Although many may be surprised to find out it wasn’t already possible, it is now okay to be married outdoors in Denmark.
The bishops of Church of Denmark (folkekirken) have agreed to a two-year trial period allowing couples to be married in the great outdoors if they so desire.
“I have received many inquiries from both priests and couples who wanted to have the option,” the church minister, Manu Sareen (Radikale), told Ritzau. “I discussed it with the bishops and I am very happy that they agreed.”
The move allows couples with an attachment to a special beach or forest to tie the knot there, provided that the officiating priest agrees with the location.
Sareen said that the move helps to demonstrate that the church is a modern institution.
“This shows the public that we are in tune with their wishes and changing with the times," he said, adding that he expected many people to take advantage of the opportunity.
For the time being, the ceremony itself will be the same as the one done inside a state-run church.
