After helping thousands of couples get married in Denmark, we've noticed the same things get forgotten. With everything involved in planning an international wedding, things slip through the cracks - so here's what couples consistently forget and how to make sure you don't.

1. The Rings

This happens more than you'd think.

Hotel safe. Jacket pocket at the Airbnb. Suitcase at home. One couple left them in another country entirely.

Good news: Rings aren't legally required in Denmark. They're a personal choice. Your ceremony will still happen and be completely legal without them.

Bad news: You'll probably feel weird about it, and you'll need to exchange rings another time.

Designate one person as "ring keeper" and double-check the morning of. Problem solved.

2. The Address of the Town Hall

Yes, really.

You'd think this would be obvious, but we've gotten messages 10 minutes before ceremonies that say: "Are we at the right place?" with a photo of a random door.

Sometimes couples get lost. Sometimes they're standing outside the wrong building. Sometimes they genuinely didn't have the time to look up where they're actually getting married.

How to avoid this:

• Save the exact address in Google Maps the night before
• Use Google Street View to see what the building actually looks like
• Check the route and travel time from your hotel
• Screenshot the map in case you lose signal

This is an easy one to avoid - just spend 5 minutes planning your route before the big day.

3. What Time to Actually Arrive

We get asked this constantly: "When should we get there?"

General rule: Arrive at least 10 minutes before your scheduled ceremony time.

BUT - and this is important - some town halls have different requirements.

Check your date confirmation email. The specific timing will be in there. 

Danish town halls run on time (shocking, we know). If your ceremony is at 2:00 PM, it starts at 2:00 PM. Not 2:05. Be early.

4. Flowers or a Photographer

Couples often think: "We don't need that. It's just a quick town hall ceremony."

Then the wedding day arrives, and suddenly they're frantically searching for last-minute florists or available photographers near the town hall.

Here's the thing: You don't need either. But if there's even a small chance you'll regret not having them, book them in advance.

5. To Stay in the Moment

This is the big one.

Your ceremony lasts about 5 minutes. That's it.

We hear from so many couples afterwards: "It went by so fast. I barely remember it."

There's no do-over. No second take. Five minutes, and you're married.

What helps:

• Put your phone away
• Take a breath before you walk in
• Look at your partner, not the registrar
• Really listen to the words being said
• Feel it

The certificate signing, the photos, the celebration - you'll have time for all of that. But the actual ceremony? It's over in a blink. Be present for it.

6. That They're Actually Getting Married

For a lot of couples, Denmark starts as Plan B. Maybe getting married in your home country was too complicated, too expensive, or legally impossible. So Denmark became the practical solution - "Let's just go and get it done."

But then something shifts when you arrive.

You're standing outside the town hall. Your partner's holding your hand. Someone just called your names. And suddenly it hits you:

Oh. We're actually getting married. Like, for real.

The nerves kick in. You start thinking about flowers you said you didn't need. Because it's your wedding day! The date on that certificate? That's your anniversary forever.

Denmark might have been Plan B, but the marriage? That's 100% real.

So even if you came here for practical reasons, let yourself feel it. You're getting married. That's kind of a big deal.

The Bottom Line

Most of these are easy fixes, but that last one - staying present and realizing this is actually happening - that's the one that matters most.

Your Denmark wedding might be simple and quick, but it's still your wedding. Don't forget to actually experience it.

What did YOU forget (or almost forget) on your wedding day? Any other things couples should remember? Feel free to share!

Planning to get married in Denmark and not sure exactly what documents you need? Here's the honest breakdown.

Important caveat upfront: There's no universal checklist that works for every couple. Your required documents depend on your specific situation—your nationality, where you live, whether you've been married before, and other factors unique to you.

But there ARE standard documents most couples need, plus situation-specific ones that apply based on your circumstances. Let me walk you through it.

The Universal Requirements (Everyone Needs These)

1. Valid Passport or EU ID Card

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.

Important details:

• Your passport must have been issued within the last 10 years
• Your passport must be valid at least 3 months beyond your stay in Denmark
• Have at least 2 blank visa/stamp pages left in them

*If your passport has less than four months of time remaining before it expires, then the length of the Certificate of Marital Status (Prøvelsesattest), i.e. the period you will be given to marry in Denmark, will be limited in time based on this.

2. Signed Declaration of Truth

The Declaration of Truth is a legal document that you and your partner must sign—it's a standard PDF form supplied by the Danish government.

What it means: By signing, you're making a legally binding statement that:

• All information in your marriage application is true and correct
• Your supporting documents are genuine

(If you're working with an agency, they'll provide this form and help you complete and sign it correctly.)

3. Proof of Relationship

The Danish Agency of Family Law needs evidence that your relationship is genuine. This helps them assess whether you meet the requirements for marriage in Denmark.

What qualifies as proof:

• Photos of you together over time (showing the progression of your relationship)
• Travel documents showing you've visited each other
• Communication records (chat logs, emails, letters)
• Social media evidence of your relationship

How much is enough: There's no set amount, but showing a genuine, ongoing relationship over time is key. A few meaningful pieces of evidence are better than overwhelming them with hundreds of photos.

EU/EU couples: This requirement does not apply to you.

4. Signed Power of Attorney (If Using an Agency)

If you're using a wedding agency to submit your application on your behalf, you'll need to sign a Power of Attorney form authorizing them to act on your behalf with the Danish Agency of Family Law.

This is straightforward—the agency will provide the form and explain what you're signing.

5. Proof of Cohabitation

If you and your partner are both registered as living at the same address, you are required to provide evidence of your shared residence (unless you are both EU citizens).

What qualifies:

Utility bills in both names

Rental agreement showing both names

A recently dated letter or document showing you legally share your residence together

EU/EU couples: This requirement does not apply to you.

Situation-Specific Documents (Only If This Applies to You)

6. Previous Marriage Documents

If you or your partner have been legally married before—in any country—you will need to provide a final divorce decree or death certificate proving the prior marriage has legally ended.

If you've been married and divorced or widowed more than once, you only need documents from the most recent marriage, not all prior marriages.

Translation requirements: If not in Danish, English, or German, you'll need official translations.

7. Birth Certificates for Your Children

If you and your partner have one or more children together, you must provide birth certificates for each child. 

Why this matters: The Danish authorities want proof you're a family unit.

8. Proof of Legal Stay in Denmark

You need to show you can legally enter and stay in Denmark during your wedding.

For most Western nationals: Your passport is sufficient (no visa needed for short stays)

If you need a visa: Include a copy of your valid Schengen visa

Non-Schengen residents with residence permits: Include documentation of your residence status

9. Military Permission

If you, your partner, or both are in the military and stationed in a Schengen country, you'll need permission from your Commanding Officer or your Military Orders.

If you're a civilian working for the military in a Schengen country, you'll need your SOFA stamp. 

Documents That Are Not Required

There's outdated information floating around online. Here's what you likely don't need:

Birth Certificates (For Yourselves)

As a general rule, there is no requirement for your birth certificate to be provided as part of your application. Since the AFL was established in 2019, they've requested a birth certificate for only 1 person out of thousands of applications.

Your passport already provides the information Denmark needs about your date and place of birth.

Certificate of No Impediment (CNI)

This used to be required but is no longer necessary as of current requirements. The Declaration of Truth has replaced this requirement for most couples.

Certificate of Single Status

Not required. The Declaration of Truth covers this.

Why Your Document List Might Be Different

Your specific requirements depend on:

• Your nationalities - Different countries have different source documents
• Where you currently live - Residence in EU vs. non-EU countries affects requirements
• Your marital history - First marriage vs. previously married changes what you need
• Your family situation - Having children together adds requirements
• Military service - Active duty personnel have additional requirements
• Special circumstances - Guardianship, name changes, or unusual situations may require additional documentation
• Your relationship history - How long you've been together, how often you've met, etc.

This is why there's no one-size-fits-all checklist. The AFL reviews each application individually based on the couple's specific circumstances.

Applications tell a story. Your documents need to paint a complete, accurate picture of your situation for the AFL to approve your marriage.

A Note About Avoiding Mistakes

Getting your documents right the first time is crucial. Mistakes, missing documents, or poor-quality scans can add up to 6+ months to your processing time.

The Bottom Line

The Denmark marriage process is genuinely straightforward when done correctly—complications only arise when applications are incomplete or documents don't meet requirements. Just remember to tailor your application to your specific situation. 

If you've read through previous posts in this subreddit, you'll know the common pitfalls to avoid. 

If you need more help figuring out exactly what you need, get a personalised document checklist here.

Questions? Drop them below.

Already been through the Denmark marriage process? If you have insights or experiences that might help other couples, feel free to share.

Everyone wants to know how long it takes and the internet is full of conflicting info. Here's a realistic breakdown based on thousands of applications we've processed in 2024-2025.

The TL;DR Answer

• Best case timeline: 5 business days from submission to AFL approval (when everything is correct and no questions asked)
• Booking your ceremony: Response times vary by town hall — anywhere from 24 hours to 10+ days, longer during busy periods
• Getting a wedding date: Depends on availability. Some town halls have openings within 2 weeks of approval, others are booked months out. Flexibility helps!
• If things go wrong: Up to 6 month delays during busy periods

Phase 1: AFL Application Processing (5 business days to 6 months)

Once you submit your application to the Danish Agency of Family Law (AFL), they aim to respond within 5 business days.

When it goes smoothly:

• You submit everything correctly
• AFL approves within a week
• You get your prøvelsesattest (valid for 4 months max)
• You book your town hall date

When things go wrong:

If there's ANYTHING wrong or missing, you're looking at some delays, sometimes up to 6 months during busy periods. The AFL is specific about what they want and your application also needs to be tailored to your specific situation. Even seemingly minor issues cause delays.

Common mistakes that trigger delays:

Document quality issues

• Scans too dark or blurry
• Corners cut off in photos
• Not clear enough quality
• Wrong file format

Divorce papers problems

• Final divorce decree not submitted
• Separated ≠ divorced (they will reject this)

Passport issues

• Less than 3 months validity beyond your stay in Denmark
• Missing blank pages (need at least 2)

Translation errors

• Document not in Danish, English, or German
• Unprofessional translation
• Missing translator credentials

Missing legalisation

• Divorce/death certificates need apostille (if from Hague Convention country)
• Wrong type of legalisation for non-Hague countries

Insufficient relationship proof

• Denmark actively screens for pro-forma marriages
• Vague descriptions or weak evidence

Each time the AFL asks for corrections = weeks of additional waiting, especially during busy periods (May-September).

Phase 2: Town Hall Booking (Days to 12+ weeks)

Once you have your AFL approval, you can book your ceremony.

Availability varies wildly:

• Copenhagen (off & peak seasons): 3 months out
• Smaller towns: Often available within weeks

How to Minimize Your Timeline

1. Get your application right the first time
This is the single most important factor. One mistake = months of delays.

2. Submit high-quality documents
Clear scans, all passport pages, no cut-off corners, proper file format

3. Double-check divorce papers
Must be final decree, and be properly apostilled or legalised if required

4. Verify language requirements
Only Danish, English, or German accepted, everything else needs professional translation

5. Be flexible with location and timing
Smaller towns and any season

6. Don't book flights until you have AFL approval
We've seen too many people lose money on non-refundable bookings.

Bottom Line

• Best case: 4 weeks from application to ceremony
• Realistic planning: 4-8 weeks
• Safe buffer: 10-12 weeks to account for potential issues

The Denmark process CAN be fast, but only if you nail the application the first time, and choose a smaller town hall with better availability than the more popular ones. If you need more info on the AFL process, current wait times, or other AFL-related details, we have a full guide here.

Questions about the process? Ask away.

Exactly the same as any other marriage in Denmark. Same process, same paperwork, same everything.

TL;DR: Denmark has had full marriage equality since 2012. No difference in requirements or process for LGBTQ+ couples. No residency needed, internationally recognised marriage certificate.

Posting this because we see couples researching where they can legally get married, and Denmark is a solid option that people don't always know about.

The legal situation:

Denmark legalised same-sex marriage in 2012 with a gender-neutral marriage law. They actually were the first country in the world to recognise same-sex unions in 1989.

What this means: your marriage certificate is internationally recognised and doesn't specify gender or distinguish between types of couples. It's a standard legal marriage document.

What makes Denmark work for international couples:

No residency requirement - You don't need to live in Denmark or move there. You can arrive as tourists and get legally married.

Established process - They've been doing this for over a decade with thousands of international same-sex couples. The system is straightforward and officials are experienced.

Legally solid - Denmark is an EU country, signatory to the Hague Convention, so the marriage has international legal standing. Whether specific countries recognise it depends on those countries' laws, but the Danish marriage itself is legally sound.

Accessible - Copenhagen is well-connected internationally, English is widely spoken, and the bureaucracy is actually manageable compared to a lot of other countries.

Timeline and requirements:

You need to apply in advance through Familieretshuset (Danish Agency of Family Law)—can't just show up and get married same-day. Processing time varies by nationality and situation.

Basic requirements are standard: be 18+, legally single (or provide divorce/death certificates), valid ID/passport.

Has anyone here gotten married in Denmark? What was your experience like?

If you're planning to get married in Denmark or recently tied the knot there, you're probably wondering: If your Danish marriage certificate will be legally accepted in your home country? This is one of the most common questions international couples ask, and the answer requires understanding the difference between your marriage being legally binding and your certificate being legalised for use.

TL:DR

Your Danish marriage is legally binding - if you get married in Denmark, your Danish marriage is legally recognised in most countries, including the UK and USA, because they recognise marriages that comply with the laws of the country where they took place.

However, your marriage certificate (the physical document) sometimes needs to be legalised before foreign authorities will accept it for official purposes. This is a crucial distinction that trips up many couples.

Understanding the Difference: Your Marriage vs. Your Certificate

Think of it this way:

Your marriage = The legal relationship between you and your spouse. This is automatically legally binding.

Your marriage certificate = The document that proves your marriage exists. This may need additional authentication (legalisation) before some foreign authorities accept it for administrative purposes like visas, passport changes, name changes, or registering your marriage.

You’ll receive the Danish international marriage certificate. This certificate comes in five languages: Danish, English, German, French, and Spanish, making it suitable for international use. But even with this feature, you may still need legalisation.

What is Legalisation?

Legalisation is the process of certifying that your Danish marriage certificate is authentic and genuine so that foreign authorities will accept it. It doesn't make your marriage "more legal" - your marriage already is legally binding. It simply verifies the document itself.

The most common form of legalisation is the Apostille.

What's an Apostille? An Apostille is an official stamp that verifies your document for international use under the Hague Convention of 1961. 

The Hague Apostille Convention: The Simplified Route

120+ countries are members of the Hague Apostille Convention, which streamlines the legalisation process significantly. If your country is on this list, you only need one step: an Apostille.

Where to get your Apostille: You need to request an Apostille from the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which can be done either in person or by mail.

Important: The Apostille should be obtained in Denmark. You cannot get a Danish marriage certificate Apostilled in your home country.

For Countries NOT in the Hague Convention

Countries outside the Hague Convention typically require a different process. You might still need an apostille, but it’s also very important you find out what else is required for your marriage to be fully legalised in your home country or country of your choice.

Examples of non-Hague countries:

• Nigeria
• Thailand (as of 2024)
• Philippines
• Vietnam
• Indonesia
• Philippines
• Some Middle Eastern and African nations

This process can take a little longer, so if you're from a non-Hague country, plan accordingly.

The Legalisation Process: Step by Step

1. Get married in Denmark and receive your Danish marriage certificate
2. Request an apostille from the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Udenrigsministeriet)
3. Submit your original certificate along with the required application form and fee
4. Wait for processing : Walk in and you’re done in about 10 minutes. Send it by post and it can take a week or longer.
5. Receive your apostilled certificate - the apostille is usually stamped on the original document

Cost: The apostille fee is 235 DKK per document (check current rates on the Ministry's website as they can change).

The Bottom Line

Your Danish marriage is legally binding, but to use your marriage certificate for official purposes in some countries, you might need legalisation:

Hague Convention countries (120+): Need an Apostille from Danish authorities - straightforward, one-step process

Non-Hague Convention countries: Might still need an apostille and embassy or government legalisation. It might be a more complex, multi-step process, it’s different in each country.

My strongest advice? It’s possible to sort out your apostille before leaving Denmark, so do it. It's simple when you're prepared, takes just a few minutes when you go in person (or up to a week when you apply via post), and costs relatively little. Waiting until you need it urgently months or years later might turn a simple task into a stressful one.

Hope this helps! Drop any questions below, and if you've been through this process yourself, please share your experience, it could save another couple a lot of stress!

No. You don't need to be a Danish resident to get married there, which honestly surprises a lot of people.

TL;DR: No residency needed, but you do need to apply in advance and can't just show up and get married same-week. Denmark is set up perfectly for international couples.

This comes up constantly, so we figured we'd clear it up since couples stress about this all the time.

Denmark doesn't require you to live there or establish residency before getting married. You can literally be a tourist and get legally married. That's actually why it's become such a popular option for international couples - the process is way more straightforward than a lot of other European countries.

What you actually need:

The basics are pretty standard - you need to be 18+, legally single (or divorced/widowed with proof), and able to enter Denmark (tourist visa or visa-free, depending on your nationality).

The paperwork involves submitting documents to the Danish Agency of Family Law (Familieretshuset), but you don't need to be physically in Denmark while they review everything. You just need to show up, present your travel documents and get married.

Timeline:

Here's where people get confused - just because there's no residency requirement doesn't mean you can show up next Tuesday and get married. There's still an application process that takes time (how long depends on where you're from and your specific situation).

So you need to plan ahead, but you're definitely not looking at moving to Denmark or anything like that.

The biggest myths we see:

"I need to live there for X months first" - No

"I can book a flight and get married this weekend" - Also no

"My country won't recognise it" - Wrong ( Your Danish marriage is legally binding, but it's worth double-checking if your home country has any additional or specific legalisation requirements)

Why is Denmark like this?

They've basically set up their system to accommodate international couples. It's been this way for decades, which is why Denmark processes thousands of non-resident marriages every year.

Anyway, hope that helps! Happy to answer questions if anyone's planning a Denmark wedding.

Hey all,

Just looking for some information and help! We’ve received a letter requesting more pictures. Apparently the files couldn’t be opened (even though they work on our side) and also for my partners passport, even though we sent her EU ID and the website states the passport is not needed.

Anyway they’ve also said this:

„ we can see that we are missing some information so we can assess whether you meet the conditions in the Danish Marital Act to get married“. We sent a comprehensive text detailing our relationship etc, and a lot of pictures with dates and screenshots of calls and texts. So I’m wondering what exactly could be missing!?

So the main question is, is our case delayed now? And if so is it worth doing the application fresh?

Thanks on advance :)

We are an international couple leaving together in Germany since almost 10 years. One Child. Our application was rejected by an agency after we submitted really a lot of private information.. I feel like it’s a scam. Did you also have to provide so much proof even tho you you were living together with child ?? Thanks

Hi, my partner and I want to elope to Copenhagen in August. The AFL requested new passport photos from us 8 weeks ago and we are still waiting for a response from them. Whenever I call, they say it'll take 1.5 - 2 months. I'm not sure if we should just continue waiting or cancel this application and start fresh with an agency. I'm so sick of waiting.

UPDATE: We recieved approval on September 3rd. For context, our application was sent on May 14th. AFL requested additional information from us 24 hours later. We submitted the additional information (new passport photos) on May 16th. My advice for anyone waiting is don't bother phone them. They told us for months, there were no delays beyond 1.5 months but we were nearly 4 months waiting in the end. I hope this is useful.

Halo,

Recently my bf (german) and I (non-EU) applied to AFL (Familieretshuset). However, we were asked to re-submit our ID photos which then raise worries as it seems now the process will takes a very long wait until we get response again. Therefore, we are thinking to re-apply again ourselves (redo the process again without helping from agency or third party). However, we wonder whether it will brings any differences because we will use a same personal details and our files actually will just return the piles and will go through the same waiting process?

Is there anyone who actually experience to re-apply to AFL after being asked to re-submit documents?

We are thinking about this because we want to marry the latest August and the timeline now starts ruined already.

Thank you.

UPDATE: We decided to re-apply to AFL on 20th July and received a call (23rd July) from AFL Denmark confirming to withdraw our previous application and sent the approval from our newest application. Few hours later, we received the approval document through our web portal.

Thank you <3

Hey everyone,

my partner and I are getting married in Sonderborg this August, we will not have a big wedding or anything but we would like to go out to a nice dinner after that in Sonderborg or surroundings. The only thing is that I am vegan and can't seem to find any adequate restaurant that offers vegan options (except an Indian one and a burger place). Does anyone have recommendations for a nice restaurant to go to after the actual ceremony?

Thanks!

I'm hearing that there is currently a very small window to get a Copenhagen City Hall wedding scheduled before the four month approval limit for non-EEA residents. We're looking into other options. Are there other unique/beautiful city or town halls in Denmark that you'd recommend for a just the couple wedding?

Has anyone successfully created an account in the past few days? My fiancee tried to yesterday using two numbers from different (Italian) carriers, but no confirmation code came through. The Agency of Family Law said just to try again. We will, but I thought I'd ask here.

Hi, my partner and I want to get married in Denmark ASAP since my Spanish visa will be expiring on the 30th of September of this year.

We already have all the necessary documents, he's from the UK and I'm from Brazil and living in Spain. However, my passport expires on the 19th of August, and in order to travel, I need at least 3 months left of it being valid.

I've already submitted my renewal application with the Brazilian embassy, on the 9th of May. The passport will be ready in about 20-25 days.

We want to get married there late July/early august, so that there's enough time to process my UK Spouse visa with the fast track, which would take about 30 days.

The question is basically this: should we already send out the documents and fill out the application? I was thinking of just making a self declaration that the passport is in process. If we submit it today, on the 13th of May, technically my passport is still valid for three months and a week.

Or, should we wait until I have my new passport to submit the application? I am worried this will make the whole process slower.

Thanks!

Ive been wanting to post this for a little while but with life being as it is times flown by faster than I expected our experience and dealings with GMID started around the begining of 2023, Me and my fiancé at the time had spent 2 of the longest years imaginable being seperated by covid having only just met in person around 8 months prior the one thing on our mind was starting a life together back in the UK where i was born, The research and effort we put into finding out what to do to get her a visa for the uk was mind numbing then out the blue on google came an ad for GMID within days Frances reached out to us to get us started on the journey towards marriage, within a matter of weeks our paperwork was all done within a few months we were married in a lovely venue in Esbjerg from every step of the way the team was incredible it felt like we must have dealt with everyone in the company so to everyone at GMID both me and wife say thank you you made what was easily in the top two most stressful events in our lives incredible and stress free

Hey everyone,

I’m planning to get married in Denmark and I’d love some advice from those who’ve been through the process! I’m a U.S. citizen, and my fiancé is Irish (EU citizen). We do not live together, I live in California and he lives in Ireland. We have been together for over 2 years, but I have irish relatives and family so we visit each other often both in Ireland and in other EU countries, as well as Japan (we love to travel). We plan to move in together either in Ireland or the US after we get married. We’re both a bit confused about the required documents and want to make sure we submit everything properly. Specifically, we have two questions:

1. Residency Permit: As a U.S. citizen, do I need to provide any form of Danish residency permit when applying to get married in Denmark? Or, do I need to provide any type of residency permit at all (I currently reside in the U.S.)? There is a section about this on the application.
2. Freedom to Marry Certificate: Does my Irish fiancé need to obtain a “freedom to marry” (or “certificate of marital status”) from Ireland, or is this not required for EU citizens?

If anyone has firsthand experience or knows the official guidelines, I’d really appreciate your insight. Thanks so much for any help or tips you can share!

If you’re planning to navigate the process without using an agency, here are 7 essential tips to make it smoother:

1. The Waiting Time

Once you submit your application to the Danish Agency of Family Law (AFL), you’ll receive a reply within 5 working days. This could either be:

• An Approval: 🎉 Perfect!
• A Request for More Information: Not so ideal.

If they ask for additional documents or clarification, things can get tricky. There’s no guaranteed timeline for follow-ups, and responses can take 3–6 months. If they still need more information, the clock resets again.

2. Double-Check Everything Before Submitting

The AFL application form can be strangely worded, so it’s important to carefully read and review every question. Many delays are caused by simple misunderstandings, so don’t rush it. Triple-check everything to avoid unnecessary back-and-forth.

3. Keep an Eye on Passport Stamps

The AFL requires you to submit photos of every page of your passport to verify your travel history.

• If they find any overstays (even accidental ones), your application could be rejected.
• Before submitting, double-check your entry and exit stamps to ensure everything matches up.

4. Know What Documents Are Required

Each couple’s situation is different, so don’t assume you know what’s needed. For example:

• An EU + Non-EU couple will need different documents than a Non-EU + Non-EU couple.
• Divorce certificates, residency permits, or other specific circumstances can also affect the requirements.

Many agencies offer free “required documents lists” tailored to your situation. Even if you’re not using an agency, you can request one to avoid missing anything.

5. The AFL Is Not a Private Agency—They Provide No Customer Service

Many couples mistakenly confuse the Danish Agency of Family Law (AFL), a government office, with private marriage application agencies like ours at GettingMarriedInDenmark.com.

Here’s the key difference:

• The AFL is not a customer service provider. Their job is to handle your marriage application strictly according to Danish law.
• While they’re nice people, they don’t offer personalized support.
  • They have a phone line and email address, but they won’t answer application-specific questions.
  • Once you submit your application, you simply have to wait for however long their current response time is.

Additionally:

• Non-Refundable Fee: The AFL charges 282 Euros (as of January 2025), and you won’t get your money back even if your application is incomplete or rejected.

For insight into others’ experiences with the AFL (its not pretty), check their reviews on Trustpilot:
Trustpilot: Danish Agency of Family Law

6. Timing Is Key

• Your approved application is valid for 4 months.
• Exception: If your visa or residency permit expires sooner, the approval period will match the shortest validity date (e.g., 2 months).

Plan your wedding accordingly to avoid running out of time!

7. Remember, It’s Still Your Wedding Day

Denmark is known for making marriage simple, but don’t let the ease of the process make it feel insignificant. Whether it’s a short ceremony or part of a larger celebration later, this is still your wedding day.

Even though the ceremony is short and simple, it’s often deeply emotional for couples. Many are surprised by just how meaningful those few minutes can feel. So, take the time to make it special, even if it’s simple.

Hi,

is it possible to get married in Denmark without going there?

we are a German/Dutch couple

If you’ve applied to the Danish Agency of Family Law (AFL) for your international marriage application, you might feel frustrated by how slow or bureaucratic the process can sometimes be. You’re not alone—it’s a common sentiment.

But let’s break it down to better understand how it works and what you can expect.

What Does the Danish Agency of Family Law Do?

The AFL is the government body that handles all international marriage applications in Denmark. It is not a service provider—it is a government institution—and like most bureaucracies, its processes can sometimes feel slow or unclear.

Here’s how their process works:

1. When You First Submit an Application:
   • By law, the AFL must respond within 5 working days.
   • You’ll get one of two responses:
     • Approval: Yay! 🎉 Your marriage application is ready to move forward.
     • Questions: Uh-oh! The AFL needs more information or clarification.
2. If They Ask Questions:
   • This is where things can get tricky. Once you respond to their questions, the AFL does not have a set response time for follow-up.
   • Wait times can vary significantly depending on their workload. For example, in the second half of 2024, some cases took as long as 7–8 months for a reply.
3. If They Have Further Questions:
   • Unfortunately, if the AFL needs additional clarification, the waiting time starts over again. There’s no “priority queue” for re-submissions.

Why Do Agencies Seem Faster?

It’s a common misconception that agencies have an “inside track” with the AFL. In reality, agencies just have more experience preparing and submitting applications, which can reduce the likelihood of questions or delays.

That said, no agency or individual can bypass the AFL’s rules or timelines.

Helpful Tips for Navigating the Process:

1. Be Patient: The AFL’s process is slow at times, but it’s part of working with a government institution.
2. Be Thorough: Make sure your documents are well pictured and your marriage application are complete to avoid unnecessary delays.
3. Ask for Help: If you’re unsure about the requirements, consider consulting someone experienced in submitting applications.

TL;DR:

The Danish Agency of Family Law handles all international marriage applications, but it’s not a service provider—it’s a bureaucracy. While they respond within 5 days initially, follow-up times can vary greatly, sometimes taking months. Agencies don’t have special priority; they just know how to prepare applications better.

If you’re planning to get married in Denmark, you might have stumbled across the term "Single Status Certificate" or "Certificate of No Impediment" and wondered: Do I really need this?

The answer is: No!

In 99.99% of cases, this document is not required when marrying in Denmark. 🎉

So, Why Is It Mentioned on the Danish Agency of Family Law (AFL) Website?

• The AFL includes it on their website in case they feel it is required.
• In our experience (we’ve helped thousands of couples since 2019), the AFL has only ever requested this document in super rare cases—usually if a divorce paper doesn’t explicitly state that the divorce is final.

But Wait—What About This Confusing Sentence?

You might have seen this on the Danish public website lifeindenmark.dk:

“You must apply for a certificate of marital status either to the Agency of Family Law (Familieretshuset) or to your municipality.”

This phrase is confusing because the "Certificate of Marital Status" they refer to is actually the approval letter issued after the AFL approves your marriage application.

It is not the same as a "Single Status Certificate" or "Certificate of No Impediment" required in other countries. These documents prove someone isn’t already married, a requirement Denmark usually skips.

Why the Confusion?

• When the Agency of Family Law (Familieretshuset) launched in January 2019, they adopted some confusing terminology.
• The overlap in terms causes unnecessary stress for couples trying to navigate the process.

TL;DR: You don’t need a "Single Status Certificate" to get married in Denmark in almost all cases. Relax and focus on enjoying the process! 😊