Are you planning a wedding in the Church of Sweden? Here’s everything you need to know

For many people, choosing a wedding ceremony in the Church of Sweden is a natural tradition, but there are quite a few practical details to keep track of. Here, we share the best tips from the Church of Sweden to make your wedding planning as smooth and personalised as possible.
A church wedding is an atmospheric service full of symbolism, where you pledge your fidelity to one another before God and your witnesses. It is a moment when you can pause and celebrate your love in a space steeped in generations of prayers and traditions.

7 tips for your wedding in the Church of Sweden

• Check your membership
  To have a wedding in the Church of Sweden, at least one of you must be a member of the Church of Sweden. It does not matter if the other person belongs to a different church or religious community. If neither of you is a member yet, it is easy to join before the wedding.
• Book a church and parish
  The first step is to contact the parish where you wish to get married. Many popular churches are booked up well in advance. Bear in mind that it is free to get married in the Church of Sweden – the priest, music, church and verger are included in the church tax (regardless of which church in Sweden you choose).
• Apply for an examination
  of impediments to marriage Before your wedding in the Church of Sweden can take place, you must apply for an examination of impediments to marriage from the Swedish Tax Agency. This certificate confirms that there are no legal impediments to the marriage. Remember that the certificate is only valid for four months.
• The pre-wedding consultation – for a personalised ceremony
  A few weeks before the wedding, you will meet your vicar for a pre-wedding consultation. This is an opportunity to discuss your relationship, your views on marriage and how the ceremony itself will be conducted. You will also go through the order of service so that you feel confident about every step.
• Choose music and hymns with care
  The music sets the tone for your entire wedding in the Church of Sweden. Together with the church musician, you’ll choose hymns, entrance and exit music, and any solo songs. The church musician can advise you on what works best in your particular church to create the right atmosphere.
• Witnesses at the
  wedding For a wedding to be legally valid, at least two witnesses are required. These can be friends or family members, but if you opt for a small ceremony, church staff can often act as witnesses.
• Church blessing following a civil ceremony
  Have you already had a civil ceremony, for example at the town hall or abroad? In that case, you can choose to have a church blessing for your marriage. It is very similar to a standard wedding service with prayers, hymns and a blessing, but without the legal part.

PHOTO//WEDDINGSBYMALIN

Summary for the bride and groom

A wedding in the Church of Sweden is about more than just formalities; it is a sacred moment where you can celebrate your love within a wider context. By preparing well in advance and taking an active part in the pre-wedding consultation, you can create a day that is exactly as personal and beautiful as you wish.

Don’t
miss our interview with the Church of Sweden, where they answer questions and offer tips for those planning to get married in church. It’s an excellent complement to this guide and will help you be even better prepared for your own pre-wedding consultation!

Would you like to know more about managing the logistics for your guests? Read our guide to wedding etiquette to get a full understanding of everything from dress codes to speeches.

Do you need help finding wedding suppliers? Take a look at our business directory.