Ærø Wedding Guide (2025)
Your complete guide to planning the perfect wedding or elopement on Denmark's most romantic island.
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Why to Elope on Ærø Island?
Ærø Island sits quietly off the coast of Southern Denmark, and honestly, it might be exactly what you're looking for if you want something completely different from the typical wedding scene. The landscapes here are genuinely stunning – hills flow down to meet the coastline in ways that will make you stop and stare (trust me, it happened to me when I photographed my first wedding here in 2021!).
If what you really want is peace and uninterrupted time with your partner on your wedding day, then Ærø deserves serious consideration. There's something about being on an island that naturally creates this bubble around you – suddenly it's just you two, your love, and this incredible backdrop.
Now, I know what you're thinking – what about all the paperwork and legal requirements? Here's the thing: getting married on Ærø is surprisingly straightforward. Denmark has streamlined the process beautifully, so you won't be drowning in bureaucracy (you can read abou requirements here). The atmosphere here is refreshingly relaxed, which means you can actually focus on celebrating rather than stressing about logistics. And if you want professional help navigating the process, there are several Danish agencies that specialise in exactly this – I'll share my trusted recommendations below.
Ærø Wedding Venues
This is probably the main question that brought you here. If you choose a public ceremony, you'll likely end up getting married at Ærøskøbing Town Hall, which isn't particularly fancy. However! If you want a more unique Ærø wedding, you have much better options. The most popular choices include hosting your wedding at the Old Merchant's House or having a beach celebration.
Where to Stay in Ærø?
One thing to note if you’re considering Ærø as your wedding destination — accommodation fills up quickly, especially during summer months, so booking early is essential. Also, this isn't the place for luxury hotels or fancy resorts. The accommodations are pretty basic and cosy, which fits the vibe perfectly. It's more about the atmosphere and the experience than having a five-star room. Having said that, here are the options that work best for wedding couples:
Ærøskøbing (Main Town)
Hotel Ærøhus - The island's most established hotel, right in the heart of town with harbor views from many rooms. Perfect if you want to be within walking distance of everything.
Pension Vestergade 44 - A smaller, more intimate option with individually decorated rooms and excellent breakfast included.
Marstal
Hotel Marstal - Quieter location with a maritime atmosphere and good restaurant on-site.
Alternative Options
Airbnb rentals throughout the island offer more space and privacy, plus kitchen facilities if you want to prepare your own meals.
Svendborg - yes, this would be the most unconventional option since you'll need to take a 75-minute ferry ride each way. I'd leave this as a last resort since during colder months it's not uncommon to experience delays or cancellations.
Wedding Vendors on Ærø
Similarly to the housing situation, Ærø has limited local vendors, so many professionals travel from the mainland to work here. But don't let that worry you – I've worked with these people countless times, and they know exactly how to make island weddings work seamlessly.
Wedding agencies
Marry in Denmark, run by Alina, who actually got married on Ærø herself. This personal experience gives her insights that you simply can't get elsewhere. She understands both the magic and the practicalities of island weddings.
Getting Married in Denmark, one of the most popular wedding agencies in Denmark with over 1000 positive reviews on Google
Danish Island Wedding, based right on Ærø and family-run, they specialises in alternative weddings in Denmark's most beautiful natural locations. Being local means they have connections and knowledge that mainland agencies can't match.
Flower Shops
Stokkeby Blomster, Stokkebyvej 4, 5970 Ærøskøbing
Ærø Blomster, Ommelsvejen 23A, 5960 Marstal
Wedding Photographers in Ærø
Most photographers travel from the mainland to shoot on Ærø. You can expand your search to Odense or Copenhagen to find photographers willing to make the journey.
If you resonate with my work & would like me to photograph your wedding on Ærø, you can reach me out here.
Things to Do in Ærø
Here's the honest truth about Ærø: there are no "must-see" attractions on this island, and that's exactly the point. This place is about slowing down and embracing the quietness that's so rare in our busy world.
That said, if you want to gently explore beyond your wedding celebrations, here are a few activities that complement the island's peaceful nature:
Wander through Ærøskøbing's old streets - No agenda needed. Walk, hold hands, and discover corners that catch your eye.
Cycle at your own pace - Bike rentals are available, and the (fairly) flat terrain makes it easy. There's no rush, no destinations to tick off – you, your partner, and the countryside.
Find a quiet beach spot - Several small beaches dot the coastline. Pick one, sit down, and be present with each other.
Take evening harbor walks - Especially beautiful at sunset. The harbors are peaceful, and you'll often have them mostly to yourselves.
The real magic of Ærø isn't in doing lots of activities – it's in giving yourselves permission to exist together without the usual distractions and pressures.
My Tips for planning a Wedding in Ærø
After photographing numerous weddings here, these are the insights that will actually make your day smoother:
Perfect for German couples: Ærø is easily accessible from Northern Germany. Take the ferry from Fynshav to Søby, or from Svendborg to Ærøskøbing. The journey becomes part of the adventure.
Timing matters enormously: Summer is when everything is open and bustling. If you're considering autumn, winter, or early spring, expect limited restaurant and shop hours. This isn't necessarily bad – it can create a more intimate experience – but plan accordingly.
Book accommodation immediately: Housing options are genuinely limited on the island. This is especially critical during peak summer months when demand is highest.
Transportation strategy: Staying in Ærøskøbing means walking everywhere – the town is compact and everything is accessible on foot. For exploring other parts of the island or reaching specific photography locations, rent a car. For taxi services, contact Ærø Taxi (+45 30 31 13 13).
Ferry schedules: Check current ferry times and book your car space in advance during busy periods.
Weather backup plans: Danish weather is unpredictable. Have indoor alternatives ready, especially for photos.
Looking for more detailed information about the island itself? Check out my comprehensive Ærø travel here.
Ærø Wedding: Real Stories
Want to see how other couples have celebrated their love on Ærø? Click on the pictures below to read some beautiful real wedding stories and see the galleries.
FAQ
When Can you Get Married in Ærø?
Weddings are conducted at Ærø Town Hall on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and every first Saturday of each month. Weddings are not conducted on Sundays or Mondays.
Do you Need a witness for Ærø?
No witnesses are required for your ceremony on Ærø.
Language Barriers?
Most Danes speak excellent English, especially those working in tourism and weddings. Don't worry about communication.
What's the Weather Like?
Summer (June-August): Warmest and most reliable weather, longest days
Spring/Fall: Beautiful light for photography, but more unpredictable conditions
Winter: Cosy and intimate atmosphere, but very limited daylight hours and service options
That wraps up your Ærø wedding planning guide. I hope these insights have been useful as you explore this Danish island as a potential wedding destination.
Having photographed numerous weddings here, I've come to appreciate both the unique beauty Ærø offers and the practical considerations that make each celebration special. Feel free to read about Ærø wedding photography with me here or directly enquire if you'd like to discuss how photography might fit into your Ærø wedding vision. The starting price is 6500 DKK / 900 EU.
about the author:
i'm ieva vi - a wedding & lifestyle photographer, based in copenhagen. When I'm not behind the lens capturing beautiful moments, I love to explore new places and share my experiences with readers. Take a look at my portfolio, and feel free to reach out for collaborations.
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