Denmark is a popular destination for international weddings because the process is often simpler than in many other European countries. However, UK couples still need to prepare the correct documents before the marriage application can be accepted.
The exact requirements can depend on your marital history, nationality, residency status and the municipality handling the wedding. Confirm the document list before arranging certification, legalisation or translation.
Proof of identity
A valid UK passport is usually required when applying to get married in Denmark.
In some cases, you may be asked to provide a copy of your passport rather than sending the original. If a certified copy is requested, it may need to be certified by a UK solicitor or Notary Public before it can be used.
Check whether the Danish authority wants a simple scan, certified copy or legalised copy before preparing the document.
Proof of marital status
UK couples may be asked to prove that they are legally free to marry.
Depending on the authority’s requirements, this may involve a Certificate of No Impediment, statutory declaration, affidavit or other marital status document.
These documents must be prepared carefully, as some need to be signed in front of a solicitor or Notary Public before legalisation.
If you have been divorced
If either person has been married before, the Danish authority will usually ask for proof that the previous marriage legally ended.
This may be a Decree Absolute, Final Order or equivalent divorce document. If the document is not an original court-issued version, it may need solicitor or notary certification before it can be legalised.
Make sure the document is complete and clearly shows that the divorce is final.
If your previous spouse has died
If a previous marriage ended because a spouse passed away, a death certificate may be required.
For overseas use, this should normally be an original certificate or an official certified copy issued by a recognised UK registration authority.
The certificate may need legalisation depending on the specific requirements of the Danish authority.
Proof of residence or address
Some marriage applications may ask for evidence of current address or residency.
This could include a utility bill, bank statement, council tax bill or other proof of address. Because many of these documents are issued digitally, they may need solicitor or notary certification before they can be legalised.
Always check whether the authority accepts a digital document or requires a certified paper version.
Translation requirements
Denmark may accept some documents in English, but this should never be assumed.
If translation is required, the authority may ask for a certified or sworn translation. The correct order should also be checked, as some documents may need to be legalised before translation.
Arranging translation too early, or using the wrong type of translator, can cause delays.
Legalisation requirements
Some UK documents may need to be legalised before they are accepted in Denmark.
Documents issued by official UK authorities, such as civil certificates, may be suitable as originals or official certified copies. Private documents, affidavits or copies may need solicitor or notary certification first.
The route depends on the document type and the wording requested by the Danish authority.
Timing your application
Even where the marriage process is relatively straightforward, timing still matters.
You may need time to order replacement certificates, obtain proof of marital status, arrange certification, complete legalisation and organise translations where required.
Starting early gives you time to correct any document issues before the wedding date.
Check the municipality’s requirements
Before preparing UK documents for a wedding in Denmark, confirm the exact requirements with the relevant Danish authority or wedding office.
Ask whether they need originals, certified copies, legalisation, translation or any additional evidence based on your circumstances.
If you are getting married in Denmark, 12 Apostille can help review your UK documents, confirm the correct route and manage legalisation before submission.