Guide to getting married in Sweden
We know it’s not always easy to understand the world of weddings; there are many parts that needs to be prepared before you can celebrate your marriage.
And even if you decide to skip it all, there is still ONE thing you need to do to officially be allowed to marry in Sweden:
Apply for a wedding license!
Here's a post explaining what you need to know to get legally married in Sweden; what documents you need to bring with you and what the process is like applying for a Swedish marriage license.
As professional destination wedding planners, we recommended getting the legal aspect of your wedding out of the way at least six weeks before your wedding date because the procedure can take some time and you want to make sure that you have the correct documents.
Photo: Michaela Klose
What documents do you need?
You do not have to be a resident of Sweden to get married here, however, it is required that you provide certified birth certificates, passports, and proof that you are both single or free to marry according to the laws of your home country via a document stating your marital status.
Depending on where you are from, the name of this document may vary, but normally it’s called ‘Single status affidavit’ or ‘Certificate of no impediment’. Some countries do not issue these types of documents, in that case, ask the office, if possible, to put in writing that no such document exists in your particular country or state.
The requested paperwork differs according to your situation and ties to Sweden:
You are both registered in Sweden
One of you is not registered in Sweden
Neither is registered in Sweden, but at least one is a citizen of Sweden
Neither is registered in Sweden nor a citizen of Sweden
One has previously been married or a registered partner
It could be that you also have to provide a copy of your country or state's marriage license laws.
The regulations must be stamped, dated, signed and certified by an authorised official. The Swedish tax authorities may ask for a translation of the regulations unless they are already in Swedish or English.
How do you apply for the marriage license?
Once you have all your documents ready (none should be older than three months) you pay a visit to the Local Tax Office (Skatteverket) in Sweden to verify your documents and start the investigation into whether or not there are any impediments to you getting married.
This process is called ‘Hindersprövning’.
If it’s not possible for you to visit them, you can always contact them to ask for assistance with your case.
If you both are Swedish citizens, all you have to do is download the ‘Hinderprövning’ application and send it to Skatteverket.
Here you can find the Hindersprövning (SKV 7880)
Photo: Michaela Klose
As soon as you receive your marriage licence it is valid for four months from the date of issue.
If you chose to get married at the City Hall in Stockholm, the documents have to be submitted at least 4 weeks before the wedding and the fee for the ceremony is 800 sek.
What happens after?
After the ceremony your celebrant will give you a marriage certificate (vigselbevis) as a memory of your marriage.
The celebrant is also the one to fill out the license and send it to the Swedish Tax Office (Skatteverket) where it’ll be registered, and if you are a Swedish citizen your personal data (folkbokföringen) will update automatically.
If you are from one of the other Scandinavian countries, the celebrant should send a notification to Skatteverket.
If, however, you are citizen of another country, you manually have to notify your country of your change of status.
Please look at your country’s procedures or get in touch with a family lawyer for civil matters.
You can always contact us for more information.
Photo: Sorya Pedoussaut
KAROLINA WAHLMAN
I believe in creating natural and fun celebrations that are as personal as they are beautiful.
We will work together, you will share your story and I will guide you through the fantastic planning journey in a kind and professional manner.