How to Create Your Lofoten Elopement Timeline

You know you want to elope and you know where. Still, the feeling of a daunting task planning your timeline is very much real. so let me show you how to create your Lofoten elopement timeline.

 

Hiking elopement Stornappstind, Lofoten - by Christin Eide Photography

WHY YOU NEED A TIMELINE

I actually want to rephrase that. You don´t need a timeline, but you do need a guide to keep track of what you want to fill your day with. Although small on the map, Lofoten stretches over a big area, so having a plan is key to having a stress free day.  Believe it or not, time flies when you´re having fun, and especially in a place like Lofoten. With it´s epic scenery, activities that brings you closer to nature and the everlasting chance to do it all during the midnight sun. Having a plan and knowing you don´t have to stress it, is part of the magic!

FLEXIBILITY IS KEY

Lofoten is known for its ever-changing weather, with rapid shifts from sunny skies to rain, fog, or snow. While this makes for dramatic and beautiful backdrops, it also means that you could face weather conditions that aren’t ideal for your plans. Flexibility allows for you to adapt quickly to these changes, which again ties into a timeline based on activities and not general time. Whether it means switching the location for your ceremony, bringing it to an indoor location, or just waiting it out to catch a break in the weather. There is always a solution when flexible.

TIME AND SEASON MAKES A WORLD OF DIFFERENCE

You want to finish your day with a sunset ceremony before having a meal to celebrate your adventurous union? The sunset in autumn can vary between 6pm and 8pm, which leaves you time for a dinner before ending the day. More of a “late mornings and long nights” kind of person? Then maybe summertime and the midnight sun would be your perfect fit for you. A slow breakfast, kayaking through the day and hiking through the night.  There really isn´t a perfect timeline, it´s just about finding a solution that makes you feel you did everything you wanted, and more!

Arctic Plunge Lofoten elopement- by Christin Eide Photography

A FULL DAY OF SHOOTING

One of the questions I get asked a lot is if the day will be a continuous photo shot? The very thought stresses a lot of people out, and for a good reason. The easy answer is no. You chose Lofoten for a very specific reason. To adventure and explore a unique place you might never see again. I will definitely document, but your time being in front of the camera is minimal throughout the day. We will be adventuring, hiking, eating, talking and so much more. My camera is present and working, but I promise you will see a lot more of my face than my lens. 

LOFOTEN ELOPEMENT TIMELINE – NO HIKE

– A plunge into the arctic ocean followed by sauna
– Late breakfast in your cabin
– Get ready
– First look somewhere nice, maybe right outside the cabin
– Head to a stunning easy accessible location for your ceremony
– Champagne pop and some portraits before heading out
– Do a picnic or a lunch at a cozy cafe
– Drive to a scenic location for more portraits 
– Bring letters from family and friends and round up the day with your first dance as newlyweds on the beach

LOFOTEN ELOPEMENT TIMELINE – WITH HIKE

– Lazy morning with a homemade breakfast in your cabin
– Get ready / get those vows written down  
– Head out for the hike
– Get dressed and do touch ups on the mountain
– First look followed by your ceremony
– Celebratory Champagne and some epic shots before heading down
– Do a nice seaside picnic or book a good restaurant to celebrate your adventure
How to create your Lofoten Elopement Timeline by Christin Eide Photography
How to create your Lofoten Elopement Timeline Hike by Christin Eide Photography
How to create your Lofoten Elopement Timeline Sunset by Christin Eide Photography

Lofoten code of conduct

  1. CAMP IN DESIGNATED AREAS (see map here)
  2. LEAVE NO TRACE remember that there will be others, so let them have the same great experience you’ve had.
  3. FOLLOW THE PATH AND AVOID THE CREATION OF NEW PATHS moss takes years to grow back and the ground is dependant on roots to stay in place. Choose good waterproof hiking boots to avoid making new trails.
  4. THROW WASTE IN THE WASTE BINS when you arrive at places without waste bins, pick up your trash and bring it back with you.
  5. USE PUBLIC TOILETS if none are available step off the trail and dig a pit. Cover the pit and bring all toilet paper back with you. Never use and dispose of wet wipes. They don’t decompose.
  6. RESPECT PRIVATE PROPERTY camping closer than 150 metres from an occupied house or cabin is forbidden. Freedom to roam comes with respect and remember, you’re probably not the only one looking for an amazing experience, so don’t camp on sought after places.
  7. BE CONSIDERATE IN TRAFFIC the roads in the Lofoten Islands are narrow. Be considerate of cyclist and keep to your side of the road. Driving motorhomes in the center of the road creates dangerous situations, epspecially in high season.
  8. BAN ON FIRES during the summer season, there is a general ban on open fire, respect it.
  9. RESPECT WILDLIFE avoid disturbing wildlife and keep dogs on a leash at all times.
  10. IN THE INTEREST OF THE ENVIRONMENT, as well as your own experience and safety, I recommend activities organised by a tour operator. You can find a list of such organisers at www.visitlofoten.com.
How to create your Lofoten Elopement Timeline Multi day elopement - by Christin Eide Photography
How to create your Lofoten Elopement Timeline Multi day elopement Champagne - by Christin Eide Photography