Copenhagen has been overcharging for marital ceremonies for an extended period.
In Copenhagen, Denmark, foreign couples planning civil marriages have faced overcharging since 2018 due to misunderstandings about costs and procedures. This issue, affecting around 12,000 couples, has led to a significant refund of approximately 23 million Danish Kroner (three million Euros).
Misunderstandings and Overcharging
The overcharging was a result of foreign couples encountering confusion regarding the costs and procedures for obtaining a civil marriage license. This confusion led to unnecessary expenses.
Procedural Issues
The process for obtaining a civil marriage license may have been unclear to some couples, further contributing to the overcharging.
Steps for Refunds
If a foreign couple believes they have been overcharged, they should follow these steps:
- Contact the Municipality: Reach out to the City of Copenhagen's Citizen Service (Borgerservice) or the local marriage office to discuss your situation. They can provide guidance on whether you have been overcharged and what steps to take next.
- Review Documentation: Gather all relevant documents related to your marriage ceremony, including receipts and any correspondence with the municipality.
- File a Complaint: If you believe you have been overcharged, submit a formal complaint to the relevant authorities. This could either be to the municipality or a consumer protection agency if applicable.
- Seek Legal Advice: If the issue is not resolved through the municipality, consider consulting with a legal professional to explore further options.
- Refund Process: If it is determined that you have been overcharged, the municipality may offer a refund. This process can vary depending on the specific circumstances and the policies in place at the time.
Additional Tips
- Research Thoroughly: Before planning a civil marriage in Copenhagen, thoroughly research the costs and procedures to avoid misunderstandings.
- Use Official Channels: Ensure that all interactions are with official entities to avoid scams or unauthorized agents who might charge extra fees.
Note: The specific procedures for refunds can change, so it is important to consult with local authorities for the most current information.
Denmark's relatively liberal regulations for marriages attract couples where one partner does not have a permanent residence permit or cannot meet the high requirements of German authorities. Many of the affected couples may have come from Germany.
The illegal practice was stopped in the spring of 2025 when it was discovered. The Culture Mayor of Copenhagen, Mia Nyegaard, stated that the error is "truly unfortunate and regrettable". Copenhagen City Hall recorded a record number of 8,000 civil marriages last year, with 5,000 of them involving foreigners.
The overcharging was confirmed by the Culture Department of Copenhagen City, and the refund of 23 million Danish Kroner is due to the overcharging of these 12,000 couples. Foreigners who want to get married in Germany must typically submit a certificate of capacity to marry, but this is not required in Denmark.
- Misconceptions in the industry of wealth-management and subsequent overcharging have arisen due to foreign couples planning civil marriages in Denmark, particularly those who may have initially considered marrying in Germany, encountering confusion about the costs and procedures.
- The financial news outlets, covering general-news and personal-finance, have reported on the unclear process for obtaining a civil marriage license in Copenhagen, Denmark, and how this lack of clarity has led to overcharging of about 12,000 foreign couples since 2018.
- The sports and politics sections of the news have highlighted the illegal practice of overcharging in the City Hall of Copenhagen, which affects approximately 12,000 foreign couples and has led to a significant refund of around 23 million Danish Kroner (around three million Euros).
- Though the crime-and-justice department may not have been directly involved, there is a strong case to be made for potential fraud in terms of foreign couples' overpayments for civil marriages in Copenhagen, highlighting the need for proper oversight and accountability in finance and business dealings.
- The weather in Copenhagen remains unchanged as Danes and foreigners alike navigate the complexities of the civil marriage industry, with the potential for more misunderstandings and overcharging still present for those unaware or unprepared for what lies ahead in their journey to marital bliss.
