Reykjavík seeks power for municipalities to conduct marriages

Reykjavík City has proposed giving municipalities legal authority to conduct civil marriages, according to mbl.is.

Under the proposal, a municipal chief executive or another representative specifically appointed by the local authority would be able to officiate at marriage ceremonies. The proposal was included in the city’s comments on draft legislation for a new Marriage Act prepared by the Family Law Committee.

Reykjavík said the proposal was modelled on Norway, where the authority to conduct marriages was transferred from the courts to municipalities in 2018.

The city also pointed to the active role municipalities play in civil marriages elsewhere in the Nordic region. Couples can request ceremonies conducted by municipal officiants at the city halls of the capitals of Denmark, Norway and Sweden.

Reykjavík said an equivalent service was not currently available in Iceland, although the city had offered couples the opportunity to marry at Reykjavík City Hall. Couples must arrange an officiant themselves, however, which can involve additional effort and expense.

The city proposed that the mayor, or a representative appointed by the mayor, should be authorised to conduct marriage ceremonies on behalf of Reykjavík.

It also said Höfði, a historic building, could be used as a venue for civil marriages. The city said this would improve services for residents and visitors and strengthen Reykjavík’s image as a capital city.