Am I allowed to get married in Sweden?
Yes — if both are at least 18, unmarried and not close relatives. You must first complete an impediment check (hindersprövning) at the Tax Agency, which certifies that nothing prevents the marriage; the certificate is valid 4 months. Then comes the ceremony before an authorised officiant with two witnesses and mutual consent. The minimum age is 18 with no exemption since 1 July 2014, and foreign child marriages are not recognised. Same-sex marriage has been legal since 2009. Half-siblings may marry only with county-board permission.
📋 The rules
- Age 18, unmarried and not close relatives
- Impediment check at the Tax Agency (certificate valid 4 months)
- Ceremony before an authorised officiant with two witnesses
- No exemption under 18 since 2014
- Same-sex marriage legal since 2009
🔓 Exceptions
- Valid foreign marriages are recognised, except child, forced and polygamous marriages
- Half-siblings may marry with county-board permission
- Clergy are not obliged to marry same-sex couples — choose a civil officiant
⚠️ Penalties & fines
Bigamy (marrying while already married) is a crime under the Penal Code: fines or prison up to 2 years. A ceremony without an authorised officiant or witnesses is void.
📎 Official sources
- Marriage Code (1987:230) · Riksdagen →
- Tax Agency · Impediment check →
- Tax Agency · Wedding ceremony →
❓ Frequently asked
How old must I be to marry?
18. Since 1 July 2014 there are no exemptions allowing marriage under 18.
What is the impediment check?
A check with the Tax Agency that nothing prevents the marriage. The certificate is valid for four months.
How many witnesses are needed at the ceremony?
Two witnesses must be present, and the ceremony must be before an authorised officiant.
Is same-sex marriage allowed?
Yes, since 2009. The Marriage Code is gender-neutral.
Can I marry a relative?
Not a close relative. Half-siblings may marry only after permission from the county board.
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