Planning a civil wedding
in Denmark — a guide
for international couples
Denmark makes it genuinely straightforward for couples from other countries to get married here. This guide covers everything you need to know — the paperwork, the process, what to expect on the day, and how to make the most of your time in Southern Denmark.
Why couples choose to get married here
Denmark has one of the most accessible marriage systems in Europe for international couples. The requirements are clear, the process is well-organised, and most town halls are set up to welcome couples from abroad without complication. Many couples who get married in Denmark are not from Denmark at all — and the system works well for them.
But beyond the practical side, Southern Denmark is genuinely beautiful. The landscape is soft and coastal. Town halls like Aabenraa, Sønderborg, Tønder, and Haderslev are elegant, often historic buildings in small cities that feel calm rather than overwhelming. There is nothing rushed or anonymous about getting married here.
The Danish Agency of Family Law sets out exactly what you need. No guesswork. If your documents are in order, the process moves smoothly.
Town hall ceremonies are short, personal, and usually limited to a small group. For couples who want something meaningful without the scale of a large wedding, this fits perfectly.
Southern Denmark is easy to reach by car, train, or short flight from Germany and most of central Europe. Many couples arrive for just a day or two and leave married.
What documents you will need
The application goes through Familieretshuset — the Danish Agency of Family Law. They review your paperwork and issue confirmation that you are legally free to marry in Denmark. The documents required depend partly on your nationality and situation, but the core set is consistent for most couples.
Both partners need a valid passport. A national identity card may be accepted for some EU citizens, but a passport is the safer option.
Proof that neither of you is currently married. This is usually issued by your home country’s civil registry. It may need to be apostilled and translated into Danish or English, depending on your nationality.
Required for most applicants. Depending on the country of origin, this may need an apostille stamp and a translation.
If either partner has been married before, documentation of the previous marriage ending is required. Again, apostille and translation requirements vary by country.
Step by step
Most couples complete the entire process within a few weeks, sometimes less. Here is what the journey typically looks like from the first step to the ceremony itself.
Start by collecting the required paperwork from your home country. Allow extra time for official translations, apostille stamps, or obtaining documents from civil registries abroad. This is often the step that takes longest, so start early.
Both partners submit an application through the Familieretshuset portal. You will need a NemID or a way to verify your identity digitally. Non-Danish citizens can contact Familieretshuset directly if the online process raises questions.
Processing typically takes a few weeks. Familieretshuset will contact you if they need anything further. Once approved, you receive a certificate confirming you are free to marry in Denmark.
Contact the town hall of your chosen municipality to book a ceremony slot. Town halls in Southern Denmark — including Aabenraa, Sønderborg, Tønder, and Haderslev — are accustomed to welcoming international couples. Availability varies, so book early once your approval is confirmed.
Arrive at the town hall with your documents. The registrar will conduct the ceremony. It is typically short — often between ten and twenty minutes — but entirely real. You leave legally married. What happens after is yours to decide.
What to expect at your town hall ceremony
Town hall weddings are intimate by design. The ceremony rooms in Southern Danish town halls are clean, often elegant — old architecture with high ceilings and good light. There is no noise, no crowd, and no performance. You arrive, you say what needs to be said, and you leave married.
Most ceremonies allow a small number of guests, though many couples choose to keep it to just the two of them and a photographer. The registrar will typically speak in Danish, sometimes with English summaries depending on the municipality — it is worth checking this with the town hall when you book.
Give yourselves ten minutes to collect yourselves outside. The moment you walk in, things move quickly. A few calm minutes before makes a real difference.
Many couples are surprised by how quickly it goes. Around ten to twenty minutes in total. Which means every moment matters, and it is worth being present for all of it.
The registrar will want to see your original documents. Keep them together and accessible. Do not leave them in the hotel.
Most couples spend the afternoon at one or two nearby locations for portraits. Southern Denmark has good options close to every town hall — coast, forest, open countryside.
The day goes fast.
Your photos do not.
I cover town hall weddings across Southern Denmark — Aabenraa, Sønderborg, Tønder, Haderslev, and beyond. The ceremony, the moments just after, and a quiet portrait session somewhere nearby. Packages start at €95. Your gallery arrives within 4 weeks.
Book a dateA few things worth knowing before you go
These are the things couples ask me most often in the weeks before their wedding day.
Travel schedules are tight — build in a buffer. Many international couples have return flights booked the same day or the morning after. If your document review gets delayed by even a day, that creates pressure. Give yourself at least one full spare day on either side of the ceremony if you can.
Weather in Southern Denmark is variable. That is true in summer and especially in spring and autumn. The light here can be beautiful in almost any conditions, but overcast does not always mean a ruined day. I work in all weather and plan accordingly.
Translations and apostilles take time. Some countries take two to four weeks to issue official documents. Start gathering your paperwork as soon as you have a target date in mind. This is almost always the part that slows couples down.
Dress as you wish. There is no dress code at Danish town halls. Some couples arrive in a full bridal gown and suit. Others come in something simple and comfortable. Both are equally valid here.
Contact the town hall directly to confirm everything. Ceremony room availability, language of the registrar, guest limits — all of this is handled by the individual municipality. Do not assume anything, just ask them. They are used to these questions.
Plan something for after. The ceremony itself is short. Most couples find it helpful to have a loose plan for the afternoon — a location for portraits, a restaurant, somewhere to decompress together. The day will feel more complete with something to move into.
Frequently asked questions
Getting married in
Southern Denmark?
I cover town hall weddings across the region. If you have questions about locations, logistics, or what a day with me looks like, just send a message.
Book a dateI reply within 24 hours