Do I Need a Birth Certificate to Get Married in Denmark?

If you’ve started researching what documents are needed to get married in Denmark, you might be wondering whether a birth certificate is one of them. It’s a common assumption—after all, many countries require it. But in Denmark, things are a little different. In most cases, you won’t need to provide a birth certificate at all.

This is one of the reasons why Denmark has become such a popular destination for couples from all over the world: the paperwork is refreshingly minimal, and the process is designed to be straightforward. Instead of focusing on outdated or excessive documentation, the Danish authorities prioritise the essentials.

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What documents do you actually need?

While a birth certificate is rarely part of the standard documentation, there are other documents that are absolutely essential. These include valid passports or national ID cards, proof of current marital status (such as a divorce decree or certificate of no impediment), and, in some cases, visa or residence permit documentation depending on your citizenship and residency.

The Danish Agency of Family Law (Familieretshuset) will assess your application based on these core elements. They may occasionally request additional documents if there’s something in your case that requires further clarification—but for most couples, a birth certificate is never needed.

We always recommend checking the current list of required documents for your specific situation. You can find an overview of the documents you actually need here.

Why do some couples expect to need a birth certificate?

It’s completely natural to assume that a birth certificate might be required. In many countries, it’s a standard part of marriage applications and often used to verify age, citizenship or parental identity. But Denmark’s system is different—officials rely instead on your passport or national ID as proof of identity, which makes things simpler. That’s part of what makes getting married here so appealing, especially for couples navigating complex bureaucracies in their home countries.

Why Denmark doesn't ask for more than necessary

One of the things that sets Denmark apart is its pragmatic approach. Instead of creating unnecessary barriers, the process is streamlined to make it as efficient as possible—without compromising legal standards.

That’s why so many international couples, especially those with complex backgrounds or different nationalities, choose to get married here.
By keeping the document requirements simple, Denmark avoids the complications that often arise in other countries, where gathering paperwork can become a frustrating and time-consuming task. If you don’t already have a birth certificate at hand, you likely won’t need to go digging for it.

Need help making sure your documents are correct?

Even though the list of required documents is shorter than in many other countries, it’s still crucial that everything you submit is accurate, up-to-date and matches what’s asked for. If you’re in doubt about what you need, we’re here to guide you.

Our team can help you navigate the process, ensure your documents are in order, and avoid unnecessary delays. Whether you’re just getting started or ready to book your ceremony, we’re happy to support you all the way to your wedding day in Denmark. Contact us today to get started.