Sweden—a land of breathtaking landscapes, cozy fika breaks, and a refreshingly drama-free approach to love. If you’re dreaming of a wedding in this Scandinavian paradise, you’re in for a mix of romance, efficiency, and just a little bit of paperwork.
But don’t worry—I’m here to make sure your wedding journey in Sweden is as smooth as an IKEA assembly manual (but with fewer missing screws).
A Love Story Meets Swedish Bureaucracy
Meet Anna and Lucas. They fell in love over a shared love of cinnamon buns and decided to get married in Sweden. Everything was perfect—until they discovered that Swedish bureaucracy, while efficient, comes with its own set of rules.
Lucas: “We need a what now?”
Anna: “A hindersprövning. It’s Swedish for ‘prove we’re not already secretly married or cousins’.”
Lucas: “Oh great, and here I thought we just needed to show up.”
Yep, getting married in Sweden is easy—if you know what to do. So, let’s dive into the step-by-step guide to making your Swedish wedding dream a reality.
Can Foreigners Get Married in Sweden?
Yes! Sweden welcomes love in all forms, and you don’t have to be a Swedish citizen to get married here. However, you do need to follow a few key rules:
✅ Both partners must be at least 18 years old.
✅ Neither of you can already be married. (Sweden frowns on polygamy.)
✅ Same-sex marriages are legal and have been since 2009! 🌈
✅ You don’t need to be a resident, but you must prove that your home country allows your marriage to be recognized.
Now, let’s talk paperwork!
Documents Required to Get Married in Sweden
Sweden is known for being straightforward, and their marriage process is no different—just make sure you have these documents ready:
1. Proof of Identity
Both of you need a valid passport or national ID card (if you’re from an EU country).
2. Certificate of No Impediment (Hindersprövning)
Sweden requires you to apply for a hindersprövning (translation: “proof that nothing is stopping you from getting married”). You can get this from Skatteverket (Swedish Tax Agency) (official site here).
This document confirms that:
🔹 Neither of you are already married.
🔹 You’re legally allowed to marry in Sweden.
⏳ Processing time: 2–6 weeks—so apply early!
3. Additional Documents for Foreigners
If you’re not a Swedish resident, you may need a document from your home country stating you’re legally free to marry. Some countries provide a Certificate of No Impediment (CNI), while others require additional proof.
📌 Check with your embassy in Sweden to confirm what’s required (find your embassy here).
🔹 If your documents are not in Swedish, English, Danish, or Norwegian, you’ll need an official translation.
4. Divorce or Widow/Widower Papers (If Applicable)
Been married before? Sweden needs to see proof of divorce or a spouse’s death certificate before granting approval.
5. Application for Marriage (Vigselanmälan)
For civil weddings, submit a Vigselanmälan application to the municipality where you plan to get married.
For religious ceremonies, check with the specific church or religious institution for their requirements.
Where to Get Married in Sweden?
Once your paperwork is in order, it’s time to pick the perfect spot for your Swedish “I do”!
🏛 City Hall Wedding – Want something simple, quick, and classic? Civil ceremonies at City Hall are free in many Swedish municipalities.
🏰 Swedish Castles & Manors – Ever dreamed of a fairytale wedding? Tjolöholm Castle (official site) is pure magic.
🌲 Forest & Nature Weddings – Sweden’s stunning landscapes make for a dreamy backdrop. How about a lakeside ceremony in Dalarna or a northern lights wedding in Kiruna?
⛪ Historic Church Ceremonies – The Storkyrkan Cathedral in Stockholm is breathtaking (more info here).
🚢 Archipelago Weddings – Say “Ja!” on a boat with Stockholm’s 30,000 islands in the background!
💡 CHECKLIST: What to Bring for Your Swedish Wedding
☑ Passport or ID card
☑ Hindersprövning (Certificate of No Impediment)
☑ Translations (if needed)
☑ Divorce or widowhood papers (if applicable)
☑ Two witnesses (or some friendly Swedes who’ll agree last minute!)
FAQ: Common Questions About Getting Married in Sweden
🔹 How long does it take to process the paperwork?
Expect 2–6 weeks for approval. Don’t wait until the last minute!
🔹 Do we need witnesses?
Yes, two witnesses are required. If you don’t have any, some venues can provide them.
🔹 Is a Swedish wedding recognized internationally?
Yes, but check your home country’s rules about registering the marriage.
🔹 Can we elope in Sweden?
Absolutely! Sweden is a fantastic elopement destination, whether you want a cozy city wedding or a wild adventure under the northern lights.
Final Step: Celebrate & Enjoy!
Once you’ve completed the paperwork and said “Ja!”, Sweden will issue you a marriage certificate (äktenskapsbevis) to make it all official. Frame it, cherish it, and maybe enjoy some Swedish fika (coffee & cinnamon buns) to celebrate. ☕🍩
Capture Your Swedish Wedding Story 📸
Your wedding day is a once-in-a-lifetime moment—let’s make sure it’s captured beautifully! Whether you’re eloping under the northern lights or exchanging vows in a historic castle, I’d love to be part of your journey.
📷 See my wedding photography stories here: Portfolio
💍 Find the perfect photography package for your big day: Investment
📩 Let’s talk about your dream wedding! Contact me
Sweden is waiting for you. And so am I—camera in hand, ready to capture your happiest moments. Let’s make magic together! 💛
