Here's what you need to know and what documents to bring with you before you apply for a Swedish marriage license. We recommend getting this legal aspect of your wedding out of the way at least 9 weeks before your wedding date.
Your first stop needs to be at a Local Tax Office (Lokala skattemyndigheten) to verify what documents you need to provide and to start the investigation into whether or not there are impediments (hindersprövning) to your getting married.
ID, Residency, and Document Requirements:
Since most of the Consular Services are not providing this form any longer, if you are an American, you should consult an attorney or the services of a notary (notarius publicus) in Sweden.
In Sweden, the proof of single status is apparently different from the Certificate of No Impediment, and both documents are required.
You may also have to provide a copy of your country or state's marriage license laws. Ask your county clerk's office to give you a certified extract of the marriage laws in your state. The regulations must be stamped, dated, signed, and certified by an authorized official. The Swedish tax authorities may ask for a translation of the regulations.
"According to Swedish law, all non-residents/non-citizens of Sweden who wishes to get married in Sweden should present a document from their home country stating their marital status. Since in there is no national registry in the U.S., no equivalent national document can be obtained from the U.S. However, certain states/counties may issue a document regarding a person’s marital status, or a so-called “Record of No Record”. Check with your local County Clerk’s office, or Vital Statistics office, to find out if such a document is available.
If not, ask the office, if possible, to put in writing that no such document exists in the particular state.The Swedish tax authorities are aware of the difficulties in obtaining a document relating to marital status from the U.S. If no such document is available from your home state, and the county clerk’s office or Vital Statistics office, would not give you a written statement regarding the unavailability, the Swedish tax authorities (Skatteverket) may waive this requirement. Make sure to check with the tax authorities."
Source: USEmbassy.gov
Waiting Period:
Other Tests and Fees:
Probably not, but that could depend on your country of residence as to whether or not Sweden will uphold their requirements. Fees: The fees for getting married in Sweden vary from locale to locale.Previous Marriages:
It is possible that your divorce may have to be confirmed by a Swedish Court of Appeal (Hovrätten).
Same-Sex Marriage:
Common-Law Marriage:
Yes. An unmarried couple can live together in a relationship that is very similar to marriage. The Cohabitation Act, "Sambolagen", deals with children and common property if the relationship ends.Cousin Marriages:
Yes.Age Requirement:
You have to be 18 years of age to get married in Sweden.Wedding Ceremony:
You can have your civil ceremony at a local district court or city hall. We recommend making reservations for your civil wedding ceremony at least two weeks in advance of your wedding date.
If you are having a religious ceremony, you should contact the pastor of the church where you want to get married to make sure that you have fulfilled the church's requirements for getting married there. The Established Church of Sweden requires that one of you must be a member of the church.
Miscellaneous:
Proxy Marriages:
No.Marriage Certificate:
You can obtain your marriage certificate (official registration) by contacting the Swedish Tax Authorities (Skatteverket) at +46 200 270 73498, or if you are still in Sweden, at 0771-778 778.PLEASE NOTE: Marriage license requirements often change. The above information is for guidance only and should not be regarded as legal advice.It is important that you verify all information with the local marriage license office before making any wedding or travel plans.
