Quick Marriage in Denmark for Foreigners: Myth or Reality

Denmark has long been considered one of the most popular European destinations for foreigners looking to get married. In search queries and on agency websites, it is often presented as the ideal solution: a quick marriage abroad, minimal paperwork, no complicated bureaucracy, and the possibility to tie the knot in just a few days. For couples from different countries, this sounds almost like a universal answer to all their questions.

However, behind this appealing image lies a far more complex reality. The modern procedure for registering a marriage in Denmark for foreigners is strictly regulated by the state, involves mandatory checks, and depends on numerous factors – from the citizenship of the prospective spouses to the correctness of the submitted documents. As a result, the promised “quick marriage” does not always turn out to be as fast in practice.

In this article, we will examine what a quick marriage in Denmark for foreigners really entails, what timelines are realistic, whether they can be accelerated, and why an increasing number of international couples are beginning to seek alternatives. No myths, no marketing slogans, and no inflated expectations – just facts and practical experience.

Real Timelines for Foreigners Getting Married in Denmark

Timing is a key factor when it comes to quick marriage registration for foreigners. In promotional materials, Denmark is often portrayed as a country where you can get married in just “a few days.” Formally, this is possible – but only under ideal conditions. In practice, the actual timelines are almost always longer.

The marriage registration process for foreigners in Denmark begins with submitting an application and supporting documents to the Danish Agency of Family Law, the government authority responsible for reviewing the couple and deciding whether the marriage can proceed. This is the stage where most expectations are formed.

If the documents are prepared correctly, translations are accurate, and the couple raises no additional questions from the authorities, the application review can take 1 to 2 weeks. However, this is more of an optimistic scenario than the standard. In most real cases, the review lasts 3–5 weeks. Reasons for delays vary: clarifying information, additional questions about previous marriages, citizenship, EU residence status, or concerns about the legitimacy of the union. Even a minor error in the documents automatically extends the timeline.

After receiving official approval, the couple must book a ceremony date at their chosen municipality. This brings up a second critical point: available dates are not always immediately open. In popular cities and during the high wedding season, waiting for the ceremony can take an additional 1-3 weeks, sometimes even longer.

In the end, the realistic timeline looks like this:

• Best-case scenario: approximately 2-4 weeks from document submission to marriage registration.
• Typical cases: 4-8 weeks.
• With additional checks or high workloads: 2-3 months or more.

It’s important to understand that no agency or intermediary can guarantee fixed timelines. Government verification in Denmark is mandatory and cannot be expedited at the couple’s request. This is why the concept of a “quick marriage” in Denmark is often relative and can differ significantly from the expectations with which foreign couples begin the process.

How to Expedite Marriage Registration in Denmark for Foreigners

In practice, there are very few ways to actually speed up the marriage registration process in Denmark for foreigners. Government processing times are fixed and do not depend on a couple’s desire to get married faster.

The most effective way to avoid unnecessary delays is to carefully study all the requirements under Danish law and prepare the documents meticulously, ensuring there are no errors. Another, more common approach is to work with a local agency that specializes in assisting foreigners with marriage registration in Denmark. While this option is generally more expensive, it significantly reduces the risk of rejections, additional inquiries, and wasted time.

Agencies for the Marriage Process for Foreign Citizens in Denmark

In practice, specialized agencies are often the main tool that helps foreign couples navigate Danish bureaucracy with minimal time and stress. They cannot influence government decisions, but they have a thorough understanding of the procedure and know where errors and delays most often occur.

Denmark has a considerable number of agencies focused specifically on international couples. Below are a few examples of services most frequently used by foreigners:

1. Getting Married in Denmark. One of the most well-known agencies in this field. They work with couples from various countries, assisting with document preparation, application submission, and support all the way to the day of the ceremony. The agency emphasizes clear explanations of requirements and step-by-step guidance.
2. Wedding Planner Denmark. A team specializing in marriages for foreigners across different municipalities in Denmark. They help choose a city, prepare documents, and book the registration date, which is especially important during the high season.
3. Easy Weddings Denmark. This agency offers a comprehensive approach: from document verification to organizing the ceremony itself. It is often chosen by couples who prefer to leave the bureaucratic details to professionals.
4. Marry Abroad Simply. A service aimed at couples considering Denmark as a quick option for official marriage. Their main focus is on consultations, document assistance, and support throughout all stages of the process.
5. Nordic Adventure Weddings. A more niche agency that, in addition to standard marriage arrangements, assists with individual requests and organizational matters related to the ceremony in Denmark.

These agencies typically take on the key stages of the process:

• verifying and properly preparing documents;
• submitting the application to the Danish Agency of Family Law;
• communicating with government authorities;
• helping choose a municipality and book the registration date;
• providing advice on possible risks and delays.

It is important to understand that using an agency does not bypass government checks or guarantee fixed timelines. However, in practice, it reduces the likelihood of errors, additional inquiries, and resubmissions. This is why many foreign couples begin searching for a country where getting married can truly be done quickly.

Where Can Foreigners Get Married Faster Than in Denmark?

Georgia – a real alternative, not a compromise

If we set aside myths and look at the facts, it becomes clear that when it comes to a truly quick, legal, and predictable marriage for foreigners, Denmark does not always meet expectations. Mandatory checks, waiting for approvals, and limited registration dates can turn a “quick marriage” into a process that takes weeks, sometimes even months.

Against this backdrop, Georgia stands out not just as an alternative, but as a fundamentally different solution. In Georgia, marriage for foreigners is not a complex bureaucratic quest, but a clear, transparent, and fast procedure focused on results. This is why, in recent years, the country has become one of the most popular destinations for international couples who value speed, simplicity, and legal certainty.

Why Georgia?

• Speed of registration. An official marriage can be completed within 24 hours on a single working day, without waiting for approvals or multi-week checks.
• Minimal documents. In most cases, passports are sufficient. No complicated certificates, lengthy approvals, or additional requests.
• Visa-free for most citizens. Georgia allows visa-free entry for citizens of dozens of countries, including the EU, the UK, the USA, Canada, and many others.
• No “sham marriage” checks. There are no multi-level interviews or subjective evaluations of the couple’s relationship.
• International recognition. Marriages performed in Georgia are officially recognized in most countries worldwide and can be easily legalized if needed.
• Developed wedding infrastructure. From quick official registration to a full-scale beautiful ceremony – everything is available in one country without unnecessary stress.

Georgia vs Denmark: Where Is It Better for Foreigners to Get Married?

Denmark	Georgia
Real timelines	4–8 weeks (often longer)	24 hours
Government checks	Yes	No
Minimal documents	No	Yes
Visa requirements	Yes	No (for 94 countries)
Cost	High	Affordable
Predictability of outcome	Medium	Guaranteed

A conclusion that cannot be ignored

If speed, simplicity, and certainty are important to you, Georgia is not a “backup option” after Denmark. It is a logical, modern, and practical choice for foreigners who want to get officially married without delays, bureaucratic traps, or uncertainty.

While in Denmark you are waiting for approvals, in Georgia you can already walk out of the Justice House with your official marriage certificate in hand. This is precisely why more and more international couples are choosing a system that actually works, rather than relying on the myths of a “quick marriage.”