Marriage in Denmark is probably the quickest and easiest in the EU. But even so, couples have many questions and doubts. We have helped over 3000 couples from 177 different countries, so we have encountered most issues by now!
You can find the answers to the most frequently asked questions below – we hope you find the information you are looking for. If you would like us to help you get married in Denmark, on our beautiful island of Aeroe, then contact us or have a look around our website to find out more.
Is the marriage valid worldwide?
Absolutely. Within the EU, under the terms of EU resolution 2016-1191, the certificate does not even require an apostille. Outside the EU a few countries such as Canada and UAE still require full legalisation of your Danish marriage certificate. That involves an apostille stamp from the Danish foreign ministry and another stamp from the relevant embassy. But most nonEU countries are signatory to the 1961 Hague Apostille Convention, which means they simply require the apostille. We provide an efficient apostille and legalisation service for couples who require it. There are also one or two countries such as Italy, Switzerland and France, who have their own odd requirements, all of which we have experience of and would be pleased to help you with.
Why get married in Denmark?
Because the Danes are sensible people and see no reason why two consenting adults should have to fight a legal and bureaucratic battle to get married. In Denmark the documentation required is simple and straightforward, there is no requirement for the banns to be read, and the whole thing can happen quickly and easily with no hassle. Changes to the process (centralisation) back in 2018 did cause problems but it is still much quicker and easier to get married here than just about anywhere else.
Can I change my name in Denmark on my wedding day?
No; unless you are resident in Denmark, you will have to change your name once you return to your country of residence.
I already have my marriage application approved…can I “upgrade” to use your services for a proper romantic ceremony?
Yes! If you don’t like the idea of a modern, busy registry office, and are dreaming of a romantic location and access to a hairstylist, beautician, florist and so on - then contact us for details on how to upgrade your wedding with DIW. Your plans can be as simple or as complex as you like! See more here.
Can anyone get married in Denmark?
We have had couples from all over the world, including some who have had lost documents or had other problems. So almost anyone can get married here. The only country which has a problem (and that’s with any marriage overseas, not Denmark in particular) is Laos. Other than that the only real exceptions are asylum-seekers and refugees, who cannot get married here.
Are the requirements the same everywhere in Denmark?
Yes; all the documentation is now processed by a central unit.
What is the ceremony like, and how long does it take?
It is quick and simple, but at the same time dignified and unhurried, and can be in English or German. (With advance notice we can also offer Spanish, French, and sometimes other languages too). You will stand in front of the registrar or mayor in our beautiful Wedding Room (or other special location) while she conducts the ceremony. You are required to say yes, and you may exchange rings if you would like to. You can also add vows, music or other personal touches. Thereafter you both sign the register. After the witnesses and registrar have signed the final paperwork you are married!
For those who want something more than the official ceremony we can also provide a celebrant who oversee the celebration and can add readings, vows and so on to personalise everything.
Can we get married in the registry office?
Yes… but! The registry office is a pleasant enough modern office but it can be busy, you don’t get much time, and it is not the most romantic location. We do not understand why needing to get married quickly or with unusual paperwork means the wedding itself has to be dull and unromantic. So we offer romantic venues, such as the Old Merchants House It is perfect for couples on their own eloping, or for small parties. Based on our experience with over 3000 couples it is worth paying a little more to make a day as special as your wedding something to remember! But if you really insist on a registry office wedding on Ærø we can do that too.
Can we have a church wedding?
Unfortunately not, unless you are Scandinavian.
When do we get the marriage certificate?
You will get two copies of the certificate immediately. If you wish to register the marriage outside the EU then one certificate should be apostilled (or legalised for some countries such as Canada and UAE). We offer a professional apostille and legalisation service for couples who need it.
How long do we have to stay if we book through Danish Island Weddings?
You are required to stay one night on the island (although once you have seen Aeroe you may want to stay longer); you must arrive by 15.00/3pm the day before your wedding (or by 12.00 Friday for a Saturday wedding).
Can we pay by credit card?
Yes. We accept all credit cards online using Stripe - we send a link on request. But the best (& cheapest) option is to use Wise.com, either to transfer directly or to one of our Wise accounts in Germany, USA, Australia or UK.
Can we pay in cash?
If you prefer, you can pay in cash, in euros or Danish kroner. But please arrange this with us beforehand and be ready to pay when you meet with us the day before the wedding. Note that we have an ATM in Ærøskøbing by the tourist office on the harbour (and more elsewhere on the island).
Can we use Euros on Ærø?
Athough Denmark still uses the Danish krone, most places accept euro notes (although the exchange rate may not be very good). However, any change is given back in Danish kroner. Most places in Denmark now accept Visa. The exchange rate is around 7.46 kroner to one €.
Why choose Danish Island Weddings?
We are a small family-run business, and we are the only agency with an actual office and private wedding room here – so we are on hand to assist with everything to do with your wedding. We have 15 years experience with international weddings and are proud of our 5 star rating on TrustPilot.
Our work is personal to us and we take our responsibility seriously. We provide a personal and efficient service for couples who believe their wedding day should be memorable, whether or not they have problems with urgent timing or tricky paperwork. That’s why our weddings take place in our beautiful private Wedding Room on the old town square of Aeroeskoebing, with champagne and sweet treats. The room is perfect for eloping couples or intimate weddings, but we also have a select list of other romantic venues and locations exclusively available to us for the summer months.
Do we need to bring witnesses?
It is not necessary, as we provide witnesses as part of our service. But if you prefer to bring your own witnesses, that is of course fine.
Can I get married on a Schengen tourist visa?
Yes, but if you need advice on this issue we will be happy to discuss your particular circumstances. The simple answer is that you must be here legally!
Does getting married to an EU citizen give me automatic residency in Europe?
In general terms, yes it does, but be careful – this can be a complicated issue. The 2004 EU Directive on freedom of movement established this principle, but the individual EU countries did not implement the Directive fully. In particular, most countries want to be sure that any marriage is genuine, that the couple will be living together as man and wife, and that they can support themselves financially. None of our couples (as far as we know) has had any serious problems with this so far.
How do we register the marriage afterwards?
It depends on the country in which you live, but usually you need to take your new wedding certificate to the local authorities where you live. Some countries (like the French) may want you to contact their embassy in Denmark before the marriage.
Can gay couples get married in Denmark?
Yes – the Danes make absolutely no distinction between straight and gay marriage. But there are some international issues regarding acceptability, and also civil partnerships. You can find more information on that here. Having a dedicated LGBTQ+ page and URL (www.gaymarriageindenmark.com) helps us focus on any issues specific to LGBTQ+ marriages, and to help us find the LGBTQ+ couples who are trying to find us!
Does Brexit have any effect on my wedding on Ærø?
Not much! Writing in january 2024 it looks like;
Your Danish marriage will of course still be legal in UK, and the certificate is already in English.
From early 2025 (delayed again!) you will have to file an online ETIAS (like an ESTA for USA) to access visa-free travel. It keeps being delayed so check the latest here
Meanwhile the new EU system for recording travellers movements - EES - will be introduce late in 2024. So UK visitors (and everyone else from outside the EU) will have their passport details electronically scanned and recorded.
As far as we can see, for UK Family Reunification visas nothing changes.
You still do not need an apostille or legalisation on your marriage certificate for egistration in the UK.
Is it true that Ærø is Denmark’s leading centre of “hygge”?
Probably. We on Ærø have been masters of hygge for years – and now suddenly the word has invaded the English-speaking world. DIW and the Merchant’s House are the island’s leading exponents of hygge, and the ethos of putting people at ease through a combination of charm, aesthetics, comfort and friendliness is at the heart of everything we do.