Getting Married in Lovely Denmark: A Step-by-Step Guide (Part 2)

So you’re here because you’re either a mixed-nationality or mixed-religion couple looking for a way to get married without the endless paperwork headache, or you’ve already read my previous article, “Getting Married in Lovely Denmark: A Step-by-Step Guide (Part 1)” and you’re now ready for the next steps. Either way, welcome!

The Next Steps After Document Submission

Once the big admin work is done, the good news is that things get a lot simpler. All you need to do is wait patiently while the agent (Getting Married in Denmark) submits your application and receives your approval from the Danish government. When the approval comes in, you’ll be asked to choose the city hall for your ceremony.

Here’s a friendly heads-up: popular venues like Copenhagen City Hall tend to be fully booked unless you secure a date months in advance. Our agent sent us several options; many of them incredibly charming, including a castle-like city hall in the countryside! We loved it, but since my in-laws were joining us, we chose Copenhagen for convenience. Once you’ve agreed on an available date, your agent will take care of the booking.

Copenhagen City Hall, where I got married 🙂

And Then What’s Next?

After securing your date and venue, it basically turns into a mini wedding planning session (if you’re also hosting a reception). But if, like us, you’re simply going to sign papers and enjoy the moment, it feels more like planning a holiday with a sprinkle of romance hehe.

Even though we only had a civil ceremony, I still prepared a dress and bouquet. If you don’t want the hassle of ordering flowers, Copenhagen City Hall rents bouquets – practical and stress-free! The agent can also recommend florists, photographers, and other vendors if you want extra help. They truly are a wedding one-stop-shop.

Other Article: A Playful Stay in Copenhagen: My 25hours Hotel Experience

Before Your Civil Ceremony

You’ve made it to Copenhagen… now what? One day before your ceremony, you need to register you and your partner at the same city hall where the ceremony will take place. If you’re in Copenhagen, you’ll find the registration counter inside the little gift shop to the left of the main entrance. That’s where you check in and leave your passports.

Don’t worry, they won’t keep them for long. They have a rule about not holding passports for more than a certain number of hours or something. While waiting, you’re free to wander around, grab an oh-so-good smørrebrød with fresh Scandi salmon, and treat yourself to a Danish pastry (or three! You go, friend!). By the time you’re done snacking, your passports will be ready, woot woot! 🙂

Me and my best friend Deisha (husband is too shy to be on Kata Bella hehe)

On Your Wedding Day

“Follow the hearts!” That’s what the lady at the registration desk told us – and she meant it, literally. Heart stickers on the floor guide you to your room. Once you reach the end of the trail, wait there until someone comes down and calls your names. Then it’s time to say “I do!”

I had a quick peek online at what the room looked like, but nothing prepared me for how beautiful it was. The murals felt straight out of a Hans Christian Andersen storybook, the kind I grew up reading. We were told they represent the journey of love from the first meeting to a shared life together. Speaking of Hans Christian Andersen, our celebrant ended our ceremony with a quote that has stayed with me ever since:

“The whole world is a series of miracles, but we’re so used to them we call them ordinary things.”

A Little Closing Note

If you’re considering Denmark for your civil ceremony, take this as a sign: it’s worth it! The process is straightforward, the atmosphere feels magical without being stiff or formal, and the experience becomes a beautiful memory rather than a bureaucratic nightmare. If you love simple, meaningful moments (with the bonus of pastries and fairy-tale murals), Denmark might just be the perfect place to start your forever. Oh and by the way, congratulations on your engagement! And good luck!