A complete guide on how to make it happen, and everything you need to know on how to elope in Norway in 2025.
Norwegian nature is breathtakingly diverse and dramatic, with towering fjords, vast forests, and snow-capped mountains. The landscape is shaped by rugged coastlines, crystal-clear lakes, and the northern lights that dance across the skies. From the serene beauty of the Lofoten Islands to the wild expanse of the Arctic tundra, Norway offers a raw, untamed beauty where every corner feels like a postcard. It’s a place where the elements converge in harmony, creating some of the most stunning sceneries in the world.
5 beautiful locations to elope in Norway
I could probably go on for days, knowing how beautiful this country is. From deep mysterious fjords and rolling hills, to some of the tallest waterfalls in the world and turquoise waters reminicent of warmer places. Here are just a few gorgeous locations for your Norway elopement.
LOFOTEN ISLANDS
The Lofoten Islands are a bucket list kind of place and where my heart lies. With dramatic mountains coming straight up from the deep blue sea to the white sand beaches with turquoise waters, making it hard to believe this place actually exists. Instead of big hotels you find classic fisherman´s cabins and quaint little villages with world class restaurants. Whether you’re the adventurous type who loves to hike or just the kind who loves to observe from an easy accessible place, it´s going to be epic.
Want to elope in the Lofoten Islands? Check out my guide to eloping under the midnight sun.
AURLAND / NÆRØYFJORDEN
Aurland is one of the first places I ever shot an elopement, and I never grow tired of this place. Nestled in between the majestic mountains and the breathtaking fjords lies the village of Aurland. Overlooking the fjord, you can rent a cabin and spend a day exploring all the wonders in the area. From scenic hikes and cascading waterfalls to lush green fields and old mountain farms. You can’t find a place more true to Norway than this.
Want to find some activities to make your day more unique? Have a look here.
RAUMA
Rauma and Åndalsnes are located in the heart of Norway’s stunning Romsdal region, offering a blend of dramatic landscapes and rich culture. Åndalsnes, the village at the heart of Rauma, sits at the foot of the Romsdals Alps, making it a popular base for outdoor enthusiasts. The town is renowned for its proximity to some of Norway’s most iconic hikes, including the Romsdalseggen Ridge and Trollstigen, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding fjords, mountains, and valleys. If you’re into unique hotels Juvet Landskapshotell focuses on eco-friendly design, with each cabin designed to be a peaceful retreat, offering a sense of tranquility and connection with the natural world. It’s a perfect destination for those seeking an immersive, serene experience in the Norwegian wilderness.
JOTUNHEIMEN
Jotunheimen is a rugged mountain range in central Norway, known for its stunning landscapes of glaciers, snow covered peaks and deep valleys. It’s often referred to as the “Home of the Giants” due to its name, which translates to “Land of the Giants.” The region is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, offering hiking, climbing, and skiing opportunities, with famous summits like Galdhøpiggen (Norway’s highest peak) and Glittertind. This is an area you truly can immerse yourself in solitude and just be. The area is also home to diverse wildlife, including reindeer and marmots, and is part of Jotunheimen National Park. It’s a place where nature’s grandeur and tranquility come together. What a backdrop for your elopement!!!
SENJA
First time I shot in Senja I was up 24/7. The place had me at hello and I get giddy every time someone inquires about the place. Senja is a place of stunning contrasts. It´s jagged mountains rise sharply from the sea, creating a dramatic landscape where deep fjords meet pristine beaches. The northern lights dance across the sky in winter, while the midnight sun paints the summer nights with a soft golden glow. Rich in wildlife, from reindeer to seabirds, Senja offers a raw, untouched beauty that feels both wild and serene, making it a true haven for nature lovers.
Join me for a moody Norway elopement on Senja Island.
WHY ELOPE IN NORWAY?
ADVENTURE:
If you’re nature lovers, you can combine your wedding with activities like hiking, dog-sledding, or even a cruise through the fjords. The sheer beauty of the surroundings adds an adventurous element to your special day.
GETTING LEGALLY MARRIED:
Norway has simple legal requirements for weddings, especially for foreign nationals. A civil ceremony can often be arranged with minimal paperwork, making it easier and quicker than eloping in many other countries. Do note that you need time for the processing of the paperwork. Normally around 3 months.
PRIVACY:
Norway offers the perfect opportunity for an intimate experience. With its vast wilderness and secluded locations, I will help you choose a secluded spot where it’s just you and your partner, without crowds or distractions. With over 15 years of experience, I know hidden gems for days.
WHICH SEASON IS BEST TO ELOPE IN NORWAY?
SPRING ELOPEMENT IN NORWAY
Spring in Norway is from March until May. The temperature ranges from just below freezing point up to 60 degrees fahrenheit. If you hope for snow, the northern part of Norway still has snow covered mountains in spring.
- Observing spring brings something special. The air is clean and the forrest floor is covered in wild flowers.
- Normal tourist season does not begin until late May, so if you like your privacy spring is a good time to come.
- Waterfalls are at their definitive best in the spring because of snow melting from the mountains.
- The south west and western coast of Norway is a good choice for spring. Being able to visit some of the famous spots like The Pulpit Rock without hoards of tourists.
SUMMER ELOPEMENT IN NORWAY
Summer is from June until August and the temperature ranges from 50-75 degrees fahrenheit. This time of year is definitely the most comfortable season. Are you planning on hiking though, the difference in temperature between sea level and a mountain top is still significant. Make sure to pack accordingly.
- If hiking is on your agenda, summer is a good season. All the mountain passages are open (closed from October-May), and the hiking trails are waiting for you. They range from about 20-30 minutes easy hikes to full day demanding adventures.
- A good place to hike during summer time is the Lofoten Islands. From the 18th of May until the 17th of July the midnight sun is out, which means the sun does not set. Endless hours to adventure!!!
- This season also offers a lot of other activities which can be done on the day of, or the surrounding days. For example kayaking, whale safari and horseback riding.
- Beaches are also a good choice during summer. Why not find yourself a hidden gem for your ceremony or visit one of the amazing white sandy beaches with turquoise coloured waters? (Yes, we do have quite a few of them).
AUTUMN ELOPEMENT IN NORWAY
Autumn in Norway is from September until November. The temperature ranges from 40 degrees fahrenheit well down below freezing point. The fall is when the stunning colours comes out and the tourist start to leave. Probably my favourite season, cause the air is crisp and the sunlight warm and cozy.
- This is your last chance to head up the mountains, so make the best of it. If you are lucky you will get the first snow covered mountain tops as a backdrop for your ceremony. Last year it came late September.
- A dark crisp autumn sky, perfect to go stargazing. Stay away from cities and heavy lit areas to get the best views.
- Seeing the colours coming alive. How about ending the day with a bonfire overlooking the yellow foliage dropping down into a magical fjord?
Want the colours of autumn on your elopement day? Drop me a line.
WINTER ELOPEMENT IN NORWAY
Winter ranges from December until February and the temperature ranges from 10-40 degrees fahrenheit. Most of Norway is partially or fully covered in snow during these months. This is the time to think different!
- The winter months is definitely the best time to see the Northern lights, and north of the polar circle is where you see it the best. Norway is in fact the best place in the world to witness this phenomena.
- In the northern parts of Norway you have the Midnight sun during the summer months, but you also have the Polar nights during the winter time. This means the sun does not rise at all. That does not necessarily mean that you will have 24 hours of pitch black (though most of the day might be), but there are several hours with blue hour which can result in a magnificent, arctic light.
- Jack Frost means playtime. Why not ski on your wedding day? Or do a dog sledding ride to your ceremony spot? Norwegians are known to be born with skis on their legs, so there will be no lack of slopes or vast snow covered mountain ranges to loose yourself in.
NORWAY ELOPEMENT TIMELINE EXAMPLES
ELOPEMENT TIMELINE – NO HIKE
- A plunge into the 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
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
THINGS WORTH KNOWING WHEN YOU ELOPE IN NORWAY IN 2025
LGBTQ+
Same-sex marriage became legal in Norway in 2009, and all couples are welcome to get married in Norway. Known as one of the most LGBTQ+-friendly nations in the world, the citizens of Norway are very supportive of same-sex marriage. Now more than ever, we need to remember that love is love… and I feel incredibly lucky to have a life where I get to share in so many celebrations of love that are all so different and yet all so beautiful.
GETTING AROUND IN NORWAY
Although Norway has a good public transportation system it definitely works best around the bigger cities. Most couples who choose to elope in Norway are looking for beautiful serene places, which is mostly found outside of the big cities, making it necessary to have a rental car.
CASH OR CARD
The answer is definitely cards. Norway is almost fully cashless, with only 4% of all payments being made in cash, so make sure to bring your card. Unlike the US though, a credit card is not necessary. You´ll do great with a visa.
HOW TO GET MARRIED IN NORWAY / LEGAL OR SYMBOLIC
To get legally married in Norway you have certain requirements and paperwork that needs to be submitted to the Norwegian Tax Authority website, otherwise your marriage won’t be legally recognised. Many choose to sign the legal papers back home before coming to Norway to make it easier, but it really isn´t hard to get approved, just time consuming.
Similarly you can hire a humanist celebrant (they can do both a legal and symbolic ceremony) or simply just an officiant to perform the wedding ceremony by your request.
In Norway we have an unwritten law stating that the nature is free and accessible to everyone. So, just pick a spot by the sea or maybe you prefer a ceremony on a mountain top. Whatever you do, make sure you are respectful, responsible and take into consideration that you should leave the place as you found it. With no trace of you ever having been there.
Hopefully I answered some of your questions, but if you should have any more for me, don´t hesitste to get in contact!
