how to get legally married in norway?
Marriage in Norway for Foreigners
The most latest and comprehensive info about legal marriage can be found from webpage of Norwegian Tax Administration (skatteetaten.no) but to be honest, it can feel a bit overwhelming and complex.
The other reason was that I've seen "experts", most of them living thousands of kilometres away, giving information that just isn't true. My goal is to make everything easy and understandable and answer all of your questions!
Here’s what you need to know about legal marriage in Norway
February 17th, 2025.
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2. What Are the Marriage Requirements in Norway?
Tips for your Norwegian ceremony
Legal marriage in Norway
Norway does allow foreign nationals to marry, but it's a bit more straightforward if you're Nordic citizens or resident's of Norway.
1. Can Foreigners Legally Marry in Norway?
Requirements explained more understandably:
1) Personal Declarations from both of you. The form is provided by the Norwegian Tax Administration.
2) Two witnesses, one from both sides. They don't need to be present at the ceremony but need to be at least 18 years old.
3) Valid passports.
4) Certificate of No Impediment: A document from your home country stating there's no legal obstacle to your marriage. More info at the end of this page.
5) You need to be visiting Norway legally, for example U.S. citizens do not need a legal stay (residence permit or visa) to get married in Norway as long as they are in the country legally.
6) Declaration Concerning Division If either of you has been previously married, and it's been less than two years since the divorce, you'll need to provide this declaration.
Processing Time:
⏳ It can take 4–6 weeks or longer to receive approval.
⏳ The marriage certificate is valid for 4 months once issued.
more ceremony tips
Let's be honest. Most foreigners coming to Norway are hoping to marry outdoors. I can't blame them!
⛰ Most incredible thing first: You can have your marriage ceremony anywhere as long as the officiant (whether a civil authority, religious leader, or humanist celebrant) is legally recognized to perform marriages in Norway and is agreeable to traveling to your selected location.
⚠️ Depending on the time of the year it's still good to know that the weather changes here rapidly and it's good to have a backup location in case of severe weather.
3. Where Can Foreigners Get Married in Norway?
Where do you want your ceremony?
Legally? Not always. ⚠️
Symbolically? Yes! ✅
Legal marriage might be limited to specific officiants and locations. Let me explain: if you want to get married during the nightless night in a beautiful secluded mountaintop, it might be that you can't find anyone to officiate you.
Symbolic ceremonies allow you to exchange vows anywhere (mountaintops, fjords, secluded beaches etc.).
💡 This is where many couples realize they prefer a symbolic ceremony!
4) Can We Have our ceremony Anywhere in Norway?
A symbolic ceremony looks and feels just like a real ceremony—but without the legal paperwork stress.
Yes, it needs some planning but it can be incredibly intimate and personal. Don't worry, I'll help you out!
5) Why Many Couples Choose a Symbolic Ceremony Instead
Symbolic vs legal marriage ceremony
✅ No legal or time restrictions – Get married anywhere anytime (imagine meaningful ceremony in the mountains, waterfalls, glaciers)
✅ No paperwork delays – No waiting for government approvals, no stress!
✅ No officiant rules – I can help you plan your symbolic ceremony or anyone can officiate your ceremony (a friend, family member, or professional celebrant)
✅ Weather flexibility – Change plans if needed; avoid rain or storms
✅ Purely personal – No legal scripts, just your love story
Benefits of a Symbolic Ceremony in Norway:
Step 1: Legally marry in your home country for simplicity (before or after your trip)
Step 2: Let's plan not just a private ceremony, but an experience of a lifetime in your dream Norwegian location—be it a majestic mountain, tranquil fjord, stunning glacier, or a secluded beach
Step 3: I'll capture every meaningful moment, making sure your experience comes first
Step 4: Enjoy the day your way—just the two of you, or with close friends/family
📌 Need help finding a perfect location?
Check out my Elope in Norway Guide!
6) How Does a Symbolic ceremony Work?
7. FAQ's About Getting Married in Norway
Equality: Norway is very welcoming to LGBTQ+ couples; same-sex marriages have been legal for years.
Practical Points: The same documentation rules apply—just check local officiants who perform same-sex ceremonies.
❓ Can same-sex couples get married in Norway?
Of course! There are no rules! But I would recommend still to plan an extra day of adventures just for you two.
❓ Can we have guests at our symbolic ceremony?
Yes! U.S. citizens do not need a legal stay (residence permit or visa) to get married in Norway as long as they are in the country legally, such as under the visa-free 90-day stay for tourism.
Important Consideration:
🕒 The processing time for marriage paperwork in Norway is 5-6 weeks, so you must submit the documents well in advance of your planned ceremony date to receive the Certificate of No Impediment to Enter into Marriage from the Norwegian authorities.
❓ Can two U.S. Citizens get legally married in Norway?
❓ What's the difference between Personal Declarations and Certificate of No Impediment?
✍🏻 The Personal Declaration is a self-declared form confirming your eligibility to marry. That's why you both need to do it.
✍🏻 The Certificate of No Impediment is an official document from your home country verifying that there is nothing legally preventing your marriage.
No! You can exchange vows privately or invite a celebrant or close friend to officiate. If fact, most of my couples choose not to have an officiant because it gives the freedom to adapt to any situation.
❓ Do we need an officiant for a symbolic ceremony?
Yes! You can handle the legal paperwork in your home country either before or after their trip.
Easier Paperwork: Many couples find it’s simpler to marry legally where they already have residency, then fly to Norway for the symbolic experience.
Also, if you want a bigger party, you can plan a casual celebration back home, or even a second “official” ceremony for immediate family.
❓ Can we have a symbolic ceremony first, then a legal ceremony later?
✍🏻 Official No Record of Marriage Letter (Vital Records Office)
- You request a "No Marriage Record" or "Single Status Certificate" from the County Clerk's Office or Bureau of Vital Statistics in the state where you live.
- This is an official government document stating that there is no record of you currently being married.
- It may also need to be apostilled by the state where it was issued.
❓ Where can I get Certificate of No Impediment if I'm from U.S.?
get to know me
Hey, I'm Jaakko. A few years ago, I married my wife in a pretty traditional way. At the time, it felt like the best decision. However, I didn't quite understand how emotional the day would feel—or how hard it was to be fully present. We were surrounded by people, caught up in expectations, and constantly thinking about what needed to happen next. We didn’t get a meaningful experience as a couple because we were self-conscious in front of crowds and cared too much about what everyone else was doing.
If I could go back, I would have done things differently. Not because our day wasn’t special, but because I now realize how important it is to create a day that truly reflects who you are.
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