Why German Couples Marry in Denmark
Get married in Denmark
For many couples living in Germany, getting married should be about celebrating their relationship and not spending months dealing with paperwork. Yet depending on nationality, previous marriages, residence status, and individual circumstances, organizing a civil marriage in Germany can involve a considerable amount of bureaucracy.
This is one of the reasons why many German and Germany-based international couples look north to Denmark. The country is close to home, the marriage procedure is relatively straightforward, and couples can choose between charming town halls across the country and a city wedding in Copenhagen.
But where is it easier to marry – Germany or Denmark? And why has Denmark become such a popular choice for couples travelling from Germany?
Where is it easier to marry: Germany or Denmark?
Less bureaucracy and strict requirements
Less bureaucracy is one of the main reasons why German couples choose to marry in Denmark.
In practice, there are often fewer documents to collect. Birth certificates and certificates showing that you are single, for example, are very rarely or never requested by the Danish Agency of Family Law. This can save couples from having to contact several authorities in Germany before they can apply.
You still need to send the right documents, though. If something is missing, unclear or submitted incorrectly, the Danish authorities may ask for additional information. This can delay your application by several weeks in some cases.
The easiest approach is therefore to check exactly what you need before applying, prepare everything correctly and submit a complete application the first time.
Close proximity to Germany
You don’t have to travel far to have your wedding abroad.
Denmark shares a border with Germany, making it particularly convenient for German couples. If you live in Schleswig-Holstein or another part of northern Germany, a Danish town hall can potentially be reached in a relatively short drive.
Aabenraa and Tønder, for example, are located close to the German border and are convenient options for couples who would like to keep travelling to a minimum.
For couples travelling from elsewhere in Germany, Copenhagen is another popular option. The Danish capital can turn a simple civil ceremony into a romantic weekend away, with historic architecture, canals, restaurants, hotels, and plenty of locations for wedding photography.
The proximity gives German couples the best of both worlds: the feeling of having a destination wedding without necessarily having to travel halfway across Europe.
Your Danish wedding is recognized in Germany
A natural concern when marrying abroad is whether the marriage will also be recognized once you return home.
A legally performed Danish marriage is recognized in Germany, making Denmark a practical option for German citizens and couples residing in Germany. Couples receive an international marriage certificate following their Danish ceremony.
Depending on what you need to use your certificate for afterwards, an Apostille may also be relevant. An Apostille verifies the authenticity of the marriage certificate for use with foreign authorities.
If you are unsure about the formalities after your ceremony, it is worth checking the requirements with the relevant German authority for your specific situation.
We help German couples through the entire process
Although the Danish system is relatively straightforward, knowing exactly what to submit can make an important difference.
At Just Married in Denmark, we help international couples understand the requirements, prepare their documents, submit their application correctly, and find a suitable town hall and ceremony date. Working with a wedding agency can reduce the risk of mistakes and unnecessary delays, particularly when you are dealing with an unfamiliar legal system in another country.
Whether you want a quick ceremony close to the German border or a romantic wedding weekend in Copenhagen, we can help you organize both the legal and practical details.
Our happy customers
Highly 10⭐️ recommended.
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We felt very accompanied, with very kind people who explained the entire process for getting married in Denmark to us. 100% recommended! ❤️
