How to get legally married in Norway
This is a very common question I get. The short answer is: it is totally doable, but requires some paper work. And I will absolutely help you with this! Even though it is doable, you might end up doing the paperwork in your home country and have your ceremony in Norway.
1. Nordic countries
If both of you are from a nordic country, the good news is: the procedure the same as for two Norwegians. A little less paperwork! This also goes if one of you is from Norway, and the other is from Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Faraoe Islands or Greenland.
2. Legal stay
Depending on where you are from, you need to be able to show that you are on a legal stay. If you are from EU/EEC all you need is a passport. The same goes if you are a citizen of a visa-free country, like Japan, USA and Australia. You can find the full list of countries here. If you are not from EU/EEC you will also need proof that you entered Norway within the last 90 days.
3. Getting a certificate
Before you can get married in Norway you must get a certificate which shows that you fulfil the conditions for entering into marriage (called prøvingsattest), which is valid for 4 months. You must give this certificate to the person who is officiating the marriage.
This is a fairly easy process, but make sure you, your partner and your two witnesses are able to log in with BankId, and have your national id numbers ready.
It is a good idea to apply 4 months, or at least 6 weeks, before your wedding day to make sure that you get your certification in time. You never know if you need to send some missing information.
4. Certificate from your home country
A certificate from the home country, and if applicable, the most recent country of residence, showing that there is no impediment to you entering into marriage in Norway. The certificate must be no more than four months old. Translation may be necessary unless the certificate is written in English, Danish or Swedish. The certificate must be original, and must be legalised or endorsed with an apostille.
5. A declaration concerning divisions
A declaration concerning division – if either of you have been married before you need to fill out this form.
6. An officiant
You need to use an approved wedding officiant, this could be a priest, judge or an officiant from the Norwegian Humanist Association.
Conclusion
You might find it a little bit daunting to take on the paper work, but if getting legally married in Norway is important to you I will guide you on your way!
Are you ready to start planning your Arctic elopement? Fill in the contact form below to start!
