Wedding in Denmark – Elopement on the west coast of Denmark for foreign brides and grooms
Tanja & Chase’s love story – shared in an interview with DESTINATION wedding photographer Angelie Photography
Why more and more foreign couples are getting wed in Denmark
Marriage in Denmark has traditionally been a home-country secret – especially for foreign couples who want an easy, romantic and legal wedding. No matter if they are German and American, French and Australian or two individuals from two fundamentally different worlds – Danish bureaucracy makes lovers from the whole world exchange their vows here with ease and in no time.
Another trend that has been popular lately is elopement – a secret wedding for the two of them, perhaps in some particularly scenic location. Instead of organizing a grand event with dozens of guests, couples organize an adventure just for the two of them – full of emotion, love and personal importance.
The west coast of Denmark is the ideal backdrop for these moments: infinite coastlines, the roar of the North Sea, charming seaside towns like Varde and a tranquility that immediately winds the clock back.”.
We ride along with you in this blog as Tanja and Chase from Germany and the USA get married in Denmark. Theirs isn’t the tale of transcontinental love, but also of a dream wedding day that proved to be just the way they wanted it – and then some.
The Tanja & Chase love story
Before we start the interview, let me just give you a little background: Tanja and Chase met on the dating app Bumble – initially without any great expectations. What do you call a fun flirting escapade that became a deep connection that no distance, no time difference could separate?
The interview with Angelie Photography
Angelie: Tell us your love story – how did you meet and what brought you together?
Tanja & Chase: We ‘matched’ on the dating app Bumble. Honestly, we both only wanted a night out at first. But after a few messages, we realized we had a very special connection. We talked on the phone for hours, sent voice messages and discovered more and more commonalities.
Chase spontaneously booked two nights at a hotel and picked me up from work. In his car, he held my hand – like we were together forever. On our first evening, we had dinner, but the food was barely touched. We simply sat there, hands held, looking deeply into each other’s eyes and completely losing track of time. Sometime, we guess, the waiters seemed to be entertained – and later on a bit nervous since they were closing the restaurant. To us, there was just our own bubble for those hours.
Angelie: When did you know that you two were suited for each other?
Tanja & Chase: Well, as it turns out, on that first night. We didn’t even have to say a word – it was this sense that was more than anything we’d ever experienced before. The world outside just melted away, and it was clear: this was something special.
Angelie: What is the one thing you both love most about one another?
Tanja & Chase: It’s not nationality, not accent, not differences – it’s what happens in the heart and the mind. We’re in a long-distance relationship, and it’s not always simple. But that is precisely why we have learned to be honest with one another, to be open and to consciously cultivate our love. We’re similar in many ways, but in some ways we’re opposites. That is what is exhilarating. We both loved with all our hearts – and that unites us in a way that nothing else can.
Angelie: Why did you decide to elope instead of having a big wedding?
Tanja & Chase: Honestly, we both had our fairytale wedding envisioned. But by then, it just wasn’t financially feasible. Instead of waiting an eternity, we wanted to go ahead and just do it anyway. And now in hindsight, it was the best thing ever. The day belonged to us alone – no plans, no grand ideas, but just love and some wonderful people with whom we shared it.
Angelie: How did you conclude on selecting Denmark – and Varde in particular?
Tanja & Chase: We had heard of Denmark being called the ‘Las Vegas of Europe’ because getting married there is so easy – especially for foreign couples. We didn’t require months of paperwork, we simply wanted to start our life together. We didn’t choose Varde ourselves – our wedding agency had a booking there for another couple already, and we could fill their place. Today, we are eternally grateful for it, because Varde is where we began our life together.
Angelie: What is the Danish west coast’s particular charm to you?
Tanja & Chase: It’s the tranquility. You can just listen to the wind, the sea, and everything just slows down to a slower rhythm. The people are friendly, the light is soft – it’s like the world here decelerates. It’s the dream place to get married if you want to live the moment in conscious awareness.
Angelie: What do you need as an international couple in order to get married in Denmark?
Tanja & Chase: First, valid passports. Next, proof that you actually are a couple – pictures, flight reservations, chat logs, video chats. We even added screenshots of purchases made online (that was our little joke, haha). And naturally, proof that we’re both single.
Angelie: Were there legal hurdles?
Tanja & Chase: Not at all. The experience was easier than we had anticipated. And that’s exactly why Denmark is just so perfect for foreign couples.
Angelie: Did you go through an agency or a planner?
Tanja & Chase: Yes – purely because we didn’t want to mess anything up. The agency not only helped with the paperwork, but also arranged to book the date in Varde. That made us a lot more comfortable.
Angelie: How long does it take to plan an elopement in Denmark?
Tanja & Chase: Once you’ve got all the paperwork done, it’s quick – sometimes in a few weeks. We just had to cope with the bureaucrat aspect. Everything else – lunch, photo shoot – was spur-of-the-moment and easy.
Angelie: Tanja, where did you get your outfit?
Tanja: I wore ‘Herz und Seele by Laura’ in Germany. It was separates for the occasion – top and skirt separately. That way, I can reuse the pieces again and again later, which is my excellent memory.
Angelie: What was your waking up on your wedding day like?
Tanja & Chase: It was like a dream. Tanja woke Chase up with our song, “Accidentally in Love” from the Shrek movie. Everything was light, joyful and thankful.
Angelie: Was there one moment you will never forget?
Tanja & Chase: The beach photo shoot. Not only because it was beautiful, but because it was so full of love and fun that we enjoyed every single moment.
Angelie: How was it being in front of the camera?
Tanja & Chase: We relaxed immediately because Angelie is so warm and easy-going. She just let us be ourselves – laughing, joking around, hugging each other. The pictures turned out so authentic.
Angelie: Your most favourite picture?
Tanja: Today this picture on the wooden boardwalk with the Prosecco – pure happiness. Tomorrow it might be another one.
Tanjas & Chase´ tips for your Danish wedding
1. Do what feels right – If you feel eloping is the best option, then do it.
2. Treat yourself afterwards – Go out to a restaurant, have a picnic, toast over drinks.
3. Arrange a photoshoot – These are moments to hold onto.
4. Have all your documents in hand – Passport, certificate of no impediment, proof of relationship.
5. Utilize an agency – It is stress-free.
For Tanja & Chase, the day marked the beginning of a new life – of love, lightness and dreams to come. If you are going to hold a future elopement (destination wedding) in Denmark and want to have your love captured on the Danish west coast or beyond, then let Angelie from Angelie Photography be there for you.
Angelie doesn’t just photograph – she CAPTURES feelings & LOVESTORIES WITH LIGHT AND DEVOTION so that you can relive your day ANYTIME.
