How to Elope in Norway | The Ultimate Guide to Elope in Norway
Congratulations! You're getting married to the love of your life and instead of a big, traditional wedding you’re choosing a romantic and adventurous elopement! This couldn't be a more exciting time in your life, and I'm so happy you’re thinking about eloping in Norway!
Norway is a magnificent place to elope! The beautiful country has stunning raw landscapes, mystical fjords, and exciting viking history. One thing I know for sure is that a Norway elopement will be the ultimate adventure for all eloping couples!
If you pick Norway, you will get those epic images that you can hang on your wall at home. However it can be difficult to plan your elopement in a different country so that’s where I come in as your trusted Norway Elopement Photographer.
Norway elopement locations
Norway is filled with wonderful people and is considered one of the top 5 happiest people in the world. The Norwegians are caring, generous, and honest people who welcome visitors to their beautiful land. Not only that, you are free to roam any uncultivated land as long as you leave no traces behind! So to give you some inspiration, you can find some amazing Norway elopement locations below.
Southern Norway
In Southern Norway, Kristiansand you can view the wild coastlines, cute villages, and boat trips. Make your way into the wild and go hiking, mountain climbing, camping, or standup paddleboarding with your favorite person.
Mid-Norway
Mid-Norway is known for their mesmerizing fjords which is open for exploration by all adventuring couples who want to see the wonders of the last ice age or travel to Geiranger for once in a lifetime hiking experience. Some epic places here are the Preikestolen, Trollstigen, Trolltunga, Sognefjord and Hjørundfjord. The raw nature in this area is really stunning with fjords, mountains, waterfalls, forests and it has a very mystical vibe you’ll remember forever. And don’t forget to book one of the cute grass roofed cabins here!
Northern Norway
In the winter you can visit the Lofoten, that's located all the way in Northern Norway. Here you can discover wild valleys, tall peaks surrounding beautiful beaches, and capture the sights of the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) between September and March. You can go back in time by visiting the Lofotr Viking Museum in Borg that rebuild one of the oldest viking longhouses. Or you can visit Tromsø and go whale watching and dogsledding at Arctic Adventure tours to experience the real Sami culture. In the summer time between May and July the sun never sets, this time is called the Midsommar which means that the sunrise and sunset are very close to each other so you can enjoy one of the longest and most epic sunsets ever.
How to Elope in Norway
Can you legally get married in Norway! Yes, you can, but the process does take longer than if you married locally of course. Documentation will include:
● Proof of citizenship in your country – passport and birth certificate
● Find an officiant that’s willing to go out in nature for your wedding
● A statement of a sponsor for each of you – someone who knows you
● Follow the same steps as a Norwegian citizen
The legal process of eloping in Norway can take up to 4 months. Consider getting the legal work done at home in a small intimate setting and have your symbolic ceremony in Norway.
When is the Best Time to Elope in Norway?
The time of year is essential to choosing your elopement date and will be determined by who you are as a couple. Want to snuggle up in the snow with a hot chocolate while you watch the Northern lights or dog sledding? Well, then winter for you!
Let's explore the seasons of Norway:
● Winter (December-March): The winter cold can be below freezing and can sometimes go down to -18°C/1°F. The plus side is that this is the optimum time to see the northern lights and there are fewer tourists around.
● Spring (March-May): We love spring elopements in Norway! Expect snow-capped mountains in the early spring, waterfalls, and luscious green forests with wildflower blooms everywhere!
● Summer (June-August): Head to Norway in the summer to experience the Midnight Sun (daylight for 24 hours). Summers do draw more tourists, but with so much raw land, there are plenty of secluded spots for you to say your vows.
● Autumn (September-November): The crisp cool air in the fall and chances to see the northern lights is why eloping in the fall is a great choice!
Norway Elopement Photographer
I am an experienced elopement photographer, and I have had the utmost pleasure of capturing the precious moments of love between couples as they say their "I Do." Because the feeling of being alone while being surrounded in a beautiful landscape is truly magical. One of the best things you can do to make your day special is having a photographer committed to making your Norway elopement dreams day come true.
Select A Location in Norway
Whether you choose to bask in the sun or have the moonlight shine down on you, the picturesque landscape of Norway will serve as a background that you will never forget. With raw landscapes, waterfalls, and a mystical vibe, there is no place as unique as Norway!
Your ceremony can consist of just you, your partner, your officiant, and your Norway elopement photographer. But you can also invite some of your closest family and friends for a unique experience together. This day is about you and whether you choose to keep the ceremony private or include others is totally up to you.
How to choose your location:
· Do you and your partner prefer sandy beaches, thick and lush forests, or is it about the view from the mountaintops? Choose a spot that you feel is the most authentic to who you are, a type of landscape that you keep coming back to wherever you’re traveling to.
· Are you bringing guests? Some loved ones may not be able to hike far or climb over rocks. Consider how many people are coming and their mobility.
· Are you more of a road-trip or a mountain hiking kind of couple? Perhaps you both love to walk and see the wildlife. Choose a location based on what you want to do.
· Hot – cold? What do you fancy? If you want to be catching a tan on a hot summer's day or snowboarding on the mountain peaks, the choice is yours!
If you’re looking for other locations in Europe you can check out the 11 Best Elopement Locations in Europe on my blog.
Ceremony Ideas for Your Norway Elopement
Are you looking for a unique ceremony to perform during your Norway elopement? I've got you covered! There are many wonderful ways to honor this incredible milestone in your relationship:
Handfasting ceremony
The handfasting ceremony was originally practiced during the 16th and 17th centuries in Scotland. We all know the term "tie the knot." Well, it comes from the handfasting ceremony that symbolizes a union of two lovers bond together forever, even in the afterlife! It works by choosing meaningful colors that symbolize different promises you make to each other. You can use the ropes to tie knots around you and your partner's arms, wrists, and hands.
There are many ways to perform the ceremony, such as adding promises and a special drink to the ritual. It all depends on your preference. You may even have loved ones tie the knots around your arms. There isn't a perfect way to perform this Scottish unity ritual so do what feels right to you!
Drinking from viking horns
Drinking from horns has been around for over 2,500 years and was practiced in many ancient cultures, such as the Celts, Greeks, Romans, and Scandinavians. Each culture from the past and present sees drinking horns as a special ritual. These horns can be made from bovine, glass, or metal. The ritual involves filling the horn with a hot or cold beverage and having both couples drink from it during the ceremony. It’s a fun activity to cheer for the day and it will give you cool photos to look back on.
Exchange rings and swords
Exchanging swords with the rings is an old Viking tradition. The groom will give the bride a sword that she can pass down to her future sons, and the bride gives the groom a sword to symbolize the security getting transferred from the father of the bride to the groom. This is a beautiful Norway tradition for eloping couples.
Norway Elopement Packages
Choosing to elope does not have to mean going without the wonder and magic of a classic wedding. In fact, due to the blissfully intricate nature of your wedding, I can help you create the elopement of your dreams. Let's start by filling out a simple online form that tells me exactly how you picture your big day. No dream is too big, and no detail is too intricate to bring your dream to life.
Whether near or far, we can plan a call together and I can work on giving you an elopement as uniquely special as you are as a couple. I will then send you a location ideas list based on your specifications so you can pick the perfect spot. I will also give you some travel tips, vendor recommendations and create a seamless timeline, containing everything in detail from your accommodation to all the amazing activities planned on your elopement day.
The ultimate adventure awaits you and your partner. All of your special moments will be captured by an experienced elopement photographer. My photography packages include:
● Half day, Full day or multi-day photography packages + video add-on options
● A Step-by-step Elopement Guide for Europe
● Customized location ideas list: amazing locations selected on your specification.
● Vendor recommendations: I will help you find the perfect vendors to bring your dream day to a reality.
● Fully optimized timeline: filled with fun activities and amazing places to say your vows.
Me and my husband in Aurland, Norway
I offer Norway elopement packages for capturing every breath-taking moment of the best day of your lives! I travel to Norway every year so get in contact for pricing and more information.
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