Wedding Witness in Denmark: Do You Need One & How to Find It?
Planning to get married in Denmark? One key question that often comes up is whether you need a wedding witness—and if so, where to find one. Let’s explore the requirements and options available to ensure your big day goes smoothly.
Some wedding venues (for example, Stevns) require you to have your own witness.
In short, if you’re getting married at Copenhagen City Hall during regular hours, two witnesses are provided free of charge. However, in some city halls across Denmark, or for non-standard wedding times, you’ll need to arrange your own. This can be tricky, especially if you’re eloping as a tourist and don’t know any locals. Weekend weddings or ceremonies at smaller venues, like Stevns or Fanø Island, often require you to find your own witnesses, so keep this in mind when choosing your wedding venue.
Everything You Need to Know About Wedding Witness in Denmark
Do I need a wedding witness in Denmark?
Yes, to legalise your marriage you need 2 witnesses. These witnesses can be family members, friends, or individuals provided by the City Hall.
Legal requirements for witness in Denmark
The witness must be over 18 years old and should be physically present at the ceremony (virtual witnesses aren’t allowed).
What documents does a witness need to bring?
A wedding witness in Denmark does not need to bring any official documents. They simply need to be present at the ceremony and provide their contact details (such as their full name and address), when signing the marriage certificate to formalize the wedding.
Can a photographer be your witness?
Yes, a photographer can absolutely be your wedding witness in Denmark! As a wedding photographer myself, I’ve had the pleasure of not only capturing the moments of a couple’s special day but also serving as their witness. It’s a win-win situation—there are no additional charges for this, and it saves you from having to arrange for someone else to step in.
Where else can I find a witness for my wedding?
There are a few options that could work really well for you. One idea is to join local Facebook groups, like “Expats in Copenhagen” (if you’re getting married in Copenhagen) or “Getting Married in Denmark,” which has a broader reach. These groups are full of people who’ve been through the same experience and might be happy to lend a hand as a witness.
Another, more spontaneous option I’ve seen work is asking other couples who are eloping on the same day at the City Hall. They’re likely in a similar situation, so there’s a good chance they’d be more than happy to help out and be your witness. It’s a bit riskier, but it could turn out to be a lovely connection for both of you!
If you’d love to have a witness who will show up for your wedding ceremony, feel free to drop me a message! Not only will you have a reliable witness, but you’ll also receive professional photos from your ceremony. Depending on your vision & budget, we can extend this to a full hour (or more!) of fun and adventure, visiting the iconic places of the city.
Copenhagen City Hall Wedding Guide ∙ Frederiksberg City Hall ∙ Stevns City Hall Guide
