Denmark has emerged as a preferred destination for couples looking to tie the knot, with international weddings in the country rising by a remarkable 83% since 2019. Many are choosing the Scandinavian nation for its welcoming attitude towards same-sex couples, as well as its streamlined wedding process.
Lewis Elston-Sait and his husband Luke, both from Devon, opted for a simple ceremony at Copenhagen City Hall this September. “We wanted a low-key, simple and relaxed wedding,” Lewis explained. Their choice was influenced by previous visits to the city, where they appreciated its LGBT-friendly atmosphere. “The ceremony and the whole day to us felt very private and intimate, which is how we wanted it to be.”
Their experience is increasingly common, as more couples discover the appeal of getting married in Denmark. Since 2012, same-sex marriage has been legal, and Denmark was the first country to recognize same-sex partnerships in 1989. Unlike other wedding destinations, Denmark offers a unique blend of romance and efficiency, without the kitsch typically associated with Las Vegas weddings.
Rasmus Clarck, co-founder of the agency Getting Married In Denmark, highlighted the country’s efficient bureaucratic processes as a key factor in its growing popularity. “Denmark has always been forward-thinking with bureaucracy, especially in its digital approach,” he noted. In 2019, the country centralized its wedding administration, significantly simplifying the application process. Couples can now apply online, pay a processing fee of 2,100 kr (£245), and arrange their wedding with minimal documentation.
Charlotte Phaure-Davis and her husband David Ellmer married in Copenhagen in February 2025, appreciating how straightforward the process was. “We went online, picked the wedding planner with the top reviews, and got married three weeks later,” Charlotte shared. The couple chose Denmark, having never visited before, driven by a desire for a beautiful city backdrop that also accommodated their family’s health concerns.
Their wedding ceremony was conducted in English, with options for German and Danish, further enhancing the accessibility for international couples.
Despite its successes, Denmark’s wedding industry now faces challenges due to its popularity. According to official figures, 20,500 international couples married in Denmark in 2023, compared to 32,861 marriages involving at least one Danish resident. Some city halls have already reached capacity for the current year, prompting recent policy changes to prioritize local weddings.
The island of Ærø, located three hours from Copenhagen by car and ferry, has also gained traction as a wedding hotspot. Yuki Badino, one of three sisters who run Danish Island Weddings, reported that the number of weddings on Ærø has surged from approximately 200 a year in 2008 to an expected 2,800 in 2024. “Ærøskøbing is known across Denmark as a fairytale town,” she explained, noting the positive impact of weddings on the local economy.
Badino emphasized the growing trend of cross-cultural marriages, stating, “People from different cultures are finding each other and there is a need to be able to get married.” She contrasted Denmark’s efficient processes with the often complex bureaucracy faced by couples in other countries.
In a country that balances romance with pragmatism, couples can find that if things do not work out, getting divorced is just as straightforward as getting married—often achievable online with just a few clicks. As Denmark continues to attract couples from around the globe, its reputation as a premier wedding destination remains firmly established.
