Valid marriage


In order for a marriage to be approved by the Norwegian authorities, it must have been validly entered into in Norway or abroad.

Marriages entered into in Norway

A marriage is considered valid if you were married by an approved marriage officiant, for example

  • The Church of Norway
  • The Norwegian Humanist Association
  • The District Court/city judge

Marriages entered into abroad

  • If you married before either of you came to Norway, the marriage must have been validly entered into pursuant to the laws of the country where you married. In addition, you must both have been at least 16 years old when you married.
  • If one of you is Norwegian or was living in Norway when you married, the marriage must have been validly entered into pursuant to the laws of the country in which you married. In addition, you must both have been at least 18 years old and have been present during the ceremony, and you cannot have been married to someone else at the same time.
  • If you married at a Norwegian embassy, the marriage is valid. 

You can find more information on the Norwegian Government website (external website).

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