Planning a wedding in Sweden? Whether you’re a local or a foreign couple dreaming of a Scandinavian ceremony, navigating the legalities can seem daunting. But don’t worry! We’ve got you covered with this clear, step-by-step guide to making your Swedish wedding official.
Legal Requirements for Getting Married in Sweden 
Before choosing your venue or designing invitations, let’s make sure you’re eligible to marry in Sweden.
1. Meet the Basic Legal Criteria 
- Minimum Age: Both partners must be at least 18 years old.
- Marital Status: You must be single. If previously married, proof of divorce is required.
- Free Will: Marriages must be entered voluntarily—forced marriages are illegal.
- Prohibited Relationships: Close relatives (e.g., siblings, parent-child) cannot marry.
2. Obtain a Certificate of No Impediment (Hindersprövning) 
Before your wedding, you need official approval confirming you’re legally free to marry.
- Apply through Skatteverket (Swedish Tax Agency) at least two months in advance.
- Required documents: Passports, residence permits (if applicable), and proof of marital status.
- Processing time: Normally 4-6 weeks, but longer during peak seasons.
- Once approved, you’ll receive two essential documents:
- Certificate of No Impediment (Intyg om hindersprövning)
- Marriage License (Vigselintyg)
Emma & Johan, Gothenburg: “We didn’t realize Skatteverket takes longer to process documents in summer due to staff vacations. We barely made it in time! Lesson learned: apply at least 3-4 months before your wedding.”
3. Choose Your Wedding Type & Venue 
Sweden offers both civil and religious wedding ceremonies.
- Civil ceremony: Conducted by a municipal officiant at a town hall or authorized location.
- Religious ceremony: Must be performed by a registered officiant from a recognized religious community.
- Locations: From majestic castles to archipelago retreats, Sweden offers dreamy venues.
Lina & Oscar, Stockholm: “We assumed any priest could marry us, but they must be legally registered. Luckily, our wedding planner knew the rules!”
Special Considerations for Foreign Couples 
1. Residency & Legal Stay
- You do not need to be a Swedish citizen or resident to marry in Sweden.
- A valid visa or residence permit is required if you’re staying beyond the visa-free period.
2. Foreign Documents & Translations
- Birth certificates, divorce papers, and other legal documents must be translated into Swedish or English.
- Some documents require apostille/legalization depending on your home country.
3. Registering Your Marriage Abroad
- Many countries require you to register your Swedish marriage back home.
- Obtain a multilingual marriage certificate from Skatteverket to simplify the process.
Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them 
Last-minute document submissions → Apply for hindersprövning at least 3-4 months before.
Not checking officiant eligibility → Ensure your officiant is legally recognized in Sweden.
Forgetting about document translations → Get certified translations early.
Why Sweden is a Dream Wedding Destination 
Aside from straightforward marriage laws, Sweden offers:
- Breathtaking venues: Choose from forests, castles, lakesides, or even an Ice Hotel.
- Four-season charm: Summer’s midnight sun, autumn’s golden forests, winter wonderland, or spring blossoms.
- Unique traditions: Like the charming ‘oväntade tal’ (unexpected speeches) and traditional bröllopstårta (wedding cake).
Capture Your Special Day with Stunning Photography 
Your wedding deserves to be beautifully documented. Let’s make your Swedish love story unforgettable!
Let’s make your wedding unforgettable—book your photographer today! See my latest works: Weddings Portfolio Follow my journey on Instagram: @alexmart_photo
Choose the best package for you: Investment Options
Let’s make your dream wedding a reality! Get in Touch
