The old Merchants House, our private wedding room for all seasons, is located on the town square of Ærøskøbing. It is the perfect wedding venue for couples who want to get married with minimum stress but a little bit of elegance and maximum Danish “hygge”.

When you book the wedding room, our full wedding planning service, styling and day-of coordination is included, as is all fees to local authorities and the registrar.

Every event is customised for your needs of course, but here is an example of a typical Merchants House wedding or elopement:

We give you a little tour of the building, including the getting ready room and the wedding room the day before.
We decorate the wedding room with fresh seasonal flower arrangements, style a beautiful setup of crystal champagne glasses, a sweet treat, a vintage champagne ice bucket and fine China.
We are in the building and on hand to help with everything you need all morning if you’re getting ready upstairs.
The registrar usually arrives 5-10 minutes before the ceremony and we coordinate any last minute changes or personal additions.
Some couples prefer to do seperate arrivals (with the groom often arriving with the guests about 20 minutes before the ceremony, and the bride making her own entrance to the music of your choice in the more traditional manner) but many of our couples are rather free spirits and choose to elope partly to avoid most traditions and throw the rule book out the window and so both get ready together and arrive to the ceremony together. Both and anything inbetween are completely acceptable and you should do whatever fits your personalities and wishes for your day :-)
The ceremony itself is very uncomplicated, the wording is respectful and contemporary, and the official part lasts no more than five minutes. Many of our couples love this simplicity. But it can be customised in any way you wish. Most choose to add an exchange of rings and some add their own vows, a reading by a family member or other personal touches. We’ll discuss this in the planning process so everyone involved (the registrar and photographer etc) are prepared.
Immediately following the ceremony you both, as well as your two witnesses (we can provide them, if you are not bringing guests) and the registrar sign the marriage license.
You are married!
Then we pop the champagne (or sparkling elderflower cordial for a non-alcoholic option) so you can celebrate. And most of our couples order delicious cake or our savory fingerfood platter to enjoy with the champagne.
You can always add an extra bottle of Champagne if you have more guests, and if you require more time to linger in the wedding room and take photos, just let us know. If you’re bringing guests, we make sure that there are glasses and seating for everyone, and you have more time in the wedding room. The room can accommodate up to 30 people, but if you have more than 8 guests we recommend a reception in the cosy old Merchants House café right downstairs instead - perfect for receptions inside, or outside in the charming courtyard next to our local whisky distillery.
Once we have made sure you have what you need, we leave you to enjoy your day in peace or with your guests.
If you have booked a photographer we’ll leave you in her capable hands for confetti shots by the main entrance outside and to explore our beautiful town and island for your portrait session.
When you have left the wedding room, we return to clear everything up. You don’t have to do anything except enjoy your day! :-)