Join me in a multi day elopement in the Lofoten Islands. Let me show you some reasons why you should consider multiple days in Lofoten for your big adventure.
The breathtakingly dramatic landscapes and serene seclusion of Lofoten makes it the perfect location for an adventurous and intimate elopement. The Lofoten Islands truly is a destination like no other with long summer nights and hidden gems to be discovered. Let me show you why choosing a multi day elopement in the Lofoten Islands is a choice you won’t regret.
PROLOGUE:
Coming into this story I would like to share some things that happened leading up to this multi day adventure, making it more memorable for better or worse. Having had their flights cancelled once already, getting the message the second time around, was everything but the perfect start to their big adventure in Norway. Already being at the airport ready to set off, the message of cancelation came once again. This time, a little too close for comfort. Having to buy all new tickets, the adventure was back on track. Taking them on several flights before landing safely at their end destination, the Lofoten Islands in Norway their patience was tested once again. With baggage lost, knowing that their wedding attire was amongst the lost items, it was back to square one.
Moving some things around and adapting to the new situation, the waiting game was on. Got in contact with a Norwegian wedding dress designer just in case, while also looking at the possibility of marrying “as is”. I guess most of us (hopefully all of us) gets married for love, but getting dressed and making it a little “extra” is also part of the day. Luckily, the final flight came in, WITH the bags. A little high on adrenaline, the day was finally over and the adventure was back on track.
DAY 1:
Staying at one of the most photographed cabins in Lofoten, the morning started slow and comfortable. Deciding to elope during the midnight sun gives you the benefit of choosing whatever time of day is most comfortable for you. Knowing it was going to be sunny and warm, we opted to do the ceremony a little later in the day to avoid the harsh sunlight.
I love documenting “getting ready”, there are so many ways to do it. Some get ready completely separate, but because Lofoten mostly offers smaller cabins, the couple often gets ready in the same cabin, but in separate rooms. Keeping it simple, T & F got ready around each other. Lending a helping hand when needed, saving the first look for last. I love this moment, it’s like you’re seing your partner for the first time, emotions running high.
We left for the ceremony in the afternoon, meeting up with the deputy mayor to get married. Reaching the most beautiful and secluded spot nestled in between the mountains, the golden light hit us and made everything perfect. This by the way, was not the initial celebrant, but that is a story for another time. Having the place all to ourselves, T & F said read their vows accompanied by ugly cries, sealing the deal with the exchanging of rings and a kiss. Entering the last part of the day officially as husband and wife, the adventure was on.
HIKING:
Hiking in the Lofoten Islands is not like hiking anywhere else. The mountains rise up of the water, and the elevation starts right away, making your pulse rise even on the shortest of hikes. That’s why I always advise my couples to do their hike, however short, in hiking gear.
Being blessed with a warm summer day, hiking in our shorts was a given. Making our way over the fjord, we started the hike heading towards a beach before gaining elevation up into the mountains. Pretty sure T & F are half mountain goats, cause they skipped up the mountain like they were on cloud nine. Reaching our destination we took a few minutes to take it all in before changing to their wedding attire. Sometimes everything aligns perfectly, and this was definitely one of those days. The light, the view, the temperature… 1 am and we were on a roll.
All things must come to an end, and when we finally decided to head back down returning to the cabin, the sun was rising and had done a complete turn from when we started.
DAY 2:
Still being blessed with a warm summer day and sun from a clear blue sky, we decided to start our day together in the afternoon. Originally this was meant to be a day of activities, but the weather being what it is in Lofoten, we decided to do another hike in the evening. If I am not mistaken, we forgot the wedding bouquet at the cabin this time, but knowing what I know, the scenery is breathtaking with or without.
Again, like goats they flew up the mountain with me tagging along like a sturdy workhorse. Little bit more windy up top (which is perfect for lightweight dresses), but what a view. Two for two, with a purple sky, lovely temperature and smiles for miles. Sometimes you just have to pinch yourself, but given the start they had to their adventure, I feel this is was the perfect balance.
This beautiful mountain has a magical beach underneath, and by not having any limitations to the light, we ventured down the mountain to finish up our time together with sand between our toes.
With no limitation in mind the couple raced, jumped, got wet and shared a bottle of champagne while admiring the last rays of sun. Blissfully tired and with a camera full of memories, we started our return to the car at 2 in the morning.
MULTI DAY ELOPEMENT:
There are so many reasons why choosing more than one day for your elopement is a good idea. Not being able to decide on one location when there are so many magical to choose from. Not having to stress about cramming as much as possible into one day. The opportunity of being flexible given the weather might change on you.
Choosing a multi day elopement in the Lofoten Islands is also good to capture more of the adventure surrounding your wedding day. As many probably have experienced, vacation photos often consist of one (often the same) partner, or most of the time, one is missing from the family photos. Yes, you do have the occasional selfie, but wouldn’t it be nice to be a part of those candid moment memories?
WHAT A 2 DAY ELOPEMENT MIGHT LOOK LIKE:
10am – Start the day with a dip in the arctic ocean and sauna to warm you up
12pm – Lazy breakfast and getting ready
1pm – Start the hike to a remote beach
3pm – Change for ceremony
3.30pm – Ceremony and portraits
6pm – Return hike to cabin
Evening – Freshen up and enjoy dinner in restaurant
NEXT MORNING
10am – Breakfast and head out for activity (kayak etc)
1pm – Lunch or picnic in the wild
2pm Depart for a day of hiking in the mountains (more portraits if desired)
Afternoon/Evening – Return to hotel for afternoon of wellness, relaxing & dinner in restaurant
