🇸🇪 Thinking about getting married in Sweden? Fabulous choice! This Scandinavian paradise isn’t just about IKEA, cinnamon buns, and moose – it’s also one of the most LGBTQ+ friendly countries in the world.
Picture this: You and your partner strolling hand in hand through the colorful streets of Stockholm’s Gamla Stan, the air filled with the scent of fresh coffee and pastries. The Baltic Sea sparkles in the distance, and you realize – Sweden is the perfect place for your wedding.
Let’s dive into everything you need to know to make your Swedish wedding dream a reality!
💍 Is Same-Sex Marriage Legal in Sweden?
Yes, and it has been for a long time! Sweden legalized same-sex marriage in 2009, making it one of the first countries to do so. Even before that, same-sex couples could enter into registered partnerships as early as 1995.
Sweden doesn’t just allow same-sex marriage – it celebrates it. Many religious institutions, including the Church of Sweden, happily conduct ceremonies for LGBTQ+ couples.
📝 Legal Requirements: What You Need to Get Married in Sweden
Before you start picking out wedding venues and tasting cakes, let’s talk paperwork. The good news? Sweden keeps things fairly simple.
✅ Step 1: Apply for a Marriage License (“Hindersprövning”)
Every couple, regardless of nationality, must apply for a Hindersprövning (Impediment to Marriage Certificate) from the Swedish Tax Agency (Skatteverket). This ensures there are no legal barriers to your wedding.
🔗 Apply here: Skatteverket Official Website
✅ Step 2: Gather Your Documents
Here’s what you’ll need:
✔ Valid passports or national ID cards
✔ Birth certificates
✔ Proof of marital status (a Certificate of No Impediment from your home country)
✔ Divorce or death certificate (if previously married)
📌 Tip: If any of your documents are not in Swedish or English, you may need an official translation.
✅ Step 3: Civil or Religious Ceremony?
You can choose between:
- A civil ceremony, officiated by a state-approved wedding officiant. These can be held at city halls, scenic parks, or even aboard a boat!
- A religious ceremony, offered by the Church of Sweden and some other denominations.
📌 Good to know: If you’re opting for a civil wedding, you’ll need two witnesses – so bring your besties or ask two friendly Swedes!
🏰 Dreamy Wedding Venues in Sweden
Once the paperwork is sorted, it’s time for the fun part – picking your dream venue! Sweden offers breathtaking locations, from royal castles to icy wonderlands.
❄ 1. Icehotel in Jukkasjärvi
💙 Imagine saying “I do” in a chapel made entirely of ice and snow. Each winter, artists sculpt this magical hotel anew, making your wedding venue literally one of a kind!
🔗 Icehotel Official Site
🏰 2. Rosersbergs Slott – A Royal Fairytale
💛 This 17th-century palace near Stockholm lets you live out your royal wedding dreams. Lush gardens, candlelit halls, and a touch of Swedish history – what’s not to love?
🔗 Rosersbergs Slott
🍷 3. Kronovalls Vinslott – A Vineyard Wedding
💚 Love wine? This baroque castle in Skåne doubles as a vineyard, offering the perfect setting for a romantic, wine-infused wedding celebration.
🔗 Kronovalls Vinslott
🌊 4. Stockholm Archipelago – A Private Island Ceremony
💙 For the ultimate intimate wedding, rent a private island in the stunning Stockholm archipelago. Sandhamn is a top pick, with its charming seaside cottages and golden beaches.
🔗 Sandhamn Guide
🎉 Swedish Wedding Traditions to Include in Your Big Day
Want to add a little Swedish charm to your wedding? Here are a few traditions to consider:
🎤 Speeches & Songs: Unlike in some countries where only the best man speaks, Swedish weddings are full of heartfelt (and sometimes hilarious) speeches from friends and family. Be ready to sing along, too!
🤝 Walking Down the Aisle Together: In Sweden, it’s common for couples to walk side by side to symbolize equality in marriage.
💋 The Kissing Game: If one partner leaves the room, guests can line up to kiss the remaining partner – a fun and unique Swedish tradition!
📸 Capture Every Moment of Your Love Story
Your wedding is one of the most magical days of your life – so let’s make sure every smile, every tear, and every epic dance move is beautifully captured!
I specialize in destination weddings and love telling love stories through my lens. Whether you’re exchanging vows under the Northern Lights or dancing by a palace lake, I’ll be there to capture it all.
📌 Check out my work: Your Happy Moments Blog
📌 Explore photography packages: Investment Page
📌 Let’s chat! Contact Me
💌 Let’s make your Swedish wedding unforgettable – one photo at a time! 📸✨
