Too Late
Your Prøvingsattest is valid for four months—apply at the right time!
🚨 Mistake #2: Forgetting Translations
All foreign documents must be translated into Norwegian or English by a certified translator.
🚨 Mistake #3: Thinking It’s “Just Paperwork”
Some applications take longer, especially if you’re from a non-EU country. Start at least 6 months in advance.
Step 6: What Happens After “I Do”?
Now that you’re officially married, it’s time to enjoy your first adventure as a married couple!
✨ Take a romantic fjord cruise through Sognefjord
✨ Chase the Northern Lights in Tromsø
✨ Stay in a glass igloo and watch the stars in Lyngen Alps
✨ Book a honeymoon road trip through Lofoten
Norway isn’t just a place to get married—it’s a place to start your love story in the most magical way possible.
Final Thoughts from Your Wedding Photographer (That’s Me!)
So, now that you’re all set with your Norwegian wedding certificate, let’s talk about capturing these once-in-a-lifetime moments!
Whether you’re eloping in the fjords, getting married in a historic church, or planning an epic adventure wedding, I’ll be there to document your love story with stunning, artistic photography.
📸 See real Norwegian weddings & elopements here: Your Happy Moments Blog
💰 Explore wedding photography packages: Investment Page
📩 Let’s create magic together—contact me today! Contact Me
Your wedding day isn’t just an event—it’s a story worth framing. Let’s make it unforgettable! 🏔💍✨
