U.S. citizen marrying a non-resident/citizen of Sweden

According to Swedish law, all persons who wish to get married in Sweden should present a document from their home country stating their marital status. Since there is no national registry in the U.S., no equivalent document can be obtained from the U.S. However, certain states/counties may issue a document regarding marital status, or a so-called “Record of No Record”. Check with your local county clerk’s office to find out if such a document is available. If not, ask the county clerk’s office, if possible, to put in writing that no such document exists in the particular state.

The Swedish Tax Administration is aware of the difficulties of obtaining a document relating to marital status from the U.S. If no such document is available from your home state, and the county clerk’s office would not give you a written statement regarding the unavailability, the Swedish Tax Administration may waive this requirement.

In addition, contact you county clerk’s office and ask for a certified extract of the rules governing marriage in that particular state/county (i.e. what the requirements are to obtain a Marriage License). The regulations must be certified and signed by an authorized official, and be stamped and dated. The Swedish Tax Administration will accept a faxed copy. The Embassy can unfortunately not assist in obtaining the marriage laws from individual states in the U.S.

Both groom and bride will also complete a form regarding marital status, Hindersprövning, which is obtained from the Swedish Tax Administration (Skatteverket). A personal appearance is needed to submit the paperwork.

Please note: Make sure to contact the Swedish Tax Administration well in advance of your planned wedding to make sure you are in possession of all necessary documents.

If previously married - Evidence of termination of previous marriages, if any, is required in the form of a certified copy of the final divorce decree or a certified copy of the record of death of the deceased spouse. The officiant may require that the divorce decree be authenticated by the issuing agency. See Notarial Services and Apostille information for more information. Swedish law may require that the divorce be confirmed by a Swedish Court of Appeal (in Stockholm the Svea Hovrätt);

If a minor - Parents' or Guardian's consent is required of an American citizen who is a minor (under age 18). Consent must take the form of an affidavit executed by both parents or by the guardian;