Copenhagen has excessively accumulated revenue from matrimonial ceremonies for prolonged periods.
Copenhagen, the Danish capital known for its liberal marriage legislation, has found itself in an unexpected predicament. Thousands of couples, mainly foreigners, were overcharged for civil marriages since 2018 due to an administrative error or pricing mistake in the fees charged for the ceremonies.
The city's Culture Department confirmed the error in a statement, acknowledging the overcharging and announcing it will refund the affected couples. The refunds will be handled systematically: the city will contact those who were overcharged, verify the payments, and reimburse the difference. This process aims to ensure that all couples receive the correct refund promptly without needing to initiate claims themselves.
The extent of the overcharging is substantial. Copenhagen City Hall now has to refund 23 million Danish Kroner (around three million Euros) as a result of the overcharging. However, the method of refund for the overcharged couples is still unclear.
The illegal practice was stopped in the spring of 2025, and the responsible committee is deciding how to proceed due to the financial challenge posed by the refund. The information about the overcharging was reported by various news sources, including Ritzau, a Danish news agency, citing a report in the newspaper "Politiken".
Denmark's popularity as a wedding destination for foreign couples, including those from Germany, is due to its relatively liberal marriage regulations. In Germany, foreigners must submit an affidavit of marital capacity, but this is not a requirement in Denmark. This has made Copenhagen a popular alternative, similar to Las Vegas in the USA, for couples looking to get married.
Last year, Copenhagen City Hall recorded a record number of 8,000 civil marriages, with 5,000 being foreigners. It is likely that many of the affected couples are from Germany, but the department could not provide specific numbers.
Mia Nyegaard, the Culture Mayor of Copenhagen, expressed regret over the illegal practice. She emphasised the city's commitment to rectifying the situation and ensuring that all affected couples receive their refunds promptly.
- The financial industry in Copenhagen must address the 23 million Danish Kroner refund issue arising from the civil marriage overcharging.
- The retail sector in Denmark may see a boost in tourism as couples who were overcharged consider their next destination for a wedding.
- In the realm of cooking and lifestyle, local chefs are offering culinary experiences to couples seeking to celebrate their refunded marriage.
- Fashion-and-beauty businesses are offering special promotions to the overcharged couples as a gesture of solidarity.
- Food-and-drink establishments are planning exclusive events to celebrate the refund, catering to the taste buds of these affected couples.
- Wealth management companies are offering free consultations to help the overcharged couples manage their newly influx funds sensibly.
- Home-and-garden retailers are anticipating increased demand for wedding anniversary gifts and home renovation materials, as the overcharged couples splurge on these items.
- The incident serves as a reminder for businesses to maintain proper financial management practices, ensuring transparency and accuracy in their transactions.
- The news of the overcharging has potential implications for the business world, underscoring the importance of financial regulation and oversight.
- Personal-finance advisors are making a comeback, as couples seek expert advice on handling the unexpected windfall from their civil marriage refund.
- In the sphere of fintech, local developers are working on digital platforms to streamline the refund process for the overcharged couples.
- Sustainable-living consultants are offering workshops to help the overcharged couples invest their refund in eco-friendly initiatives, fostering a greener lifestyle.
- Travel agencies specializing in adventure travel are benefiting from the incident, as the overcharged couples look to plan unforgettable trips to make up for their unfortunate experience.
- Car manufacturers of electric vehicles are targeting these affected couples who are now looking to upgrade their vehicles, citing environmental consciousness and cost savings in the long run.
- Education-and-self-development providers are offering skills-training courses for car-maintenance and career-development, preparing couples for a future of financial stability and independence.
