5 Private Wedding Ceremony Ideas in Copenhagen
Skip the City Hall queue. Five private wedding ceremony ideas around Copenhagen, from quiet garden corners to harbour views, picked by a local wedding photographer.
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5 Private Wedding Venues in Copenhagen
Copenhagen City Hall is a popular choice for weddings, and that's part of the problem. Slots fill up fast, and if you're set on a certain date, you might end up on a waitlist instead of walking down the aisle. The good news is that a private ceremony can be held almost anywhere in the city, and it often makes for a warmer, more personal day than a quick trip through the town hall doors.
After photographing weddings around Copenhagen for the last six years, I've seen couples say their vows in garden courtyards, on rooftops, on windswept beaches and tucked into quiet corners of the harbour. None of these needed a big budget or months of planning. Here are five of my favourite spots for a private wedding ceremony in Copenhagen, for couples who want something a bit different from the usual route.
Your Airbnb Courtyard
If privacy is what you're after, it's hard to beat getting married right where you're staying. Plenty of Copenhagen Airbnbs come with lovely courtyards, and there's something rather nice about gathering your closest people in a space that already feels like yours for the trip. No travelling between locations, no worrying about strangers wandering past, just you, your partner and the people you love most, in a setting that feels relaxed and completely your own.
➡️ See the gallery: Airbnb Wedding (Instagram)
Your Hotel
Along the same lines, don't overlook the hotel you're staying at. Ask if there's a rooftop you could borrow for half an hour, or a quiet corner of the lobby or hall that isn't in use. Hotels are often more open to this than people expect, especially if you ask ahead of time. This option also suits couples who'd rather not gamble on the weather. Copenhagen wind has a habit of showing up uninvited, and getting married indoors, or somewhere covered, means you don't have to think twice about it. Most notable hotels include Grand Joanne, Nimb Hotel, 25 Hours Hotel, Manon Les Suites.
The Beach
A beach wedding in Copenhagen won't look like the ones you've seen from the Maldives, and that's part of the charm. Expect wind in your hair, sand between your toes and a mood that's relaxed rather than polished. Heels are a hard no here, so plan your footwear with that in mind. It's a lovely choice for couples who'd rather keep things barefoot and easy than formal and buttoned up.
➡️ See the gallery: Amager Beach Wedding
Looking for your wedding day inspiration? Explore the galleries from real couples
A City Park
Copenhagen's parks are full of good spots for a ceremony, and my personal favourite is Haveselskabets Have. It's smaller and quieter than some of the bigger names, which makes it easier to find a corner all to yourselves. If privacy matters to you, I'd steer clear of the more well known spots like King's Garden (Kongens Have), which tends to draw a crowd of tourists and locals alike on a nice day. A short walk around Haveselskabets Have will usually turn up a quiet, green pocket that feels like it was made just for the two of you.
➡️ See the gallery: Haveselskabets Have Wedding
Anløbet
A few years back, Anløbet appeared on the city's official open air wedding ceremony list, and it's still one of my favourite lesser known spots. Tucked into a residential area, it gives you a proper harbour view alongside modern Copenhagen architecture, a nice mix of water, light and clean lines. If Anløbet itself isn't appealing, a quiet corner in Nordhavn will give you a very similar feel.
➡️ See the gallery: Anløbet Wedding
Final Thoughts
Copenhagen City Hall isn't the only way to make things official, and it isn't always the easiest option either. A private wedding ceremony gives you the freedom to pick a spot that actually feels like you, whether that's a courtyard, a rooftop, a stretch of sand or a quiet bench in the park. I hope this list gives you a good starting point as you scout locations for your own day. Wishing you all the best as you plan it!
If you’re thinking of hiring a photographer for your wedding in Copenhagen (or anywhere else!) I’d be honored to be part of your celebration! Get in touch with me here or scan Whatsapp QR code above.
About the author:
I'm Ieva Vi - a wedding & elopement 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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