vigselbeviset

Vigselbeviset, or the wedding certificate, is the official document that proves two people are legally married. It is issued by the competent civil registry authority or by a church or parish that conducted the ceremony, depending on the jurisdiction and how marriages are registered in that country.

The certificate typically records the names of the spouses, the date and place of the marriage, and the signatures of the officiant and often witnesses. It may bear an official seal or registration number and, in some cases, information such as the spouses’ national identification numbers. The exact contents can vary by country and by whether the ceremony was civil or religious.

Vigselbeviset serves as legal proof of marriage within the issuing jurisdiction and is often required for matters such as changing a surname, applying for spousal benefits, enrolling a partner in social security or healthcare, filing taxes as a married couple, or for immigration and visa processes. In international contexts, certificates are sometimes issued in multiple languages or accompanied by apostilles or legalization to be recognized abroad.

Obtaining the certificate generally involves requesting a copy from the registry or church after the ceremony. In some cases the certificate is issued automatically to the spouses, while in others a formal request is required. Requests can often be made in person, by mail, or online, and may incur a fee and processing time. While the basic function is the same, the precise form, process, and language of vigselbeviset depend on national and local rules.