Lofoten Elopement Guide: How to Get Married in the Wonderland
Unique ExpERIENCes in the Lofoten Islands
Welcome to eloping in Lofoten, where it feels less like running away and more like stepping into a fairytale alive!
Close your eyes and imagine: you’re standing on a pristine beach, surrounded by towering mountains that look like they belong in a fantasy movie. The sky is putting on its best Midnight Sun or the Northern Lights show, and the only sound is the soft breeze of the Arctic waves. Sounds like a dream, right?
We are Tony & Jane, a duo of destination elopement photographers traveling the globe. When we first came to Lofoten Islands 5 years ago, we were just stunned by how unique, diverse, and wild the nature and the vibe of this destination are. Since then, we’ve shot numerous intimate weddings in the Lofoten in various seasons and kinds of weather, which gave us a priceless experience.
No matter what the weather will be during your eloping in the Lofoten Islands – we got you covered!
Why Elope in Lofoten?
Stunning Natural Landscapes
Let’s talk about the jaw-dropping, almost unreal scenery of the Lofoten. Towering peaks that look like something out of a fantasy novel illustration, sparkling oceanic fjords, and white sand beaches so pristine they can easily make the Bora Bora envy! If you’re a beach fanatic, a mountain lover, or even both, the Lofoten Islands always deliver epic backdrops for your adventure – no matter what kind of weather it will be!
Adventurous Spirit
If you’re the kind of couple that loves adventures, like epic hikes, or maybe even some paragliding (I mean, why not?!), this is your playground. You can hike to secret beaches, kayak with seals, or go on a wildlife safari (hello, whales!). And like a cherry on top – say your vows, feel the spirit of freedom, and be present during your intimate wedding in Lofoten Islands.
Ultimate Privacy and All the Feels
Here’s the deal: big weddings can feel like a circus and not the fun kind with popcorn and clowns. Elope in Lofoten? Total game-changer! Just you, your lover, and a backdrop so stunning it’s like nature threw you the quintessence of epicness for your day. You can tie the knot anywhere: on a quiet beach, maybe on top of a mountain, or under the glorious Northern Lights! No pressure, no drama, just pure, unfiltered love and total presence!
The Ideal Time to Elope: Let me Help You Decide!
Alright, here’s the thing: no matter when you go, the Islands are going to be stupidly beautiful. But if you’re there thinking, “Okay, but what’s the best time for MY dream elopement?” let’s break it down, and I’ll give you the inside scoop to help you choose. At the end of the day, there’s no wrong choice! Lofoten delivers a special kind of magic all year long – so you should better think of the season that feels right for your day. What will it look like? Midnight Sun, golden leaves, snowflakes, or flower bloom? The choice is yours, and trust me, you can’t lose.
Summer (June to August)
If you’re a fan of sunshine (I mean loads of sunshine), summertime is your ideal time. On top of that, summer is the Midnight Sun season— when the sun doesn’t set at all. Imagine golden hour photos that last for hours and hours! But (everyone knew there’d be a but), it’s also peak tourist season. You’ll have to share the gorgeousness with other adventurers, which might mean some creative planning to have those quiet, intimate spots just for yourselves. Still, if endless light and lush landscapes calling for adventures are your jam, summer is calling your name!
Autumn (September to November)
Golden fall! Put on a cozy sweater and a mood playlist just for you. Trees, bushes, grass painted golden, unbelievable sunsets, and a bit of mystery called autumn weather in the Lofoten make this season a total wildcard. The crowds? They’re packing up and going home, leaving you more space to explore and feel present during your elopement experiences in the Lofoten. But let’s be honest—those moody skies and misty landscapes are straight-up romantic, especially if you’re into those dreamy, dramatic vibes
Winter (December to February)
Winter here is equally gorgeous as the summertime (although it looks polarly different). Snowy peaks, almost frozen fjords, and, yeah, the magic of NORTHERN LIGHTS!
It’s like nature went wild just for your intimate day. Here’s the bummer fact: daylight hours are short, so you’ve gotta plan around that. But honestly? Twilight and Blue Hour ceremonies are our favorite types – the photos look cinematic and dope straight out of the camera. If you’re fine with bundling up (pun intended) and love the idea of eloping in the magical snowy wonderland, winter should be your pick!
Spring (March to May)
Spring is the season of fresh starts – pretty fitting for a love celebration, don’t you think? The islands start waking up after the Arctic winter with blooming flowers and far longer days. It’s also a quieter time, so you can soak up the beauty without feeling like you’re part of a tourist parade. The main and only wildcard? Yes, it’s the weather. Spring here is like a Kinder surprise – you never know what you’ll get. Will it be sunny? Rainy? Snowy maybe? All of it? But hey, isn’t that the adventure? If you’re flexible and ready to accept and play with whatever nature throws at you, spring is an incredible choice!
Top Elopement Spots in Lofoten
Reinebringen
Let’s start with a showstopper. Reinebringen isn’t just a hike—it’s a wow, holy crap, this is unreal kind of place. The climb might make your legs hate you a little, but when you reach the top? Boom. You’re standing above the world with panoramic views of the fjords and picture-perfect villages below. Bonus: your photos from this spot will make everyone jealous!
Hamnøy Village
Hamnøy is like an Instagram celebrity, and for good reason. Those red fishing cabins perched over the water? Iconic. The dramatic peaks in the background? Unreal. And the water is so clear you might actually see a fish photobomb your vows. This place is cozy and ridiculously photogenic—basically, it’s the ultimate blend of charm and drama. You’ll feel like you’re starring in your own Arctic fairytale.
Henningsvær
Imagine a fishing village so cute and so surrounded by water it feels like it’s floating in the ocean. That’s Henningsvær. It’s got tiny, colorful houses and even a football field on its own island. Like, who does that? This place is perfect if you’re looking for a mix of laid-back charm and “wow, this is SO different from our place!” It’s peaceful, and it’s guaranteed to leave you grinning like an idiot.
Lofotodden National Park
For all the couples out there who think, “Let’s ditch the crowds and find a slice of a wild fairytale,” this one’s for you. Lofotodden National Park is raw, untouched, and full of hidden gems and secluded beaches. If you want your day to feel private and epic all at once, this is your spot!
Kvalvika Beach
If you’ve ever dreamed of saying your vows on a beach that looks like it hasn’t been touched by another human being, Kvalvika Beach is your spot. Getting there takes a little effort (hiking boots required), but once you arrive? Oh, man. Rugged cliffs, golden sand, and waves that sound like nature’s applause. Bonus points if you bring a picnic and soak it all in after the vows—just you two and the endless horizon. Romance level: off the charts.
How to Plan Your Elopement in 5 steps
1. Set a Date
First things first—are you all about the Midnight Sun, where the sun never sets and everything’s golden 24/7? Or is the Northern Lights your vibe, with its magical, dancing colors lighting up the Arctic sky? Pick your season based on the kind of wow you want, and let nature do its thing. Whether it’s endless daylight or starry skies, the Islands got you covered.
2. Plan Your Trip
Getting there is also a part of the adventure! Fly into Oslo, then hop a connecting flight to Leknes or Svolvær. Feeling road-trip vibes? Drive through mainland and catch a ferry—it’s as scenic as it gets. Once you’re there, plan for at least a few days. Iceland’s beauty deserves your time, whether you’re hiking, kayaking, or just soaking up the Arctic magic.
3. Book your VendoRs
You want your elopement to look and feel amazing, right? Enter your dream team: elopement photographers who know the best angles, the best makeup artists, and florists who make sure your bouquet doesn’t look like you grabbed it from a grocery store.
Bonus tip? Go local. These guys know the area like the back of their hand, so you’ll get insider tips and secret spots that’ll blow your mind fr.
4. Book Your Stay and Transport
Here’s a tip that saves you cash and time: check your local bridal shop’s sample sale section. These aren’t just once-a-year events—most shops have “off the rack” gowns available all the time. You can score a beautiful dress at a serious discount and try it on in person instead of rolling the dice online. Plus, you get to take it home right away—no months-long waiting game.
5. Enjoy!
This is your moment, so own it. Whether you’re standing on a cliff with the fjords behind you, barefoot on a wild beach, or wrapped in a blanket of Northern Lights, just pause and take it all in. Feel the wind, the magic, the holy-wow-this-is-happening vibe of it all.
Things to Know Before Eloping in Lofoten
most asked questions about Lofoten
Can Foreigners Get Married in Lofoten?
Yes, foreigners can get married in Lofoten – and it’s as magical as it sounds! Norwegian law is pretty welcoming when it comes to international couples tying the knot here, but there’s quite a complex legal process to live through. While it’s not the most straightforward one, and not all foreign nationals will be able to complete all the Norwegian Tax Administration requirements, it’s still possible to accomplish.
To preserve the best memories of your day and feel less stress-free, we strongly recommend completing all the paperwork at your homeplace, for the best elopement in Lofoten Islands possible, not being limited to anything!
better Have a Symbolic Ceremony Instead?
I know it may sound crazy, but seeing this all so many times, we recommend skipping the legal marriage for the symbolic vow ceremony instead. The greatest benefit of doing a private vow ceremony is skipping all the hassle and financial expenses (not even counting the amount of gray hair after completing all the steps connected with getting the marriage license!).
A symbolic ceremony, instead, gives you total freedom to focus on your experience. Plus, with no red tape to worry about, you’ll have more time to soak in the stunning scenery and celebrate love the way you want. Simple, stress-free, and unforgettable—sounds perfect, right?
What About the Legal Marriage?
If you decide to go for a symbolic ceremony, the only legal fuss you’ll need to deal with happens back home. It’s normally a quick courthouse visit before or after your trip. Right after, you’re free to plan the day of your wildest dreams!
Dreaming to say I do’s on a beach accompanied by the sound of the waves and a few curious seagulls? Do it! How about a mountain ridge vows with a view that makes you feel like you’re on top of the world? Go for it!
The beauty of a symbolic ceremony is that it’s all about you. There’s no officiant schedule or rules about where you can stand. Make it special, wild, and unforgettable—because it’s all yours to design!
Lofoten Islands Elopement Packages
Prices for our Elopement Packages start at 6500 Euro (with most couples spending 7800 Euro on average) and depend on the amount of our working time & add-ons you will choose. All of the packages include:
- Elopement planning guidance
- Handcrafted locations
- Custom itinerary of the day
- Digital photography with full printing rights
- Drone photography coverage
- All photography packages include travel and other fees
Prices START at €6.500
Your Lofoten Islands Elopement Photographers
Hello there,
we’re Jane and Tony, and we’ll be happy to be your photographers in the magnificent Lofoten!
We’ve been destination photographers and planners since we remember ourselves. Cannot believe it’s been over a decade ago! Since then, we’ve helped hundreds of happy couples to tie the knot in the Lofoten and far beyond.
We’ve been to the islands numerous times and after photographing here and traveling the whole archipelago far and wide, we’ll be happy to share this experience with you and help you plan your unforgettable day!
More Planning RESOURCES
Check these useful planning resources we’ve created to help our couples craft their unique experiences around the globe.
Get In Touch
If you’re looking for a photographer and you connect with our work, we would love to hear from you! Please allow 48 hours for a response.
Together with Tony Iskra, they are ISKRA Photography - a husband & wife duo shooting in Iceland and beyond.
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