A remarkable surge in weddings is sweeping Sweden this summer, with Skansen in Stockholm hosting an unprecedented number of drop-in marriages. On a single day, 213 couples exchanged vows at the open-air museum, marking the fifteenth edition of the event and the highest turnout in its history.
The record-setting celebration reflects a broader trend across the country. In March alone, Sweden’s Tax Agency (Skatteverket) registered more than 6,000 applications for hindersprövning — the legal prerequisite for marriage. It is the highest monthly figure since 2022, pointing to a renewed appetite for weddings following years of postponed plans due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Skansen’s drop-in model proves increasingly popular
The drop-in wedding format at Skansen has become a beloved summer tradition. Couples can get married spontaneously, without waiting lists or the high costs often associated with traditional ceremonies. “There is space for more spontaneity and fewer stress factors,” said newlywed Kristina Silfver to Swedish broadcaster SVT.
Skansen, a renowned cultural heritage site, provides a scenic and symbolic backdrop for couples seeking a more accessible and informal way to formalise their union. Since the launch of the initiative, thousands of couples have taken advantage of the opportunity to say “I do” in the heart of Swedish history.
Post-pandemic trends reshape Swedish wedding culture
The increase in hindersprövning applications and the popularity of events like Skansen’s point to a changing marriage landscape in Sweden. Experts suggest that after years of uncertainty, couples are embracing simpler and more meaningful ways to celebrate their relationships.
With more than 200 couples marrying in one day and a record number of applications in early 2025, this summer is expected to become one of the most wedding-filled seasons in recent years. The return of large-scale weddings — especially in unique public settings — may indicate a lasting shift in how Swedes approach love, tradition, and celebration.
