Denmark may not have ancestry dual citizenship. But Denmark, and Copenhagen more specifically, has become a unique destination for many foreign couples in Europe. Getting married in Europe can be unexpectedly complicated. Differences in residence status, paperwork, and recognition between countries often create real obstacles for international couples. Recent media articles giving coverage to Getting Married in Denmark emerged as a practical solution, offering one of the most accessible civil marriage systems in Europe.
Why Denmark?
Denmark has become known as the “Las Vegas of Europe” for marriages. The reasons are straightforward:
- Minimal requirements compared to other countries.
- Fast processing times, often within days.
- Short residency requirement (as little as four days in Copenhagen).
- Full legal recognition of marriages across the EU.
This makes Denmark particularly attractive for foreign couples who might otherwise struggle: EU dual citizens through ancestry with partners from their home nationality number among this group, along with same-sex couples facing restrictions in their home countries and other mixed-nationality couples facing complex residency requirements to declare their marriages. Often, one partner at least must have fixed Residence Permit rights and have been resident in the country for some time.
The Process
Before marrying, couples must complete a marriage application and submit a marriage form to the Marriage Office for a prøvelsesattest (Certificate of Marital Status) from the Danish Agency of Family Law. This forms part of the official marriage application process. Once approved, they can proceed with their civil ceremony and wedding ceremony at a City Hall, including the popular Copenhagen City Hall, or at other approved wedding venues across the country.
These civil part ceremonies are often simple and legally binding. Once the wedding process is complete, couples immediately receive their International Marriage Certificate.
These certificates are issued in five languages—Danish, English, German, French, and Spanish—making them easy to use across Europe. For most EU countries, they’re recognized without the need for additional stamps or apostilles.
Marriage in Denmark: Recognition Across Borders
For couples dealing with citizenship or residency matters, the recognition of Danish marriage certificates offers real advantages, as the document is issued by a Schengen country and an EU member. More advantages include:
- Residency & family reunification: spouses of EU citizens can more easily secure their rights.
- Apostille: As an EU document, no apostille is necessary.
- International legal uses: EU documents streamline inheritance, children’s nationality claims, and administrative processes at courts and governments in the EU.
If you need to use your certificate outside the EU, Denmark does also provides apostille services to make the document valid worldwide.
Couples may also be asked to submit supporting documentation required, such as:
- Birth certificate
- Divorce decree (if previously married)
- Death Certificate (if widowed)
These items form the essential documents list when applying to the Marriage Office or marriage registry.
Why It Matters for EU Dual Citizens
If you are facing challenges getting your marriage pronounced in Europe due to restrictive regulations, Denmark may provide an alternative pathway. Denmark’s system gives couples a fast, recognized, and multilingual document—a powerful tool in navigating Europe’s patchwork of laws.
From the notice of marriage to the issuance of your marriage license, the Denmark wedding framework is designed for efficiency. Most ceremonies take place in town halls such as Copenhagen City Hall, where Danish citizen officials conduct the civil ceremony.
Foreign nationals often rely on professional wedding planners who assist with the application process, communication with the Marriage Office, and booking official wedding venues.
Ultimately, Getting Married in Denmark provides an inclusive, internationally recognized route for couples seeking a simple, legally valid civil marriage in the heart of Europe.