Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ceremony like?
A Danish City Hall wedding ceremony is known for being simple, elegant, and short typically lasting around 10 minutes.
During the ceremony, the registrar will say a few words, sometimes including a short poem or speech. This is followed by the exchange of legal vows. You also have the option to write and include your own personal vows to make the moment even more special.
After the vows, you will sign the marriage license, and the ceremony is complete.
All Danish City Halls provide beautiful and intimate ceremony rooms, many of which are located in historic buildings that add charm and meaning to your special day.
On which days can we have our wedding ceremony at Copenhagen City Hall?
Copenhagen City Hall offers wedding ceremonies on the following days:
Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday
Tuesdays and Sundays are not available for weddings.
Please note that Fridays and Saturdays are the most popular wedding days and often get fully booked several weeks in advance. We recommend that you plan and reserve your wedding date early if you want one of these days.
Do we need witnesses for the wedding ceremony?
Yes, Danish law requires two witnesses to be present at all civil marriage ceremonies. These witnesses can be your family members or friends, or they can be provided by the City Hall.
If you’re getting married on a weekday, most City Halls in Denmark will arrange the witnesses for you free of charge.
However, for weekend weddings, some town halls may ask that you bring your own witnesses. We always inform you in advance if this applies to your selected location and date.
How long does it take to receive a response when booking a wedding date at Copenhagen City Hall?
Copenhagen City Hall typically provides an immediate response when you request to book a wedding date. However, due to high demand, there is currently a waiting period of approximately 8 to 10 weeks for available appointments.
We recommend that couples remain flexible with their wedding date to increase the chance of securing a preferred time. If you have a tight schedule or require a faster timeline, we can also guide you through alternative wedding venues in Denmark that may offer earlier availability.
When should we present our documents at Copenhagen City Hall?
You must present your passports and any relevant residency permits or visas at the Copenhagen City Hall on the same day as your wedding ceremony. Please make sure to arrive 15–20 minutes early and go directly to the Information Desk inside the City Hall.
There, you will be guided to the correct office where your documents will be reviewed before the ceremony can begin. It’s important that both partners are present and that all documents are valid and match what was submitted in your marriage application.
Arriving early ensures a smooth start to your wedding day and gives the registrar time to confirm everything is in order.
Can we hold our wedding ceremony at a location other than Copenhagen City Hall?
Yes, couples can get married at many beautiful locations in Copenhagen beyond the official City Hall. The Copenhagen Wedding Office offers outdoor wedding ceremonies (“open-air weddings”) on selected dates at iconic spots in the city, such as historic buildings, waterfront locations, or famous landmarks. These settings give you a memorable and romantic experience beyond the traditional city hall room.
For even more flexibility, you can book a private registrar to come to a location of your choice. Whether it’s a cozy restaurant, a scenic garden, a private residence, or even on a boat, you can choose a place that reflects your story and preferences. This makes it easy to plan a unique wedding in Denmark on your own terms.
Keep in mind that these alternative ceremonies often involve extra fees and require booking in advance. If you’re planning a wedding in Copenhagen or anywhere in Denmark, it’s a good idea to discuss your preferred location early to make sure it’s available on your desired date.
