Sweden—land of breathtaking landscapes, cozy fika moments, and a bureaucracy so smooth it could almost officiate your wedding itself. If you’re dreaming of saying “Ja” in a romantic Nordic setting, whether by the Stockholm archipelago, under the northern lights in Lapland, or at a historic castle, here’s everything you need to know about legally getting married in Sweden as a foreigner.
Spoiler alert: it’s easier than assembling IKEA furniture.
Step 1: Can You Get Married in Sweden as a Foreigner?
Yes, and Sweden makes it refreshingly simple! Whether you’re:
✔️ Both foreigners visiting Sweden
✔️ A foreigner marrying a Swedish citizen
✔️ A same-sex couple (Sweden legalized same-sex marriage in 2009—love wins!)
… Sweden welcomes your love story. You don’t need to be a Swedish resident to get married here, but you do need to complete some paperwork.
Step 2: The Big “Hindersprövning” (Sweden’s Marriage Permission Test)
Before you can say “I do,” Sweden needs to confirm that you’re legally free to marry. This check is called Hindersprövning (try saying that three times fast).
To apply, submit a form to the Swedish Tax Agency (Skatteverket) (official site) with:
📝 Your passport copies
📝 A certificate of no impediment (proof that you’re not already married)
📝 Personal details & residence information
👉 Pro tip: If your documents aren’t in Swedish or English, get them officially translated.
⏳ Processing time? Usually 2-4 weeks. Once approved, you’ll receive two documents:
✅ Certificate of No Impediment
✅ Marriage Certificate Form
Keep them safe—without these, you can’t get married!
Step 3: Choosing Your Wedding Ceremony (Civil or Religious?)
Sweden offers two legally recognized wedding options:
1️⃣ Civil Ceremony (Quick, Simple, and to the Point)
Perfect for couples who want a stress-free, minimalistic wedding. Civil weddings take place in city halls or district courts and can be booked directly with the local municipality (kommun).
🌟 Popular Locations for Civil Weddings in Sweden:
- Stockholm City Hall (website)—where the Nobel Prize banquet is held!
- Gothenburg’s City Hall (website)—a chic, modern venue.
- Malmö Rådhus (website)—a mix of Swedish and Danish charm.
💰 Cost: Usually free or under €100. You’ll need two witnesses, so bring some friends or recruit friendly Swedes.
2️⃣ Religious Ceremony (Traditional & Romantic)
If you prefer a church wedding, you can marry in the Church of Sweden or another recognized faith. Some churches allow non-members, but you might need to attend a short meeting with the priest first.
Popular options include:
- Stockholm Cathedral (Storkyrkan)—a medieval masterpiece
- Uppsala Cathedral—Scandinavia’s largest church
- Luleå’s Ice Church—yes, an actual ice chapel in Swedish Lapland (website)
⏳ Booking time: Plan at least 3-6 months in advance for church weddings.
Step 4: The Big Day – Getting Married in Sweden!
On your wedding day, bring:
✅ Your Certificate of No Impediment
✅ Marriage Certificate Form
✅ Your passport or ID
✅ Two witnesses
After the ceremony, the officiant signs your marriage certificate. You then send it back to Skatteverket for official registration—congrats, you’re officially married in Sweden!
Step 5: Registering Your Marriage in Your Home Country
Swedish marriages are legally recognized worldwide, but some countries require additional steps to register them officially. Contact your embassy in Sweden to check if you need an apostille or extra certification.
Best Wedding Locations in Sweden (Because Why Not Go Big?)
Sweden isn’t just about quick city hall weddings—you can have a stunning celebration in some of the world’s most unique places:
🏰 Castles & Palaces
- Drottningholm Palace, Stockholm (website)—royal elegance
- Tjolöholm Castle, Gothenburg—Gothic charm on the coast
❄️ Ice & Northern Lights Weddings
- Icehotel, Jukkasjärvi (website)—get married in a frozen wonderland
- Kiruna, Lapland—imagine saying “I do” under the northern lights
🌊 Islands & Coastal Romance
- Gotland’s Medieval Ruins (website)—like stepping into a fantasy novel
- Stockholm Archipelago—hundreds of tiny islands, pure magic
🌿 Swedish Nature & Lakeside Venues
- Lake Siljan, Dalarna—surrounded by Swedish folk culture
- Abisko National Park—for an adventurous, mountain backdrop
Swedish Wedding Fun Facts (Because Why Not?)
🇸🇪 Swedish weddings are full of unique traditions, including:
💋 Guest Kissing Rule – If the bride or groom leaves the room, guests can steal a kiss from the remaining partner!
🍰 Princess Cake – A traditional Swedish wedding cake with green marzipan and layers of cream.
💍 No Engagement Rings for Men? – In Sweden, women often get engagement rings, but men typically wait until the wedding day.
Sweden Wedding Checklist – Don’t Miss a Step!
✅ Apply for Hindersprövning (Marriage Permit)
✅ Book your ceremony (Civil or Religious)
✅ Plan your wedding location & witnesses
✅ Gather all necessary documents
✅ Enjoy your dream wedding in Sweden!
Need a Wedding Photographer for Sweden? Let’s Capture Your Love Story!
Now that you know how to legally get married in Sweden, it’s time to document this magical moment! As a destination wedding photographer, I specialize in capturing breathtaking love stories, whether it’s an intimate elopement in the Swedish wilderness or a grand ceremony in Stockholm.
📸 Explore my portfolio: Your Happy Moments Blog
💍 Check my wedding photography packages: Investment & Pricing
💌 Let’s chat about your dream wedding photos: Contact Me
Sweden is waiting for you—and so am I. Let’s create magic together! ✨
