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Two years in the making, Chelsea and Phil came all the way from Australia to Lofoten in Norway to elope in the first storm of the autumn season.
The Lofoten Islands in Norway are a stunning archipelago above the Arctic Circle, known for their dramatic peaks, deep fjords, white sand beaches, and charming fishing villages. With their raw, untouched beauty, they create a magical backdrop for an intimate elopement.
Why Did the Couple Choose Lofoten for Their Elopement?
Chelsea & Phil: Anyone who asks this question hasn’t seen our wedding photos. The scenery and magic of this destination reminds me of fantasy books I used to read as a young girl. My now husband and I met 10 years ago and we travelled to Norway for 6 weeks, it is now the most special place for us, together. We both have the best memories and when it came to a wedding location we both suggested it as exactly the same time.
We both decided as soon as we got engaged we wanted it to be only about us and our love for each other with nothing to get in the way. It was planned to be stress free and a day we remember for the rest of our lives and I think it’s the best decision we ever made. I wouldn’t change it for anything. We plan to go back and do it again for our 5/10 year anniversary’s.
The venue of our ceremony was a beautiful lodge called ‘Hattvika Lodge’ situated amongst beautiful mountains and the ocean. We also spent a day hiking and walking to a very special location Infront of even bigger mountain ranges. It was the most fun I’ve had in a long time hiking in a wedding dress with leggings underneath and a fur coat trying not to fall into puddles. We chose all of these venues at recommendation of our incredible photographer and planner Christin, who listened to us saying we wanted a beautiful Autumn wedding with orange and red colouring and mountain ranges in the back. She also helped us with any last minute changes that needed to happen which we were so thankful for as we didn’t know the area like a local would!
What Makes Lofoten Special for Elopements?
Chelsea & Phil: The ceremony was in our Cabin with our photographer and Celebrant and our nature location photography – I basically didn’t see a single other person once we parked the car. No interruptions, no distractions and nothing to take us away from our moment.
Christin, the photographer: The raw untouched nature that gives you a sense of calm.
Can You Get Legally Married in Lofoten?
Chelsea & Phil: We had a legal ceremony hosted by the Humanist Society of Norway
What Sustainability Considerations Were Made (if any) For This Elopement in Lofoten?
Chelsea & Phil: To leave every location exactly how we found it.
What Was the Couple’s Experience with Getting Married in Lofoten During Autumn?
Chelsea & Phil: The colours in Autumn are like no other, we knew we wanted it to be chilly but not freezing. The weather can be slightly unpredictable at this time but that makes for the adventure.
Christin, the photographer: It depends on what you are looking for as to what the best time of year is. From May until July you have the midnight sun which allows for you to adventure 24/7. If you are looking for a more moody vibe, September and October is a good fit for you. The days are shorter, but long enough for a mountain hike. If winter is your thing, February and March are good months. The light has returned (it´s gone for a period), snow has arrived and you can observe the northern lights. So, there really is no going wrong.
What Are the Best Tips for Planning an Elopement in Lofoten?
Chelsea & Phil: Make sure you do your research and have someone (like we did Christin Eide) to guide you along the way. We are so lucky Christin is talented, kind AND a Norwegian so we felt very safe and cared for should anything pop up or need to change last minute (as all weddings have, not just elopements).
Christin, the photographer: Come prepared and be willing to adapt to whatever this place throws at you. Norway is known for its stunning nature but the weather is also unpredictable, so embrace the chaos.
Make sure to pack good shoes hiking or not. You will be in nature most of the time.
How Did the Couple Personalize Their Elopement?
Chelsea & Phil: My bouquet had all of my favourite coloured flowers, we made sure not to see outfits before the ceremony and we wrote our own vows the morning of the ceremony so we didn’t overthink them. It was a very personal wedding day as there were only 4 people present l, that 4 included the both of us.
We both had our parents and close friends right letters that we read to eachother over the evening at dinner, this made us feel like everyone was in the room with us and a beautiful way to include family on an elopement.
What Challenges Did the Couple Face While Planning Their Elopement in Lofoten, and How Did They Overcome Them?
Chelsea & Phil: As we are Australian and we wanted a legal marriage in Norway there were a few hiccups with our paper work. Everything ended up working out in the end but if I can give any recommendations around this is to make sure you don’t leave anything to the last minute – if we weren’t as organised as we were I don’t think it would have worked out for us on the paper work front. I also would like to advise that remember it’s your wedding, the most special day between you and your loved one and to not let weather, lost belongings or having to change plans upset or stress you. I’m so glad Phil and I were relaxed and just decided to take everything as it comes once we landed..
What Advice Would the Couple Give to Others Planning an Elopement in Lofoten?
Chelsea & Phil: Enjoy the spontaneity. Everywhere in Norway has the most unbelievable scenery, people, hospitality, businesses and surrounds you’ll ever see. Do your research and tailor the day(s) to exactly what you both want – one of the beautiful things about eloping is not worrying about what everyone else thinks and doing exactly what you want, together.
Also, bring good boots or gumboots.
Christin, the photographer: Talk to your local photographer or someone local to the place to get good inside information on how to best prepare for this amazing location. This is a popular destination for photographers as well as couples, but too many sell this place without knowing it. With the mountains and unpredictable weather, being prepared is key to making the most of this adventure.
What Were the Most Memorable Moments from This Elopement?
Chelsea & Phil: There are too many to choose from.
The first would have to be the moment we both turned around to see each other for the first time – I’ll never forget it.
Both of us really struggling to get through the vows through all the tears and deep breaths is a very highlighted moment for us.
We had a magnificent dinner at a restaurant by the name of FANGST which is located in same area as Hattvika and I had a black version of my dress I changed into – we have some photos taken before dinner and they turned out to be some of my favourites. Was amazing to have a beautiful meal and a glass of champagne to talk about the ceremony and enjoy the view, it slowed everything down and made us enjoy a moment that I hear notoriously goes by very quickly.
I also managed to lose an earring in the Nordic ocean which makes for a rather funny story now….. I’ll always have a piece of that beautiful day hidden on the bottom of the sea which is a magnificent feeling. (I had that single earring replaced shortly after returning to Australia)
Why Is Lofoten One of the Best Places to Get Married in Europe?
Chelsea & Phil: It is incredibly romantic and it will always be an adventure. I’ve never been anywhere else in the world where I thought I was on one big magical movie set. It is the best place to get married for us because we met shortly before travelling here and it is laid very deeply in our hearts.
