Getting married in Denmark for foreigners: Everything you need to know

For many couples, registering a marriage abroad has become not just a romantic idea but also a convenient way to formally legalize their relationship. Among the most popular destinations, Denmark is often mentioned. Its Nordic charm and notable openness toward international couples never fail to touch the hearts of those in love.

However, before you start choosing a cozy Danish town hall or mentally planning your trip to Copenhagen, it’s important to understand this: the process of getting married in Denmark as foreign nationals is not as simple as it may seem at first glance. In reality, the country is known for its strict legal procedures, thorough document checks, and stringent compliance requirements.

We have been working with international couples for many years and understand perfectly how significantly marriage regulations differ from country to country. And today, we’ll explain how “easy” it truly is for foreigners to get married in Denmark.

Danish legislation and marriages involving foreign citizens

Danish law does indeed allow foreign nationals and mixed couples (a foreigner + a Danish citizen) to marry on its territory. This is why Denmark is often considered one of the most open countries in Western and Northern Europe when it comes to marriage registration.

However, there is one important nuance: the simplicity of the procedure directly depends on the citizenship of each partner. The Danish system divides all couples wishing to officially register their relationship into three main categories, and the requirements for each differ significantly.

Citizens of the Nordic countries and holders of permanent residence in Denmark

The first category includes:

• citizens of Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Iceland;
• foreigners who hold a permanent (tidsubegrænset) residence permit in Denmark;
• individuals with a right of permanent residence under EU rules.

For them, the process is truly the simplest. In most cases, the application is handled by the local kommune, the document package is minimal, and the verification is faster. Denmark fully trusts its internal register (CPR) and the legal systems of the Nordic countries.

Citizens of the EU/EEA and Switzerland

For citizens of the European Union, the EEA, and Switzerland, the procedure is also relatively straightforward. Their applications are often processed more quickly because:

• EU law guarantees freedom of movement and residence;
• documents are standardized;
• no complex legalization is required.

However, even at this stage, Denmark may conduct additional checks, especially if the couple does not have a long shared history or if any documents were issued outside the EU.

Citizens of other countries (outside the EU/EEA)

This is where the situation changes most dramatically. For citizens of countries outside the EU and the Nordic region, the rules become significantly stricter. Applications from such couples are not reviewed by the local kommune but are processed centrally by the Agency of Family Law (Familieretshuset). And the procedure is no longer similar to the “quick European wedding” many imagine.

Same-sex marriages in Denmark

At the same time, Denmark remains one of the most progressive countries in Europe: it was the first in the world to legalize same-sex unions, and today couples of any gender composition can officially marry here. For many international LGBTQ+ couples, this becomes a decisive factor. Even if their home country does not recognize such a union, a Danish marriage certificate is valid within the EU and in most Western countries.

Thus, yes – Denmark officially allows the registration of marriages between foreign nationals, and thousands of couples come here every year for this very reason. However, the “simplicity” often mentioned on the internet is a relative concept. For EU and Nordic citizens, the process does appear quite easy. But the farther one’s citizenship is from the EU, the stricter the requirements imposed by the Danish system. With proper preparation, it is absolutely possible to complete the process, but it is important to understand that it may turn out to be significantly more complex and time-consuming than couples usually expect.

Required documents for getting married in Denmark

The list of documents needed to marry in Denmark depends on which category the couple belongs to: citizens of the EU, the Nordic countries, or all other countries. However, there is a basic set of documents that is required in almost all cases. Everything else consists of additional documents requested depending on the couple’s citizenship and personal circumstances.

1. Passport or ID card. This is the primary document for all categories. For non-EU citizens, the requirements are stricter:

• the passport must be valid for at least 3 months after the planned departure from Denmark;
• it must contain at least 2 blank pages;
• it must have been issued no more than 10 years ago (even if it has been extended).

Important: Denmark requires photos of all pages, including blank ones, and in high quality.

2. Proof of legal stay. This is a critical requirement for anyone who is not a citizen of the EU/EEA or the Nordic countries. The following are acceptable:

• a visa or tourist visa;
• a residence permit in Denmark or another Schengen country;
• an EU residence card;
• a Schengen entry stamp;
• any valid proof that you are staying in the country legally.

Without proof of legal stay, the application will not be processed.

3. Certificate of marital status (civilstandsattest). This certificate is required to confirm that you are not currently married. The requirements depend on the country:

• the document must be issued no more than 3 months prior;
• some countries require an apostille or full legalization;
• the document must be translated into English, German, or Danish.

If you are already registered in Denmark’s CPR system (usually due to residence or citizenship), this certificate is not required, as your status is confirmed automatically.

4. Documents related to a previous marriage (if applicable). If you were previously married, you must provide:

• a divorce certificate;
• a death certificate of the former spouse;
• or a marriage annulment decision.

All documents must be:

• officially recognized in Denmark;
• legalized or apostilled (depending on the country);
• translated into English, German, or Danish.

If the divorce took place in Denmark, nothing needs to be provided – the information is already recorded in the CPR.

5. Documents related to children (if you have children together). You will need:

• the children’s birth certificates;
• the original + a translation into English, Danish, or German.

This does not complicate the process, but it helps confirm the history of the relationship, which is important for screening against sham marriages.

6. Proof of address (if you live together abroad). If the couple shares a residence outside Denmark, the following will be required:

• a residence registration certificate (bopælsattest);
• a utility bill or another document confirming the shared address.

Usually, the original + a translation is required.

7. Signature of the 11B declaration (for mixed couples if one partner is a Danish/Nordic citizen). This is a declaration stating that the couple is familiar with the rules of family reunification in Denmark. It is required if:

• one partner is Danish or a citizen of a Nordic country, and
• the other partner is a citizen of a country outside the EU.

This requirement does not apply to EU citizens.

8. High-quality photos of all documents. Denmark pays special attention to this:

• all photos must be clear and in color;
• without glare, distortion, or shadows;
• taken with a phone or camera, not scanned;
• in high resolution, without compression.

Poor image quality is one of the most common reasons an application is returned.

There are indeed quite a few documents involved, especially for citizens of non-EU countries. But the main challenge is not the number of documents – it’s the quality requirements: Denmark is extremely strict about deadlines, translations, legalization, and full compliance with all details.

For some couples, this stage goes smoothly, while for others it turns into a long checklist where mistakes are very easy to make. This is why many couples consider alternatives in advance – countries that treat foreign couples more flexibly and where the process is significantly simpler.

Marriage in Denmark for foreigners: Requirements and conditions

Denmark is indeed open to foreign weddings, but behind this openness lies a well-structured and fairly strict system. It does not make the process impossible – it simply requires careful attention to detail. And these very details determine how easy or difficult the couple’s journey will be.

Key legal requirements

• both partners must be over 18;
• both must be unmarried;
• marriage between close relatives is not permitted;
• if either partner is under guardianship, the guardian’s consent is required.

Prøvelsesattesten – the marriage approval certificate

Obtaining the prøvelsesattest is the key step; without it, no marriage can be registered in Denmark – neither in a small kommune nor in central Copenhagen. In essence, it is the government’s official confirmation that “the couple is eligible to marry.” The certificate is valid for four months and is issued in two different institutions:

• the Kommune, if both partners are EU or Nordic citizens or hold permanent residence;
• the Agency of Family Law, if at least one partner is a citizen of a non-EU country.

For couples from outside the EU and EEA, this stage is usually the longest: the review is more thorough, and any inconsistency or mismatch in the documents delays the process.

Legal stay

For the application to be considered at all, both partners must be legally present in Denmark. This may be a visa, a residence permit, visa-free entry, or any document proving legal stay in the Schengen area.
If there is no legal basis for being in the country, the Danish authorities will not even open the case – this rule is strict and absolute.

Relationship history check

Denmark takes the authenticity of relationships very seriously. There is a law aimed at preventing sham marriages, so the authorities may request:

• a more detailed account of your relationship history;
• documents or evidence proving that you have known each other for a long time;
• proof of cohabitation;
• information about children or previous marriages.

Sometimes couples are even invited to an interview. This does not always happen, but it may occur if the documents raise questions or require clarification.

Denmark welcomes thousands of international couples every year. But it is important to be honest: the Danish process is not a quick, easy formality, as it sometimes seems. It is a full-fledged legal procedure with its nuances, strict rules, and attention to documentation.

If everything is prepared correctly, there will be no problems. However, if you want a simpler, more predictable, and less bureaucratic procedure, there are countries where getting married is much easier, faster, and with fewer formalities – for example, Georgia.

How much does a wedding in Denmark cost in 2025

Denmark is a country with very high wedding service prices, and even the simplest marriage registration comes at a significant cost. For example, agencies working with foreign couples in Denmark offer the following prices for a town hall ceremony:

• “Standard” package – $1,800. This includes document preparation and submission, obtaining the marriage permit, booking the town hall, and apostille.
• “All-inclusive” package – $3,000. This adds transfers, overnight stay, interpreter service, a wedding bouquet, assistance for witnesses, and a mini photoshoot of 10 shots.

It is important to understand that if you dream of a truly beautiful wedding with an outdoor ceremony and picturesque landscapes, the budget will be significantly higher. Minimum expenses for such a wedding in Denmark start at $15,000 and can be much higher.

Wedding in Denmark or Georgia: what’s better for foreign couples?

We hope we have provided a realistic picture of organizing a wedding in Denmark and debunked the myth that it is a “simple and affordable” option. Yes, Denmark can be an option for certain categories of couples, but for most, it is an expensive and formal registration requiring a substantial budget.

On the other hand, Georgia is open to couples from all over the world, regardless of citizenship. All types of weddings are available here – from intimate ceremonies to large celebrations, with a variety of locations and full support. Thousands of foreign couples choose Georgia precisely for its accessibility, flexibility, and leniency, as well as the ability to organize a wedding without unnecessary bureaucracy.

If you have no particular ties to Denmark, it is more practical to choose Georgia as a more reasonable and cost-effective solution. It combines beauty, comfort, and a sensible budget, making your wedding not just a formal procedure but a true event.

Criterion	Georgia	Denmark
Affordable cost	from $435	from $1,800
No language barrier	✔	✖
Legal simplicity for all foreign couples	✔	✖
Ease of entering the country	✔	✖
Minimal document package	✔	✖
Possibility to register marriage within 24 hours	✔	✖
Legality of the marriage certificate	✔	✔
Wide variety of locations	✔	✔
Favorable weather conditions	✔	✖

Georgia is a country where you can truly have the wedding of your dreams without compromise. The team at Shu Wedding will select the best locations for you, offer interesting ceremony formats, organize photoshoots and celebratory details, and fully handle all organizational matters.

There is no need to spend time and budget on formalities in Denmark when you can have a real dream wedding in Georgia: beautiful, affordable, and fully tailored to your wishes. Contact us – we will explain all available options, help you choose the perfect locations, and show that Georgia is truly the best choice for foreign couples.