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Required documents

How to get married in Denmark

Required documents

Denmark is one of the most popular destinations for international couples seeking a simple and hassle-free wedding. Its flexible marriage laws and efficient administration make it the perfect choice but to ensure your application is successful, it’s crucial to have the correct documents prepared.

At Wedding Planner Denmark, we’ve helped hundreds of couples avoid unnecessary delays by guiding them through the documentation process. Below, we’ve created a detailed guide to help you understand exactly which documents are required to get married in Denmark, depending on your personal situation.

Having everything ready and submitted correctly will help you get a fast approval from the Agency of Family Law (Familieretshuset) and allow you to focus on planning your perfect wedding day.

Whether you’re an EU or non-EU citizen, previously divorced, or planning to marry on a tourist visa, we’ve got you covered with the latest, accurate information.

See the list here

Valid passport or EU ID card

The document that is required for you and your partner.

A valid Visa

If one of you are required a Visa to enter Denmark.

A residence permit

If either or both partners are from outside the EU/Schengen Area but reside in an EU/Schengen country.

A divorce decree or death certificate

If either partner has been previously married.

Original birth certificates for any children shared with your partner

If you have children together, you will need to provide proof, such as original birth certificates.

Military personnel require permission to marry from their commanding officer or must provide their Military Orders

If one or both partners are in military service, they will need to obtain permission to marry from their commanding officer or provide their Military Orders as proof of authorization.

Documents you WILL NEED

The only official document required for all couples getting married in Denmark is a valid passport. If you’re from an EU or Schengen country (except Ireland), you may also present a valid EU national ID card instead of a passport. This document must be shown by both partners and is necessary to enter Denmark, stay legally, and get married.

To be accepted by the Agency of Family Law, your passport or ID card must meet the following requirements:

  • It must be valid and unexpired

  • It must clearly show your photo, full name, date of birth, and nationality

  • It must not have any damage or missing pages

  • Copies must be submitted in high resolution, showing the entire page, including edges

If either of you holds a residence permit or visa, that must also be included as part of your application.

We recommend scanning or photographing your passport in daylight, laying it flat and ensuring no shadows or reflections are visible. This helps avoid delays in the application process.

The Declaration of Truth is a legal requirement that both you and your partner must sign as part of your marriage application in Denmark. It is an official form issued by the Danish government, and at Wedding Planner Denmark, we will provide this form and guide you through its proper completion.

By signing the Declaration of Truth, you confirm that all information in your application is accurate and that all submitted documents are genuine. This step is crucial because submitting incorrect or falsified information is considered a criminal offence in Denmark, and may result in legal consequences such as fines or imprisonment.

A Power of Attorney allows Wedding Planner Denmark (WPD) to legally assist you with your marriage application by authorizing us to act and communicate on your behalf. We will provide you with the correct form, and guide you step by step through the signing process.

This document is essential for us to:

Documents you MIGHT NEED

A Valid Visa

If one of you needs a valid visa to enter Denmark for the purpose of getting married, it is crucial that the visa is obtained before you arrive. We strongly recommend applying for the correct visa type well in advance of your planned wedding date in Denmark.

At Wedding Planner Denmark, we assist international couples with the documentation and guidance needed for the visa application process. Ensuring that all visa requirements are met is essential to avoid delays, rejections, or complications when entering Denmark or during the wedding itself.

If you are unsure whether you need a visa or which documents to provide, you are welcome to contact us for support and personal advice. We are here to help you every step of the way.

A Residence Permit

If either or both of you are non-EU citizens but currently reside in an EU or Schengen country, you must include a valid residence permit when applying to get married in Denmark. This document is essential to prove your legal residence status in the country where you live.

The Danish marriage application process requires that all documents, including your residence permit, are valid and clearly legible. If your residence permit is set to expire soon, we recommend renewing it before applying.

Should you have any doubts about the requirements or how to present your permit correctly, our team at Wedding Planner Denmark is ready to assist you. We ensure your documents meet all legal standards for marriage in Denmark, so your application is not delayed or rejected.

Divorce Decree or Death Certificate

If either you or your partner has been previously married, you must provide official documentation proving that the previous marriage has legally ended. This means submitting either:

  • A divorce decree if divorced

  • A death certificate if widowed

These documents are a legal requirement for marriage in Denmark and are used to confirm that both parties are free to marry.

All documents must be officially issued, translated (if not in English, German, or Danish), and properly certified or legalized, depending on the issuing country. If you are uncertain whether your documents meet the requirements, our team at Wedding Planner Denmark is here to help.

We can review your documents and assist you in gathering and submitting the correct paperwork to the Danish Agency of Family Law, ensuring a smooth and timely application process.

Original Birth Certificates for Any Children

If you and your partner have children together, the Danish authorities require original birth certificates for each child as part of your marriage application in Denmark. These certificates confirm your parental relationship and are used to support your documentation as a couple.

The birth certificates must be:

  • Original copies (not scans or photocopies)

  • Officially issued by a government authority

  • Translated by an authorized translator if not in English, German, or Danish

If you’re unsure whether your documents meet these standards, or if you need help getting them translated or certified, Wedding Planner Denmark can assist. Our team will guide you through each step to ensure your wedding application is complete and compliant with Danish marriage requirements.

While the required documents for marriage in Denmark are generally simpler than in many other countries, there are a few important additional considerations to be aware of:

Document Translations and Legalisation

If any of your documents are not written in English, German, or Danish, you will need to provide certified translations by an authorized translator. Some documents—especially those issued outside the EU—may also require legalisation or Apostille stamps to confirm their authenticity before they can be accepted by the Danish Agency of Family Law.

Validity of the Certificate of Marital Status (Prøvelsesattest)

Once your application is approved, the Danish authorities will issue a Certificate of Marital Status, known in Danish as a “Prøvelsesattest”. This certificate confirms that you are legally allowed to marry in Denmark and is typically valid for 4 months from the date of issue. It’s important to book your wedding ceremony within that timeframe to avoid needing to reapply.

If you’re unsure whether your documents need to be translated or legalised, or you’re concerned about the validity period of your approval, our team at Wedding Planner Denmark is ready to help guide you through every step.

How to Handle and Send the Documents

In order for us to coordinate and manage your wedding application in Denmark, it is essential that you upload high-quality color photos of your documents in actual size. This ensures fast approval and avoids delays with the authorities.

Important: All documents must be translated into English, German, or Danish.

Other information and documentation

In some cases, you may be asked to provide additional information about your relationship, especially if the Danish authorities require further confirmation of your partnership.

This may include documentation that shows:

  • How long you have known each other

  • How your relationship has developed over time

  • Proof of communication and time spent together

Examples of accepted documentation:

  • Photos of you as a couple with visible dates

  • Screenshots of text messages or chats over several months

  • Travel tickets or bookings made together

  • Social media posts or shared events

Providing this type of documentation can help speed up your application process and reduce the risk of delays. If you’re unsure what to include, we’re here to advise and assist you.

Documents you need on your wedding day

On the day of your wedding in Denmark, you are required to present valid identification documents to the wedding office before the ceremony takes place. These documents are essential to verify your identity and ensure the legal validity of your marriage.

You must bring:

  • Valid Passport
    Both you and your partner must present your original passports. This is mandatory for identification and proof of nationality.

  • EU ID Card (if applicable)
    If you are a citizen of an EU or Schengen country (excluding Ireland), you may use your national ID card instead of a passport.

These documents must be presented to the wedding registrar at your chosen City Hall 15–20 minutes before your ceremony begins. Without them, your wedding cannot proceed.

We recommend reviewing your documents a few days in advance to avoid any delays. If you have any doubts or need assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact us we’re here to support you every step of the way.

Documents after the ceremony

After your wedding ceremony in Denmark, you and your partner will each receive a two-page international marriage certificate issued in five languages: English, German, Spanish, French, and Danish. This multilingual format ensures that your marriage is legally recognized in most countries worldwide.

If you require an Apostille Stamp on your marriage certificate for official use abroad (e.g. for immigration, name change, or legal registration), we can handle this process for you. Our team will:

  • Submit your certificate to the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs

  • Ensure the Apostille is correctly applied

  • Send the finalized documents to you via tracked international shipping

Should you have any questions or need help with legalizing or using your marriage certificate in your home country, feel free to contact us. We’re here to support you even after your wedding day.

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