Which lgbtq friendly wedding locations in Europe are easy for same-sex couples to tie the knot?
Wedding planning agency Marry Abroad Simply provide their top picks for Gay friendly countries in Europe where it’s stress free, quick to marry and meeting the legal requirements for same sex-couples is straightforward.
Having worked for many years in the Wedding Industry, we understand that there can be a lot of hoops to jump through, papers to translate, stamps to be stamped before you can make your relationship legally binding.
For some same-sex couples this can be too much, it can take a year to arrange all the documentation and can be soul destroying, resulting in couples having to spend a lot of time apart and spending a lot of money on administrative services. The paperwork can be made more complicated when you are a couple with different nationalities, a same sex-couple from the middle east, a member of the US military posted in Germany wanting to marry a German citizen and and move back to the US or a couple simply not living in your home country.
For international couples who are looking for a destination in Europe, where it’s stress-free for same sex-couples to legally marry, our top picks are Denmark and Gibraltar. Approval times are quick, fees are low, the registrars are always so happy to help and importantly they are both lgbtq friendly wedding locations.
Lgbtq Weddings in Denmark
Denmark has long been a top destination for Gay weddings. Well known for its warm, embracing and accepting attitude, it is one of the easiest places in the world for both straight and same-sex couples to get married. Its vibrant capital city, Copenhagen is recognised worldwide as one of the most Gay Friendly Cities, and has an annual Gay Pride event – Copenhagen Pride that is famous!
With the required legal documentation kept to a minimum, and the advantage of not having to provide Marital Status documents, birth certificates (in most situations), or evidence of being registered as living together, is it any wonder that same-sex and straight couples from all over the world fly into Denmark to have a Civil Ceremony.
Lgbtq Gibraltar
More recently, Gibraltar has earned its place on the list of European countries where same-sex couples can quickly, easily and legally marry. Non-residents must provide documentary evidence that they will be staying in Gibraltar for at least one night, immediately prior to or, immediately following the ceremony and may marry within 48 hours under a Special Licence. It’s proximity to the Costa del Sol make it an attractive option for those who are happy to have a multi destination wedding – legal ceremony in Gibraltar and wedding reception in Spain.
Ceremony Locations
Whether you want City – and Copenhagen is incredible, something more low key with a Danish Island wedding, the Botanical Gardens in Gibraltar or in front of the Rock of Gibraltar as John Lennon and Yoko Ono did, the vibe is amazing in both countries. They provide options to suit all couples, from a low key registry office settings, to intimate elopements, or all the whistles and bells with 200 guests .
Legal Requirements
The legal requirements for getting married in Denmark and Gibraltar are relatively straight forward, with very short notice periods and residency requirements. You will be required to produce the following documentation:
- Passports
- Entrance visas (if needed)
- Death/divorce certificates (if applicable)
- Birth Certificates (for Gibraltar)
- Birth certificates for any shared children (Denmark only)
Neither Denmark or Gibraltar will disappoint as one of the most accepting, easiest, cheapest and fastest places to have a legal same sex-wedding in Europe or Worldwide
Getting Help
Although getting married in Denmark or Gibraltar is relatively simple, dealing with government offices can be testing, all that needs to happen is for one piece of paperwork to be incomplete and the wedding can’t take place, so it’s an essential aspect to get right. There are many agencies and help resources that you can contact to help you with the process, Marry Abroad Simply being one of the most popular. If you would like to find out more about these lgbtq friendly wedding locations, please use the form below as a quick and easy way to contact Marry Abroad Simply, who will be happy to answer your questions.
*As with all couples, if you are planning a destination wedding you will need to ensure that you fulfil the legal requirements in the country in which you wish to be married. We would highly recommend obtaining expert advice because the legal validity of your marriage is subject to both the country in which you have your wedding and your country of residence. Although same sex marriages are legal in some countries they may not be recognised under the laws of your home country.
Information updated September 2020
