Question & Answer - marriage in Denmark

The process is faster than in many other countries.

Fewer documents are required; couples usually do not have to present birth certificates or legalise passports and ID documents.

The Danish marriage certificate is internationally recognised, and couples can use it for family reunification and other legal processes.

After all necessary documents have been submitted, the Danish Agency of Family Law normally needs up to seven working days to review the application and make a decision. If additional documents are requested, the processing time will be longer. It is therefore important to follow all instructions carefully.

Yes. If the couple meets all requirements of the Danish Agency of Family Law and enters Denmark legally (Schengen area), a marriage license can be issued. All European immigration rules must be respected.

No. A civil marriage in Denmark is only possible when both spouses are physically present together with two witnesses. If you do not have witnesses, they will be provided free of charge by the registry office.

During the preparation of the application, you can choose the marriage office based on your preferences. In smaller municipalities it can be more difficult to reserve specific dates, so early preparation increases the chances of getting the date and place you want.

Yes. After the wedding in Denmark you receive an international marriage certificate that is valid worldwide. The certificate is issued in several languages and is usually accepted without translation in Germany. In other countries you may need to notify local authorities or obtain an apostille for further legalisation.

In many cases this is possible, but it depends on the immigration rules of the country where you wish to live. Marriage in Denmark may be the first step, but you must follow the family-reunification procedures of the relevant country.

Since 2019, the Danish authorities have tightened requirements when one partner is not an EU citizen. In addition to personal documents, couples must provide evidence that their relationship is genuine. This may include photos together, proof of joint trips, joint addresses and records of communication. Based on your situation, we prepare a list of the most suitable forms of evidence.