Denmark welcomes foreign gay couples to marry
Denmark has always been an LGBT+ rights pioneer – especially when it comes to marriage. As early as 1989, same-sex couples could enter into ‘Registered Partnerships’ and, in 2012, the Marriage Act was amended to grant same-sex couples in Denmark the right to get married on equal terms with heterosexual couples. Even Denmark’s state church, the Evangelical Lutheran Church, began performing same-sex marriages that same year, clearly demonstrating the nation’s commitment to equality and inclusivity.
Gay marriage is legal in Denmark. In the eyes of Denmark’s law, all marriages are equal, regardless of the individuals’ genders or sexualities. This means that Denmark has become a welcoming destination for foreign LGBT+ couples seeking to marry in a safe environment that respects and celebrates their union.
Countries that recognise same-sex marriage
Despite progress being made all over the world, there are still many countries that do not officially recognise same-sex marriages, even if those marriages take place in a country that does.
Thankfully, many countries around the world do recognise same-sex marriages. In Europe, 21 countries recognise same-sex marriages performed abroad. These include Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Norway, Iceland, the United Kingdom and, of course, Denmark. Other major countries that recognise same-sex marriages include the United States, Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Uruguay, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and Taiwan.
Israel is a special case. While the country does not perform same-sex marriages domestically, it does recognise such marriages if they have been conducted abroad.
Why should we marry in Denmark?
Denmark, with its straightforward marriage process and welcoming attitude, is a popular choice for many same-sex couples worldwide, including those from countries where their love cannot be openly expressed or recognised.
The process of getting married in Denmark is notably fast, inexpensive and hassle-free, often requiring only 2-3 documents. Documents can be submitted electronically and marriage approval is typically granted within five days, even for those holding a tourist visa. Danish marriage certificates are also internationally recognised.
Denmark is also a stunning place for a wedding. With a wide range of breathtaking landscapes and cultural sites, you can choose to be married in a city, in the countryside, or even on one of Denmark’s many picturesque islands.
It’s the perfect location for creating unforgettable memories, and we can help you plan every step.
Which documents are required to get married in Denmark in 2024?
The number of documents you will need depends on which citizenships you hold, where you’re living and where you wish your marriage to be recognised but, as a rule, only 2-3 documents are required from each spouse.
You’ll definitely both need valid passports or national ID cards. Your passport should have at least two blank pages in it, be issued within the last 10 years, and be valid for at least three months after you leave Denmark. Make sure to check this well in advance.
Other documents may include a valid Schengen visa or residence permit for the country in which you’re living, birth certificates of any shared children, proof of single status, divorce papers or a former spouse’s death certificate if either of you were previously married, apostilles for international legalisation, and so on.
Aside from passports, visas and residence permits, all documents must be submitted in either Danish, German or English. This may involve using the services of a certified translator, something which can be done online.
After examining your case, we’ll tell you exactly what documents you require and how to get them, omitting all non-essential ones to save you time.
Why work with us?
Marriage In Denmark has a proven track record of helping couples from diverse backgrounds to tie the knot in Denmark. Over the past three years, we’ve successfully organised weddings for 450+ couples.
We specialise in getting people married in the quickest, most stress-free way possible. This often involves handling cases with expiring documents and other complexities that might ordinarily delay the process. Our secret: we’ve all been through this same process ourselves in our personal lives and know exactly how it works.
An officially registered German company, we pride ourselves on professionalism, working exclusively with contracts and official invoices, ensuring a smooth and transparent process for our clients. Place your trust in us to make your special day seamless and unforgettable.
Here’s what our customers say about us
https://de.trustpilot.com/review/marriagedenmark.de?languages=en
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FAQ
How long does it take for a Danish wedding to be approved?
How long the Denmark gay marriage approval process takes depends on how complete and valid your application is.
The Danish Ministry of Family Law checks all marriage applications within five days of receiving them. After this period, applicants will either receive approval for getting married, be asked to provide additional information or be invited for an interview. In the case additional information is required, it can take up to seven months to get final approval. If an interview is required, it can take between two and four months.
To avoid these delays, it is advisable to submit your application through a professional service who are familiar with the process and the documents required and can ensure fast approval – professionals like us.
What is the wedding ceremony like?
Ceremonies generally last 10-20 minutes and take place in a town or city hall. They can be conducted in your choice of Danish, English or German and it’s a legal requirement that you both understand the language you choose to at least an A2 level. If this isn’t the case, we will help you to organise a translator.
The legal part of the ceremony involves each person saying ‘yes’ five times. Afterwards, two identical copies of the marriage certificate are issued. These certificates are standardised in five languages: English, German, Spanish, French and Danish.
If you need an apostille to make your certificate official in your country, we will help you to organise one.
Do I need to bring witnesses to the ceremony?
Having two witnesses present is essential for all Danish marriage registrations. A witness can be anyone over 18 years of age. If you do not bring your own witnesses with you, the city hall will provide you with two state witnesses free of charge.
How can we hire wedding photographers, florists or hair & make-up artists?
We offer our professional expertise in helping you plan every aspect of your Denmark trip. This includes everything from recommending hotels and accommodation to helping you find the best photographers and other professionals to complete your wedding ceremony.
All our photographers speak English, German, Russian, and Ukrainian and can also act as interpreters at your wedding ceremony if you need assistance with these languages.
Will our same-sex marriage in Denmark be legal worldwide?
While same-sex marriage is legal in Denmark, couples should be aware that their marriage may not be recognised in several significant countries. These countries include (but are not limited to) China, India, Russia, Saudi Arabia and Egypt. Because of this, it’s important to consider which country you plan on living together as a married couple in, and whether or not your marriage will be recognised there.
If LGBT marriage is not legal where we live, can we still get married in Denmark?
Yes, we can still help you to get married in Denmark. Owning a Danish marriage certificate may help establish a legal foundation to support your case for residency and other rights in countries with progressive policies. This is especially helpful for couples planning to immigrate to LGBT-friendly countries, where their marriage will be recognised and legally acknowledged.
Does getting married to an EU citizen give me automatic residency in Europe?
Unfortunately, no it does not. If you marry while on a tourist visa (type C), you will need to return to your home country and then apply for a residency permit in your EU citizen partner’s country of residence. However, if you marry while on a D visa or already have a residence permit in a Schengen country, you will not need to leave the country.
We can assist you with the family reunification process in Germany, ensuring a smooth transition for both you and your partner.
