With an increasing number of newlyweds asking us to translate their Swedish marriage certificates, with the help of Alex, a recent Ice Hotel bride, a Swedish wedding planner, and information from the Swedish authorities, we have put together a guide to document preparation for getting married in Sweden.

Three to four months before the wedding:

In advance of your wedding date you will need to contact your local registry office in the UK for the following:

Birth Certificates:

·         You will need the long form of both the bride and groom’s birth certificates which can be requested from your local registry office.

Certificate of No Impediment:

·         This document states that you are free to marry. This will involve going to your local registry office where they will ask you questions to confirm that you know each other and that you are not related or married.

·         You will be issued with two certificates (one in groom’s name and one in the bride’s name) and you will each need to take your birth certificates, passports and proof of address. The Certificates of No impediment are only valid for 4 months in England and 3 months in Scotland.

·         If you have been previously married, check with the registrar as to which documents you will be required to present.

·         Please note that unlike marriage in Austria and Mexico, for marriage in Sweden you do not need to have your documents legalised.

Photo: Alex and Martin wed at the beautiful Ice Hotel in February.