By situation

Documents to prepare

The exact documentation depends on your nationalities, residence, previous marriages, and other circumstances. The list below covers the patterns Familieretshuset most commonly requests. For a tailored checklist, run the Document Checker.

Every couple

Passport copies of both partners, all pages including the cover.
Completed joint application to Familieretshuset.
Payment of the official application fee.

EU / EEA citizens

EU/EEA national ID card may supplement the passport.
If you reside in Denmark, proof of legal stay may be requested.

Non-EU citizens (including UK and US)

Proof of legal entry or legal stay in Denmark.
Apostille on foreign-issued documents (divorce, marital status, birth), typically required for UK and US documents.
Authorised translations into Danish, English, or German for any document not in those languages.

If you were previously married

Final divorce decree, or
Death certificate of the previous spouse, or
Annulment document.

These must be in original form (or certified copies) with apostille and translation where required.

If you have shared children

Birth certificates of children you share establish the family relationship where relevant. Translation and apostille rules apply to these in the same way as to other foreign documents.

If you live outside Denmark

A certificate of marital status from your country of residence is normally requested. This confirms you are free to marry under the law of that country.

After the wedding

You will receive a Danish marriage certificate. On request, a multilingual marriage certificate can be issued, useful in many EU countries (especially Germany) because it removes the need for an additional translation.

FAQ

Common questions

Do all documents need to be translated?

Documents in Danish, English or German are generally accepted. Documents in other languages must be translated by an authorised translator.

What is an apostille and do we need one?

An apostille is an internationally recognised certification that confirms a public document is genuine. Documents from countries party to the Hague Apostille Convention, including the UK and US, typically need one before they will be accepted in Denmark.

Where do we get an apostille?

From the designated authority in the country that issued the document. In the UK that is the FCDO Legalisation Office. In the US it is the Secretary of State of the issuing state. Processing time is typically 1–4 weeks.

Do we need to send originals?

Familieretshuset usually accepts high-quality scans during the application, but you should bring originals (with apostille and certified translations where required) to the wedding ceremony and on request.

Final approval rests with the Danish authorities (Familieretshuset). Fees, processing times and appointment availability may change.

Last verified: 2026-05

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