Denmark has quietly become a prime European destination for couples seeking swift and simple wedding ceremonies, attracting international elopers with its liberal laws and minimal administrative hurdles. While same-day weddings are not possible, overseas couples can often tie the knot within one to two weeks of applying.
Unlike many other popular wedding destinations such as Italy, Greece, France, or the UK, which typically require proof of single status and birth certificates, Denmark accepts just a passport and an online application. Couples can request a Certificate of Marital Status from the country's Agency of Family Law, Familieretshuset, or a local municipality. According to Getting Married in Denmark, a company that assists overseas couples, over 98 percent of marriage applications are approved within five days.
The trend for quick weddings in Denmark has seen a significant rise since 2019, largely driven by word-of-mouth and social media, according to Rasmus Clarck Sørensen, Director of Getting Married in Denmark. Sørensen founded the company after experiencing administrative complexities during his own marriage to his Iranian wife in 2011. He noted that the ease of marrying in Denmark has historical precedents, tracing back to American soldiers stationed in Europe during World War II who found it simpler to marry Danish partners there.
The Agency of Family Law reported that in 2024, 5,000 out of 8,000 weddings at Copenhagen City Hall involved non-Danish couples. The country's inclusive environment makes it a comfortable choice for many, including LGBTQ+ couples who may face difficulties marrying in their home countries. The agency has observed a roughly 30 percent increase in international couples marrying in Denmark over the past seven years.
Couples can choose from a variety of venues, including picturesque locations like the island of Ærø, situated about two hours south of Copenhagen. While Copenhagen City Hall remains a popular venue, other locations across Denmark are also experiencing an increase in international weddings, according to tourism authority Visit Denmark. These include Odense Hall in the city of Odense, an Italian Gothic-style building, and Aalborg City Hall in Jutland, a late-Baroque era structure completed in 1762.
Kasper Iversen of Visit Denmark stated that the trend has grown organically, with Denmark not actively marketing itself for elopements. However, the liberal laws have led to a surge in foreign couples discovering the country as a wedding destination. Iversen advises that for popular locations like Copenhagen, especially during high season, couples should plan six to eight weeks in advance. He also suggests that considering less well-known destinations within Denmark can further expedite the process, as these areas often have shorter waiting times.
To accommodate the influx of international couples, some local authorities have introduced measures. For instance, 40 percent of City Hall appointments in Copenhagen are now reserved for Danish residents.