Vigslar

Vigslar is the Swedish term for the ceremonies that officially confer marriage. The plural form v igslar encompasses the various ceremonies by which two people are joined in matrimony, whether conducted in a civil or a religious context. The act of marrying is called a vigsel, and the set of ceremonies is often referred to collectively as vigslar.

In Sweden, marriages are regulated by law (the Äktenskapsbalken, or Marriage Code). A civil vigsel can be performed by an officially authorized officiant, such as a registrar, at a municipality or another approved venue. Religious vigslar are performed by clergy within a religious community. Both civil and religious vigslar are legally binding once the marriage is registered with the Swedish Tax Agency (Skatteverket). Since 2009, same‑sex marriages have been legally recognized under the same conditions as opposite‑sex marriages.

The process typically starts with the couple submitting a notification of marriage to Skatteverket and ensuring eligibility, such as minimum age and absence of impediments. After the ceremony, the officiant records the marriage, and the couple receives a marriage certificate. Documentation required may include identification, birth certificates, and any relevant prior marriage dissolution papers, depending on individual circumstances.

Vigslar thus comprise the formalities through which partners are legally and socially recognized as married. They may vary in ritual and setting—civil ceremonies emphasize legal formalities, while religious ceremonies reflect faith traditions—yet both confer the same legal status upon completion.