Marriage is a public act. Marriage vows can be made in a civil ceremony or in a church ceremony. A state-approved functionary must declare the marriage as valid. Priests in the Church of Norway, as in many other religious denominations in Norway, are state-approved to perform marriage ceremonies.
A wedding in a church can be lavish or simple. The two persons getting married can be young or old. The day can be celebrated together with family and friends.
Whether the wedding is small or large – in church, our whole life is placed in God’s hands, asking for God’s blessings.
The wedding vows can only be given with a priest and witnesses present. As of 2017 same-sex couples can have their marriage officiated by the Church of Norway. Couples who are married in a civil ceremony are welcome to have a blessing ceremony.