

How to Marry in Denmark:
2026 Guide for International Couples
Inclusive for all couples — we proudly plan same-sex weddings in Denmark
Denmark is one of the easiest countries in Europe for international couples to get married. The process is simple, the waiting time is short, and the Danish marriage certificate is internationally recognised. Many couples from Germany, the USA, the UK and other countries choose Denmark because the paperwork is minimal and the procedure is straightforward.
If you want to see the full list of required paperwork, visit our Documents Required to Marry in Denmark page.
Getting Married in Denmark: Quick Facts
Approval time: ~5 working days
Residency requirement: None
Marriage certificate: Internationally recognised
Documents required: Minimal
Town hall ceremonies: Available across Denmark
Romantic venues and outdoor ceremonies: available
Popular for international and binational couples
Who Can Get Married in Denmark
Denmark allows international couples to marry even if they live in different countries. The country is known for its straightforward and inclusive marriage laws.
Couples who commonly marry in Denmark include:
• international couples living in different countries
• EU and non-EU couples
• couples facing complex bureaucracy in their home country
• same-sex couples looking for a welcoming destination
If you are planning a same-sex wedding, you can read more in our LGBTQ+ Weddings in Denmark guide.
Required Documents for your Danish Wedding
Denmark’s marriage laws are some of the most accommodating in the world, attracting international and couples who face complex legal requirements in their own countries. Key reason people choose to get married in Denmark is
simple documentation.
You’ll usually need:
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Passports/IDs (valid through ceremony)
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Proof of freedom to marry (if applicable): divorce decree or death certificate
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Proof of legal stay when required (visa/entry/residence)
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Address & contact details
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Certified translations if not in English/German/Danish
Extras (case-by-case): name-change/multiple-marriage docs; apostille/legalisation for your home country
Timeline: with complete documents, AFL approvals are typically ~5 business days.
For the full document checklist , see our detailed Documents Required to Marry in Denmark page.
Wedding in Denmark: Step-by-Step Process
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Step 1 — Checklist & documents
Start with our checklist; we tell you exactly what to upload and pre-check everything.
Step 2 — Choose your venue
Pick a city hall or a romantic location. We’ll advise on availability and travel.
Step 3 — Agreement & payment
We confirm your package details and send an agreement. Payment secures your planning window.
Step 4 — Collect documents
You upload the required files; we check for quality, translations, and consistency.
Step 5 — We apply to AFL
We submit your case to the Agency of Family Law (AFL) and handle any clarifications.
Step 6 — AFL approval (~5 business days)
With complete documents, approvals are typically around 5 business days.
Step 7 — Pick/confirm your date
Town hall: choose the earliest available slot after approval.
Romantic location: we coordinate your preferred date and confirm with the venue.
Step 8 — Say “I do”
Arrive with originals, sign, and receive your international marriage certificate (apostille/legalisation available if needed).
For more helpful articles about planning a wedding in Denmark, visit our Wedding Guides
How Long It Takes to Get Married in Denmark
One of the main reasons couples choose Denmark is the short processing time.
Typical timeline:
AFL approval: about 5 working days
The date booking: from 2 weeks depending on location
Total time from application to wedding: usually 2–4 weeks
This makes Denmark one of the fastest countries in Europe for international marriages.
Cost of Getting Married in Denmark

The total cost depends on the type of wedding.
Typical costs:
Simple town hall wedding: €780
Elopement wedding in nature: €3,500 – €7,000
Destination wedding with guests: €10,000+
You can explore our Wedding Packages to see typical services and pricing.
Town Hall Weddings in Denmark

Many couples choose a civil ceremony in a Danish town hall. These ceremonies are simple, elegant, and legally recognised worldwide.
Town halls across Denmark offer ceremonies for international couples throughout the year.
You can read more in our guide to Town Hall Weddings in Denmark.
Best Places to Marry in Denmark Once Approved

Not only town halls—we also host ceremonies at romantic Danish venues: beaches and lighthouses, castle/manors and dramatic cliff spots.
If you want something more scenic or private, tell us your vibe and travel dates—we’ll suggest the best-fit venue and earliest availability. Here are some of the most popular spots:
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Højerup Old Church: Famous for its charm and history, this little ancient Church is a popular choice for international couples. Non religious ceremonies with scenic coastline provide an intimate experience.
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Castle Pavillon: For couples wanting a fairytale experience, this venue offers enchanting locations and historic charm.
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Kronborg Castle: Known as the castle from Shakespeare's Hamlet, Kronborg offers a dramatic and historic setting, ideal for those wanting an extraordinary wedding location.
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Forest: Perfect for nature lovers, this package includes a scenic ceremony setup within a secluded forest area, surrounded by nature’s peaceful ambiance.
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Bornholm Island: Known as the “Sunshine Island,” Bornholm features dramatic cliffs, sandy beaches, and charming coastal villages. Perfect for couples who want a scenic, off-the-beaten-path destination with picturesque views at every turn.
FAQ - Getting Married in Denmark
Our Most Popular Wedding Packages
Town Hall
Romantic Location
Castle Wedding
€ 780
from € 2.700
from € 3.900
Enjoy a simple but stylish civil wedding in one of Denmark’s many picturesque town halls.
Our Romantic Location Weddings capture Denmark’s stunning scenery for your big day.
Choose one of the beautiful and historic Danish castles for your Denmark wedding venue.

Meet Your Award-Winning Denmark Wedding Planner

We are Lena & Carsten, award-winning wedding planners.
With expertise in navigating Danish marriage laws, handling paperwork, and selecting breathtaking venues—whether in Copenhagen, scenic islands, or lush forests—we take care of every detail.
We have helped 1 000+ couples from 47 countries to get married in Denmark!
Known for our professionalism and knowledge of local customs, our team ensure a stress-free process, making it easy for couples to enjoy a romantic destination wedding in Denmark.

Kind Words
I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to Nordic Adventure for their outstanding services in organizing our wedding in Denmark.
Their expertise in navigating the legal requirements and paperwork for a wedding in Denmark was invaluable, making the process seamless and stress-free.
The support and guidance provided by the agency throughout the planning process were exceptional. Their prompt responses, organization, and willingness to go the extra mile ensured that our special day was truly memorable.
We highly recommend Nordic Adventure to anyone looking for a reliable and professional service to organize their dream wedding in Denmark.



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