In short
How do you plan a gay wedding in Denmark?
Planning a gay wedding in Denmark starts with passports or ID and proof of marital status for both partners. Couples then set a budget and choose a venue, from beaches and castles to town halls. Easy Weddings Denmark guides same-sex couples through documents, approval and the ceremony.
At Easy Weddings Denmark™, we believe that love has no boundaries, and every couple deserves a beautiful, stress-free wedding day. If you’re dreaming of a heartfelt, inclusive and seamless wedding in Denmark, we are here to make that dream a reality.
Why Denmark is a natural choice for same-sex couples
Denmark was the first country in the world to give same-sex couples legal recognition, with registered partnerships in 1989. Since 15 June 2012, same-sex couples have married under exactly the same law as everyone else, at the town hall or in the Church of Denmark.
For you this means one set of rules for every couple. The Danish Agency of Family Law (Familieretshuset) does not ask about your gender, and nobody needs to live in Denmark to marry here. Couples of any nationality can apply, and most receive approval within days or a few weeks.
What you need to marry in Denmark
- Valid passports: or national ID cards for EU citizens, for both of you.
- Proof of marital status: a recent certificate showing that you are both free to marry.
- Divorce or death papers: the final divorce decree or the death certificate if either of you was married before.
- Legal stay in Denmark: a valid visa, residence permit or visa-free entry on the day of the wedding.
- Two witnesses: bring your own or we arrange them for you.
Every country issues these papers a little differently. Our free documentation list shows exactly what applies to your nationalities.
1. Check your documents
Send us clear photos of your passports and marital status papers. We check them the same day and tell you if anything is missing, translated wrongly or about to expire.
2. Apply to the Danish Agency of Family Law
We prepare and submit your application to Familieretshuset. The agency reviews every couple in the same way and sends approval as soon as your file is complete.
3. Book your ceremony
Once you are approved, we book the town hall or private registrar for your date. Many couples marry within days of their approval, often at Copenhagen City Hall.
4. Say I do and take home your certificate
Your ceremony takes about fifteen minutes. You leave with an international marriage certificate in five languages, ready to register at home.
Choosing your venue
Copenhagen City Hall is the classic choice, with its grand hall and a ceremony room full of history. Couples who want something more personal choose an open-air ceremony in a royal garden, on the harbour front or beside the sea.
Copenhagen is one of Europe’s most open cities. Copenhagen Pride fills the streets every August, and you will find LGBTQ+ friendly hotels, restaurants and photographers throughout the city. We work only with suppliers who welcome every couple.
Will our marriage be recognised at home?
A Danish marriage is a full civil marriage, but each country decides how it registers a marriage from abroad. Most of Western Europe, the Americas and Oceania recognise same-sex marriages. Some countries register them as a partnership, and a few do not recognise them at all.
Within the European Union, every member state must recognise a same-sex spouse for the right to live and move together. We explain the rules for your home country before you apply, so there are no surprises later. Read more about your Danish wedding certificate.
Planning the rest of your day
Weddings should be about love, not stress. We help you plan within your budget, covering photography, flowers, a celebration dinner and hotels for you and your guests. Our guide to wedding costs shows what to expect.
Make the ceremony your own with personal vows, your choice of language and the people who matter most beside you. Whether you plan a quiet elopement for two or a celebration with family and friends, we take care of the paperwork and the timing.
FAQ: planning a gay wedding in Denmark
Can same-sex couples marry in Denmark?
Yes. Same-sex marriage has been legal in Denmark since 15 June 2012, under the same law and the same requirements as for every other couple. Denmark was also the first country to recognise registered partnerships, in 1989.
Do we need to live in Denmark to get married there?
No. Couples of any nationality can marry in Denmark without living there. You only need to be in Denmark legally on the day of the wedding, with a valid visa or visa-free entry.
Which documents do we need?
You need valid passports, proof that you are both free to marry and, if either of you was married before, the final divorce decree or the death certificate. Our free documentation list shows what applies to your nationalities.
How long does approval take?
Most couples receive approval from the Danish Agency of Family Law within days or a few weeks, depending on your nationalities and how complete your file is. We check everything before we submit, which keeps delays to a minimum.
Will our home country recognise the marriage?
That depends on the law of your home country. Many countries register a Danish same-sex marriage as a marriage, some as a partnership, and a few not at all. We explain the rules for your country before you apply.
Can we marry in a church?
The Church of Denmark has married same-sex couples since 2012. Church weddings have their own rules and usually require a connection to the parish, so most international couples choose a town hall or open-air ceremony.
Can we choose an outdoor ceremony?
Yes. A private registrar can marry you in a park, on the harbour front or by the sea. Popular choices in Copenhagen include the King’s Garden, the Botanical Gardens and the waterfront by the Little Mermaid.
How do we get started?
Book a free 30-minute call or send us your documents. We check your papers free of charge and reply within one working day with a clear plan.
Your wedding liaison
Nicholas Karvounis
Owner & Destination Wedding Liaison
Nicholas personally leads every case, from the first document check to your wedding day. He has more than 15 years in international weddings and also runs A+A Media & Events. Mixed EU and non-EU couples, previous marriages and documents from many countries are everyday work for his team.
