Advice on wedding in denmark

We know that there are many questions about a wedding in Denmark. We would like to answer these questions and also advise you on your wishes.

Unfortunately, however, the desire for advice from couples has become so great that our actual work, the planning and application for weddings in Denmark thereby comes too short.

Therefore we have to channel the requests for advice! We hope for your understanding.

We would therefore like to ask you to send us date suggestions via the following request form. We will then select a suitable date and confirm it to you. We will then contact you by phone at the desired date and time.

• Is it possible to change your name after getting married in Denmark?
  In Denmark, there is no automatic name change upon marriage. This means that both spouses initially retain their respective names. However, you can change your name at the registry office in Germany or at the consulate of your home country or at the relevant authority in your home country.
  
  
• Is an interpreter required for the wedding ceremony in Denmark?
  Wedding ceremonies in Denmark can be conducted in German, English and Danish. The registry office expressly requires the presence of an interpreter if the partner does not speak any of these three languages. It is not permitted to use your own partner as an interpreter when getting married in Denmark. There is a risk that this could compromise the neutrality and impartiality of the interpreter. The costs for an interpreter are borne by the couple themselves. We are of course happy to help our couples find a suitable interpreter.
  
  
• Are two witnesses required for a wedding in Denmark?
  Two witnesses are required for a marriage in Denmark. These can be friends or family members, or they can be provided by the registry office if you do not have your own witnesses. Most registry offices offer marriage dates with or without your own witnesses.
  
  
• Do rings have to be exchanged during a civil wedding in Denmark?
  No rings need to be exchanged during a civil wedding in Denmark. It is entirely up to the couple whether or not they wish to exchange rings.
  Tip from our agency: It is essential to decide before the wedding whether or not rings will be exchanged and to discuss this with us in advance, as asking someone to exchange rings could be awkward if no rings are available.
  
  
• Can our dog be present at the civil wedding ceremony in Denmark?
  More and more couples want their dog to be present at their wedding – whether as a silent observer, ring bearer or even as a guest of honour. Whether the dog is allowed to be present at the wedding ceremony depends on the respective registry office or Danish municipality. Some registry offices allow dogs on the premises, while others only allow them outside.
  Tip from our agency: We know the dog-friendly registry offices and locations in Denmark. Contact us early to check whether the registry office of your choice is dog-friendly!
  
  
• Can you get married spontaneously or immediately in Denmark?
  New laws regarding marriage in Denmark were introduced in 2019. Couples who wish to get married in Denmark now require a certificate of no impediment to marriage issued by the Family Law Agency (Familieretshuset). It takes about 5-7 days to check the documents if the application is submitted correctly the first time. Only then can the wedding date be set. This means that spontaneous weddings in Denmark are no longer possible. However, you can book a quickie wedding through our agency.
  
  
• Can you get married in Denmark with a temporary residence permit?
  It is not possible to get married in Denmark with a temporary residence permit/residence authorisation.
  
  
• Can you get married in Denmark as a tourist with a Schengen visa or without a visa?
  Yes, it is possible for third-country nationals (non-EU citizens) to get married in Denmark as tourists with a valid Schengen visa. It is also possible for third-country nationals to get married in Denmark with visa-free entry (90-day rule) as long as they are legally residing in the Schengen area and do not exceed the 90-day rule.
  
  
• Is same-sex marriage possible in Denmark?
  Same-sex marriage has been possible in Denmark since 2012. Although these marriages are only recognised in countries where they are legal, same-sex couples can still enjoy a wonderful civil ceremony.
  
  
• Can you get married secretly in Denmark?
  Are you thinking about getting married in secret? Then Denmark is the perfect country for you. A secret wedding just for two (or with a very small group) is called an elopement wedding (a new trend from the USA). Elopement weddings are even becoming trendy in Denmark. Getting married in secret is a wonderful alternative for those who love peace and quiet, romance and pure togetherness.
  The secret wedding remains secret: no information about the marriage in Denmark will be forwarded to the United Kingdom or the relevant authorities in your home country. Only you can register your marriage with the relevant authorities: the registry office, civil registry office, etc.
  
  
• Do we need an apostille after getting married in Denmark?
  The apostille confirms the authenticity of your marriage certificate. Whether or not authorities require an apostille is usually at the discretion of the relevant authority or municipality in Germany. For non-EU countries, you usually always need an apostille or legalisation.
  Tip from our agency: Our agency offers an apostille service.