How to Legally Get Married in Norway as Foreigners
Congratulations — you've decided to tie the knot! And what better place to do it than in the stunning landscapes of Norway? Towering mountains, arctic beaches, and the romantic isolation of the far north make it one of the most magical wedding destinations in the world.
However, getting legally married in Norway as a foreigner can be a bit complex. But with the proper guidance, some prep work, and maybe a bit of paperwork, you can absolutely make it happen. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the steps to legally get married in Norway, ensuring your adventure wedding becomes a reality.
Step 1: Gather Your Documents
Start by collecting all the necessary documents for your marriage application. The Norwegian Tax Administration (Skatteetaten) handles the legal side of marriage in Norway, and they require the following from two foreign citizens:
Here's what you'll need:
Personal declaration (Egenerklæring) from each partner, stating that you meet the conditions to marry.
Declaration from two sponsors (Forlovererklæring) – one for each of you. These sponsors need to be over 18 and know you personally.
Valid passport or national ID for both parties.
Certificate of no impediment to marriage from your home country. This document confirms that there are no legal obstacles preventing you from getting married.
Certificate of marital status, depending on your home country, may be required as a separate document or be part of the certificate of no impediment.
Divorce decree or death certificate, if either of you has been married before.
Proof of legal stay in Norway (such as a visa or entry stamp), even if you're just visiting.
Translations & Legalization: Any documents not in Norwegian, Swedish, Danish, or English must be officially translated. Some documents may also need to be apostilled or legalized depending on your country of origin.
While paperwork might not be the most romantic part of planning your Lofoten elopement, completing these steps is essential to ensure your marriage is legally recognized.
Step 2: Submit Your Paperwork to Skatteetaten
Once everything is gathered, submit your documents to the Norwegian Tax Administration (Skatteetaten). You can mail them to:
Skatteetaten
The Norwegian Tax Administration
P.O. Box 9200 Grønland
0134 Oslo, Norway
If everything is in order, you’ll receive a Certificate of No Impediment to Marriage (Prøvingsattest) — basically a green light to get married in Norway.
Processing Time: Skatteetaten's review can take 2–6 weeks, depending on the season and the completeness of your documentation. The certificate is valid for four months, so time your application accordingly!
Step 3: Contact Your Officiant
Once you’ve received your Certificate of No Impediment from Skatteetaten, the next step is to arrange your officiant — the person who will legally marry you.
In Norway, you have three main options for a legal officiant:
1. Civil Officiant (via the Kommune)
If you're planning a civil ceremony, you’ll need to contact the kommune (municipality) where you'd like to get married. Many couples getting married in Lofoten choose this route. The kommune will help you schedule a ceremony with a civil servant (such as a judge or registrar). Some municipalities allow ceremonies at outdoor or scenic locations — others may require it to happen at the town hall.
2. Religious Officiant
If you're affiliated with a recognized religious community in Norway, you can contact them directly to arrange your ceremony. Your officiant must be authorized to perform legal marriages in Norway, and you may need to coordinate with the kommune to ensure everything is registered correctly.
3. Humanist Officiant
For a non-religious, personalized ceremony, you can reach out to Human-Etisk Forbund (the Norwegian Humanist Association). Their officiants can marry you legally and are often open to more unique or outdoor ceremony locations. You’ll coordinate directly with them to choose your date and location.
Whichever route you take, make sure to:
Let your officiant know your preferred location and style.
Confirm whether they’ll handle the legal registration of your marriage afterward (most do).
Ask about availability, especially during peak wedding season in the summer months.
If you're unsure which option is best, feel free to reach out to your vendors — many of us are familiar with the process and can help point you in the right direction based on your vision.<
Note: Friends or family members cannot officiate your wedding unless they are formally approved by one of the above categories. So, while symbolic ceremonies with a loved one officiating are a beautiful idea, they aren’t legally binding in Norway.
Step 4: Arrange Your Witnesses
Norwegian law requires two adult witnesses to be present at your wedding ceremony.
If you're eloping and not traveling with guests:
I (as your photographer!) can be one witness.
Your hair and makeup artist, videographer, or planner can often be the second.
Some kommunes can also provide a second witness upon request, especially for elopements.
It’s very common for couples traveling alone to rely on their vendors for this step — just give everyone a heads-up ahead of time.
Step 5: Plan Your Ceremony
There are two main types of wedding ceremonies in Norway:
Civil ceremonies – held by the kommune in an official capacity.
Religious or humanist ceremonies – depending on your beliefs and preferences.
You’ll want to clarify whether your ceremony is legally binding or symbolic only. If you're doing a symbolic ceremony (like on a mountain peak at sunrise), you may choose to handle the legal paperwork separately at the town hall either before or after.
After the Ceremony
Once you're officially married, your officiant will register your marriage with the Norwegian authorities. If you need proof for your home country, you can request an international marriage certificate. Depending on your home country's requirements, you might need to have the marriage certificate endorsed by an apostille to ensure it’s legally recognized back home.
Bonus Option: Legal Back Home, Symbolic in Norway
If all of this feels like too much, consider legally marrying at home first and then having a symbolic ceremony in Lofoten. You’ll still get the emotional experience and epic photos, without worrying about international red tape.
In Summary
Getting married in Norway as foreigners is 100% possible — and the effort is well worth it. With the right paperwork, a little patience, and some help from your vendors (hi 👋), your dream wedding in Norway can be legally binding and totally unforgettable.
So go ahead, say “I do” under the northern lights or enjoy the midnight sun on a wild windswept beach, and create memories that will last a lifetime in this truly magical corner of the world.