Norway Elopement: A Scandinavian Fairy Tale

Photo: Christin Eide

Norway is one of the most breathtaking countries in Europe ideal for a truly scenic elopement. With its stunning fjords, majestic mountains, and the thrill of witnessing the Northern Lights, this Scandinavian country is a fantastic choice for all nature-loving couples. So if you’re thinking to elope to Norway, we have to say, it’s a wonderful choice! 

The impressive coastline covered with deep blue fjords gives couples plenty of options for dramatic oceanfront photography, but the inland is just as beautiful. Iconic destinations like Sognefjord and Geirangerfjord offer seclusion and sheer cliff faces framing the water. Jotunheimen National Park offers some of the best hiking routes in the country with plenty of impressive spots where you could say your vows. Perhaps you've been dreaming of saying “I do” on the Instagram famous Trolltunga (which is wonderful but does get crowded). Or maybe you have your eyes locked on the Lofoten archipelago, framed by towering snowcapped mountains that provide impressive views for your elopement day.

No matter which spot you choose, a Norway elopement is a fantastic choice due to its natural wonders that create impressive photo backdrops that you'll love showcasing in your home. It's perfect for couples who think outside the box and are looking for a scenic elopement day off the beaten path. Its warm people and year-round beauty make it an ideal elopement destination.

In this article, we’ll take a look at some fantastic reasons why once you’ve set your mind on eloping in Norway, you won’t want to look back. We’ll explore a few places that would be absolutely ideal for your elopement day. Finally, we’ll give you some of our top tips that will make planning your elopement effortless. Just like our free Elopement Planning Checklist which you can download below. 

Why Are Norway Elopements So Special

1. The Nordic Nature

Let’s dive right in! Norway is well-known for its breathtaking natural beauty - from fjords and mountains to impressive forests and even Arctic tundra. Norway's vast nature allows for eloping on hiking trails with lakeside, mountaintop, or seaside ceremonies. We’ll speak more about different can’t-miss destinations later in this article.

2. Peaceful Culture

Beyond the incredible scenery, Norway also has a relaxed, low-key appeal perfect for eloping couples. Small towns are quiet havens where you can enjoy peace and privacy on your special day without dealing with crowds that you'd see in some other elopement destinations. Norwegians embrace intimacy over extravagance, creating a lovely atmosphere for exchanging vows in a simple natural setting.

3. The Norse Traditions

Besides incorporating nature into your pre or post-wedding photoshoot, we’d also encourage you to consider incorporating Norway’s Norse traditional elements into your elopement ceremony. Norse culture is signified by simplicity and respect for nature. One of the Norse rituals entails binding the bride and groom’s hands together before saying their vows. You can do so with a ribbon, cord, or string. Another traditional element would be for the bride to have braids in her hair and a flower crown, which was historically handed down by her mother, but you could have one made from local flowers instead.

4. Unique Norway Accommodation

If you’re a culture geek like us, you’ll love the unique Norway accommodation; stay in a lavvu (Sami tent), treehouse cabin, or lighthouse suite for a romantic honeymoon celebrating your elopement. Visit Norway is a great place to find such unique stays. 

Photo: Chirstin Eide

Other Technicalities Before Eloping

1. When to visit Norway

While the summers experience a high of around 20 °C or 70 °F, the winter temperatures can reach -40 °C or -40 °F. However, the weather changes quite a bit between the North and the South, as well as the coastal areas and inland. Summers are a great time for a Norway elopement as they offer an abundance of sunlight. Still, visiting the country in October/November or in March/April and in the winter months in between, you’ll have the chance to see the dazzling Northern Light auroras lighting up the night sky, providing an extra special touch of romance to your wedding elopement. 

2. Flying into Norway

With international airports in Oslo, Bergen, and Tromsø, flying into Norway won’t be any trouble at all. As one of Northern Europe's most visited countries, Norway has excellent infrastructure. Furthermore, most people speak English, so communicating with the locals shouldn’t be any trouble at all. This will make your elopement planning process easy whether you're eloping from Europe or abroad.

Photo: Sophie Brioudes

Elopement Packages in Norway

In this Scandinavian gem, we offer both, the Standard Elopement Package as well as the Premium Elopement Experience. Let’s have a look at both to see what suits you best.

Elopement Packages in Norway

We offer fantastic elopement packages in Norway that will make your wedding planning stress-free. Our elopement packages come with your very own elopement planner, and a whole team of local vendors, including the celebrant, photographer, florist, and on-the-day coordinator. 

You can always add videography, an additional photoshoot, private transport, and other extras to your package. We can also help you organize various activities such as Northern Lights spotting, hiking, cycling, kayaking, surfing, horseback riding, or even dog sledding. 

Premium Elopement Experience in Norway

If you’d like to elope to Norway in a bespoke and personalized way, you’ll be happy to hear that we also offer our Premium Elopement Experience in Norway. This includes a two-day experience with a top-notch wedding photographer whose work has been featured in wedding magazines, such as Vogue, with a bespoke art direction. This includes incorporating elements of your love story into the ceremony, and photoshoots, plus we’ll find you a premium venue that fits your vision.

Our Premium photographer in Norway is Christin Eide, who is based in the magical Lofoten and enjoys organizing active stays with tons of unique and fun activities for our couples. Furthermore, she will make sure to incorporate elements of your love story into the elopement itself and give you as much or as little direction as you’d like.

Photo: Christin Eide

Top Destination for Eloping in Norway

Elope in Oslo, Norway

Norway's vibrant capital, Oslo is situated along the Oslofjord with forests and hills running along the coastline. Hence, it offers the perfect combination of vibrant urban culture and natural beauty all around the city, making it ideal for elopements. Some top photo locations to consider are Frogner Park, due to its collection of intriguing sculptures providing romantic backdrops for your photoshoot. Hovedøya Island is a short ferry ride away from the center of Oslo and features secluded beaches and greenery. For breathtaking views overlooking the city, consider Holmenkollen. For fjordscapes, try Aker Brygge waterfront or Filipstad Bridge.

There are also plenty of other unique venue options such as the City Hall, with its iconic statue-adorned exterior and historical interior halls. Outdoor spaces like Besserud Terrace on Bygdøy or Ekeberg Sculpture Park provide plenty of photogenic backdrops with nature while still being relatively easy to get to.

Conveniently located halfway between North America and Asia, Oslo could be a great pit stop before heading to your honeymoon. Contemporary art museums, lively cafes, and award-winning restaurants mean that you’ll have an abundance of things to discover during your Norway elopement. 

Eloping in Mother Nature - Jotunheimen National Park

Norway is well renowned for its natural beauty, with towering mountains, crashing waterfalls, and miles of untouched forests, all enraptured by the unique Jotunheimen National Park. Just imagine, the two of you having an intimate elopement joined by just your Dream Team and untouched alpine scenery. Located in southern Norway, Jotunheimen spans over 641 square miles, with impressive mountains, glacial valleys and crystal clear blue lakes. Leave behind the crowds and immerse yourself in this Scandinavian gem. Just imagine you and your partner saying “I do” next to the glacier-capped mountain Gálahø, Besshø and Store Skagastølstind. The photos and videos that you’d be able to create in these places will leave your friends and family wanting more.

After a beautiful elopement ceremony in Jotunheimen, reward yourselves with a gourmet picnic from local producers. Cozy up by a warm campfire under the stars and far from air and light pollution. Spend your first night together under spectacular displays of the Northern Lights in total peace. When it's time to rest, many options exist from basic mountain huts to charming family-run hotels in surrounding villages like Besseggen or Gjendesheim. Sample traditional Norwegian fare at local restaurants highlighting foraged ingredients and fresh-caught salmon.

Photo: Emily Kidd

Lofoten Islands Elopements

The dramatic archipelago of the Lofoten Islands is like something straight out of a fairy tale. Impressive mountains, pristine beaches, and the traditional rustic red-roofed cabins rank the Lofotens among the most stunning island chains in Europe. Although traveling there is a bit of an adventure, it will be well worth it when you arrive! Explore the Reinebringen's rugged coastal cliffs and caves and the Vestvågøya Island’s vast fjord views. Trek up to flattened mountain peaks like Hinnøya for rewarding panoramic views. And did we mention that the islands are full of cycling paths that make your exploration that much more enjoyable? 

If you’re considering an elopement on the Lofoten Islands, there are plenty of different accommodations that we’d urge you to consider. Staying in cozy mountain lodges like LofotenSuite offers home-like spaces for an intimate civil ceremony. For an adventurous twist, you could book one of the traditional fishing huts with a rustic-chic feel. Just imagine spending your wedding night under the Lofoten Northern Lights. If you prefer more modern amenities, there are also plenty of beach hotels and charming mountain resorts to choose from. Oftentimes, they can even help you with your wedding ceremony.

Eloping in Bergen

Surrounded by seven mountains and colorful wooden houses, Bergen is a charming port town setting that could be lovely for your elopement in Norway, if you’re not afraid of rain, that is. Known as Norway's rainy capital it sees fewer tourists compared to other destinations that you might be considering.

Attractions such as Fløyen Funicular and Mount Ulriken provide scenic views of the nearby fjords. Bryggen's historic Hanseatic Wharf district is super unique and could be a great backdrop for your elopement photoshoot. Imagine wandering the winding alleys, discovering charming nooks, bridges, and quirky architecture, all amongst Bergen’s lush vegetation.

The Magic of Tromsø Elopements

Nicknamed the "Paris of the North," Tromsø is a fantastic spot to witness Norway’s Northern Lights, specifically between September and April. Situated over 300km North of the Arctic Circle, clear nights can reward your Norway elopement with stunning dancing lights painting your skyline.

Popular photo elopement spots include Tromsøya Island Arctic Cathedral's plaza with beautiful views of the frozen harbor. If you’re ready for a bit of adventure, hike up Fløyfjell or Storsteinen to witness panoramic city views. If you’d like to get even closer to the one-of-a-kind auroras, head to Kvaløya Island. If you’re looking to spend a few days in the remote wilderness, you could go to Skarsnuten resorts which allow for Northern Lights photography, dog sledding adventures, and being one with nature.

Photo: Christin Eide

Our Top Tips on Eloping in Norway

Now that you have a great idea of how your Norway elopement can look like, it’s time for us to reveal to you our top elopement tips for this stunning destination. So without further ado, let’s get right into it.

First steps: Booking your elopement, flights and accommodation

First things first, we’d recommend booking your elopement in Norway well in advance, especially during peak summer season. We’d recommend starting planning your elopement 6-12 months in advance, which will enable us to book your ideal vendors. While flights will be available also closer to the time, we’d recommend ticking accommodation off your list as quickly as possible. Depending on what you’re looking for, you could consider mountain huts, small hotels, cabins, or bed and breakfasts near your desired location. Depending on where you come from, you might also want to apply for your visas. Lastly, if you can, take a look at booking private transportation, which will allow you to explore the lesser-known Norwegian gems during your stay.

Gathering all the moving pieces: Local vendors

Something that will really set your elopement aside is selecting local wedding vendors to be a part of your big day. Luckily, if you book with us, you can rest assured that all the vendors are not only from Norway but often from the very place where you’re looking to stay. They will give you all the best tips that only a local can know, making sure to avoid any potential crowds or over-touristy spots.

At this stage, we’d also urge you to book activities you'd enjoy like hiking, kayaking, cycling, or Northern Lights spotting will ensure you make the most out of your wedding elopement in Norway.

Generally speaking, we recommend getting your marriage license in your home country before arrival, as it enables us to bypass the country’s marriage registration process. However, Norway’s legislation makes getting married there a pretty straightforward process, even for foreigners. Still, we would recommend starting the elopement planning process at least 6 months in advance so that we have everything sorted beforehand. Meaning, that once you arrive, you can solely focus on the ceremony and on having the most memorable wedding experience.

Final bits and pieces: Packing and traveling

Norway weather can be quite unpredictable, so we would warmly recommend packing for changing weather conditions. As temperature drops are common even in summer, make sure to bring lots of layers and a warm coat for those chilly nights. In the words of Alfred Wainwright: “There's no such thing as bad weather, only unsuitable clothing”. Hats, gloves, scarves, warm socks, tights, a fleece jacket, and a waterproof/warm coat will ensure you have an amazing time any day of the year.

Once, we had a couple that flew into the country of their elopement an hour before and they still needed to buy a wedding dress. Did we still manage to organize an incredible elopement? Hell yeah! Would we recommend it to our couples? No, really, please no. As you know, international flights can get significantly delayed so make sure to arrive in the country at least a day before your elopement in order to have a care-free experience. 

A few days before your elopement we will send you the contact details of all of your vendors and create a WhatsApp group with them, you, and us, for smooth communication. Hence everyone can stay in the loop in case of any unpredictable changes. Not to worry though, our elopement planners are well-versed and will ensure we not only have a plan B but also a plan C and D. We will be with you every step of the way, making sure your elopement in Norway is a truly special experience. 

Photo: Sophie Brioudes

Conclusion

In summary, Norway is a fantastic elopement destination for all nature-loving and adventurous couples who are not afraid of a bit of cold. It’s full of picture-perfect landscapes that will provide a gorgeous backdrop for your wedding photos. Here at Somewhere Crazy, we’ll be with you every step of the way, by providing you with destination tips, and cool activities, finding you the most professional yet fun local vendors, and crafting a truly memorable experience.

We hope this article on Norway elopements has been insightful and has given you plenty of fantastic ideas for your wedding day. In Norway, we offer both, a standard elopement package, as well as a premium experience.

Inquire today to speak to one of our lovely elopement planners and start planning your new adventure together.