Same-Sex Marriage in Denmark

The same procedure, without exception

There is no separate application route, no additional requirement and no different ceremony for same-sex couples. Denmark was the first country in the world to give legal recognition to same-sex partnerships, and marriage has been open to same-sex couples since 2012.

We assess your case on nationality, residence, legal stay and marriage history only.

When documentation from home is difficult

Some couples come to Denmark because their own country will not marry them. Any supporting documents required for the actual case may be harder to obtain or may use forms that do not anticipate a same-sex marriage. A separate civil-status certificate is not universally required.

We are used to this. We will tell you plainly what the Danish authorities require and where we see a genuine obstacle.

Recognition elsewhere

A Danish marriage is legally valid in Denmark. Whether it is recognised in another country is decided by that country's authorities, and for same-sex marriages recognition varies considerably. We do not make claims about recognition in your home country.

Authority route and official requirements

These pages focus on international applications through the Agency of Family Law. Nationalities and basis of residence determine whether that Agency or a municipality examines your application; relevant Danish and Nordic cases can follow a municipality route. Check the official international-marriages and documentation guidance for your circumstances.

Agency of Family Law: international marriages and authority routes

Agency of Family Law: application and document image requirements