Getting married abroad has become an increasingly popular choice for international couples who want a simple, stress-free, and legally valid wedding. Among the most popular destinations are Denmark and Georgia, both known for their efficient procedures and recognition of international marriages. If you’re a couple searching for an easy, romantic, and lawful place to tie the knot, this guide will walk you through Denmark marriage requirements for foreigners and compare them with the process of civil marriage in Georgia for foreigners.
Why Denmark Is the Number One Destination for Foreigners Getting Married Abroad
Denmark is known as “The Las Vegas of Europe” – although not with the sparkle and commotion. It’s a place famous for simplicity and effectiveness in every aspect of life. Denmark is a world-accepted country with simple wedding procedures. Every year, thousands of couples from the EU, Asia, the Arab World, and other parts of the globe prefer Denmark.
As a couple either living in Europe or traveling there from another continent, the process of marrying in Denmark as a foreigner is extremely easy — no lengthy stay in the country or religious ceremonies required.
Denmark Marriage Requirements for Foreigners
For a successful wedding ceremony to take place, it is imperative to have knowledge on documents that can be used. Denmark is one of the simplest countries with regard to wedding registrations; however, there are necessary legal formalities.
1. Required Documents
Foreign couples need to submit the documents below to the Agency of Family Law (Familieretshuset) to be approved:
- Proof of valid passports or national identity cards of both partners
- Current visa or residence permit (in case you are currently staying in the Schengen area)
- Certificate of non-contravention to laws related to marriage — to certify that both individuals marrying are unmarried.
- Divorce decree or death certificate (if applicable, for previous marriages)
- Proof of address/residence (e.g., rental agreement or bill)
It is mandatory to submit all documents online. As soon as your application is approved, you will receive the approval letter. This approval letter is valid for four months. This provides you with ample time to plan your wedding in Denmark.
2. No Residency Requirement
One of the reasons why people like Denmark is that there is no need to have residency there. Just come with a tourist or a Schengen visa, get married there, and then return home with your recognized marriage certificate.
3. Waiting Time and Processing
The process is quite quick. After you submit your paperwork, it takes 5 to 10 working days to get approval. After approval, you can select the date and location of your wedding ceremony. This is done in a few days.
For your wedding day, you will only need to bring your passports with you and be there 15 to 30 minutes before the wedding. All else will be taken care of by the Danish civil registrar.
4. Marriage Ceremony Locations in Denmark
Couples have several beautiful and convenient options to consider:
- The City Hall in Copenhagen – elegant and suitable for couples who like a short wedding in the city
- Ærø island – romantic seashore site famous with couples worldwide
- Three small Danish settlements have been named among the happiest places to live in the world. Known for their charm and simplicity,
- Frederiksberg – elegant setting for young couples in Copenhagen
All ceremonies take place in English or German. Interpreters can be provided if necessary.
5. Legalization and Recognition of the Marriage Certificate
The marriage certificate you will obtain in Denmark is valid in the entire European Union and can even be legalized for other countries. Also, if your country is a participant in the Hague Apostille Convention, just an apostille stamp from Denmark’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs will ensure your marriage certificate is valid worldwide.
It can be legalized at your country’s embassy if your home country isn’t part of the convention.
Alternative Option: Civil Marriage in Georgia for Foreigners
Although Denmark is the best option for couples living in the EU, for non-EU nationals or those with more challenging visa policies in their country of citizenship, Georgia is an amazing alternative. Getting married in Georgia is even quicker for foreigners and doesn’t require a Schengen visa.
1. Requirements for Marriage in Georgia
To get married in Georgia, you only need:
- Passports of both partners
- Translation of documents to Georgian (where applicable)
- No-objection certificate or Single-Status Declaration (optional for certain nationalities)
- There is no residency requirement. This can all be accomplished in one or two days.
2. Legalization and Recognition
Just like Denmark, another advantage of marrying in Georgia is that it is part of the Hague Convention Apostille Convention. As such, your valid marriage certificate will be recognized worldwide. You can also request services if they are needed.
3. Why Foreigners Choose Georgia
- Visa-free entry for passport holders of more than 90 countries
- Extremely quick processing time – at times under 24 hours
- Affordable alternative to destinations in most other parts of Europe
- Romantic destinations like Tbilisi, Batumi, or Sighnaghi Multilingual employees with knowledge of international couples.
For couples of Indian or UAE or Saudi Arabian nationality, marrying civilly in Georgia might be the only option to ensure that their marriage is recognized internationally without waiting for a lengthy period.
