Conditions for getting married
Before you can get married, the Norwegian Tax Administration must check whether you meet the conditions for entering into marriage. This means that you have to provide some information.
Several forms must be submitted to the Tax Administration.
The Tax Administration will then issue a certificate of no impediment to marriage ("prøvingsattest" in Norwegian). Please note that the certificate is only valid for four months, and that the certificate has to be valid on the day of the wedding.
Provide documents
Ålesund municipality must recieve the certificate of no impediment to marriage ("prøvingsattest" in Norwegian) no later than two weeks before the marriage will take place.
Upload the certificate by using this form (this is Norwegian until we'll get the English version).
Booking time for marriage
You may reserve a date and time for your wedding more than four months in advance.
Book time for a civil ceremony in Ålesund by using this application form (this is norwegian until we'll get the english version). You may use this same form to upload copies of identification and the certificate.
The wedding ceremony will be performed by a politician or by a employees of the administration in Ålesund municipality.
Please notise that we don't preform ceremonies the following weeks:
Week 29, 30, 31, 51 and 52.
Cost
For residents of Ålesund kommune, there is no charge for getting married in the Ceremony Hall during office hours. Only one of the two parts needs to be a resident.
There will be charges for ceremonies outside of office hours, and at other locations. There will also be additional costs for non-residents.
Charges
- At office hours in the Ceremony hall: Free of charge when both or one of the two parts are residents in Ålesund
- Outside of office hours, or in another location than the Ceremony hall: Nok 3 292,-
Ceremony in the Ceremony hall for non-residents:
- At office hours: Nok 1 646.-
- Outside of office hours, or in another location than the Ceremony hall: Nok 3 292,-
The wedding day
Meeting
The ceremony takes place at the Ceremony Hall at Korsegata 6 in Ålesund. You will be met at the reception desk at the ground floor, so please be ready max 10 minutes before your time for the ceremony.
Identification
Please remember to bring valid identification for the bridal couple which will be checked before the ceremony. Foreign nationals must bring passports.
Witnesses
Two witnesses must be present during the wedding ceremony. The witnesses are usually the maid of honor and the best man, but other adults (over 18) can also serve as witnesses.
If you do not bring your own witnesses, we will be happy to provide two witnesses free of charge – this will be arranged when you register.
Language
Ålesund municipality can conduct the ceremony in Norwegian or English. If the couple getting married does not understand either of these languages, they must provide a qualified interpreter. (Costs for interpreter must be covered by the wedding couple.)
Ceremony
Each ceremony lasts approximately 10 - 15 minutes.
During the ceremony the following text will be read: Procedure for a civil marriage
Wedding rings
You are welcome to exchange rings during the ceremony. Please be sure to mention this before the start of the ceremony.
Cultural features
It is possible to make certain changes to the wedding ceremonies by including the reading of poems, songs, music etc. Such amendments must be agreed on in advance. The wedding couple is responsible for all such arrangements.
Please note that there is a time limit of 25 minutes, as there are often several couples getting married on the same day.
Photographing
Taking pictures and video during and after the ceremony is allowed.
Marriage certificate
A final certificate will be issued later by the Tax Administration.
Ålesund municipality wish you all the best for your wedding day and for your future together!