Olden, Norway Cruise Elopement
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Lucy and Chris are a couple from the UK who decided to elope in Norway during their cruise holiday.
They got married on a pier in between the fjords surrounded by their parents and their children. Then they took the nacelle on top of the fjords for their couple session. Up there, they also read love letters to each other, which offered some intimate and emotionally charged moments.
Why Did the Couple Choose Olden for Their Elopement?
Lucy & Chris: For a spontaneous feel, less money than a traditional English wedding, to feel special/different, for the chance of beautiful photos for years to come, less stress organizing complicated family.
What Makes Olden Special for Elopements?
Cécile, the photographer: Olden is a secluded small town in the west fjords of Norway. A little deeper in the fjords are two beautiful, deep blue lakes, and even further you arrive at the Briksdal glacier. An easy hike allows you to walk up to the glacier while passing by strong waterfalls. If the glacier is not your destination and you would prefer enjoying the fjords, a quick ride to Loen gives you access to skylift and enjoy the fjords from the top! There you get to enjoy magnificent view of the fjords!
Lucy and Chris had their official ceremony on a private pier giving view to the fjord before going to Loen and have their couple session, plus love letter readings on the top of the mountains.
Can You Get Legally Married in Norway?
Yes you can! Lucy and Chris had a civil ceremony in Olden.
Did the Couple Incorporate Any Cultural Aspects of Norway into Their Elopement?
Lucy & Chris: We had a traditional Norwegian cake, and local wraps from the area.
What Was the Couple’s Experience with Getting Married in Olden During the month of June?
Lucy & Chris: we highly recommend this time of year!
Cécile: To enjoy the nature, the months of June to September are the best time of year, though the weather can greatly vary.
What Are the Best Tips for Planning an Elopement in Norway?
Lucy & Chris: A wedding planner. Do it slightly more in advance than us (we decided 3 months before hand to do it) – we only found out on the day it was able to be ‘legal’ as the Norwegian system was very slow and needed so many different forms that needed to be legally signed before hand too. Our wedding planner was amazing at helping communicate and help speed it up for us.
Cécile: The weather can be quite unpredictable, so be prepared for the unexpected! Hire a local wedding planner who will be able to guide you through the administration to have your wedding officially recognized.
How Did the Couple Personalize Their Elopement?
Lucy & Chris: The best man couldn’t make it unfortunately but the parents in law got him to write a speech and Chris’s step dad read it out on the day.
What Challenges Did the Couple Face While Planning Their Elopement in Olden, and How Did They Overcome Them?
Lucy & Chris: As described above with the legal requirements.
Things like taxis and food were quite expensive in Norway so bumped up the cost a bit.
Worrying about the weather – tried not to but just tried to tell myself we’d get some really fun and dramatic pictures if the weather was at its worst. We thankfully got lucky.
What Advice Would the Couple Give to Others Planning an Elopement in Norway?
Lucy & Chris: A good Wedding planner, give yourself plenty of time to get the legal documents sorted, think of a plan b if weather is awful.
Cécile: Lucy and Chris decided to have their wedding while on a stop of their wedding cruise. The time management was of the essence to ensure that their day would go smoothly without risking to miss the ship.
Trust your wedding planner who will guide you through the administration and paper work, but as well organizing your ceremony and your day.
What Were the Most Memorable Moments from This Elopement?
Lucy & Chris: Arriving at our ceremony location. It was so beautiful, felt so private. I found a picture of this location online and our wedding planner was able to find the owner of this land and got permission for us to get married there 😍
people cheering and congratulating us. Normally don’t like being center of attention but it did make it feel special.
We had a beautiful meal back on the cruise ship later that day.
The cruise departing Olden is also very special. All the Norwegians come out of their houses especially to wave us off and play music. Was an extra bonus on our day. Our photographer came and caught this on camera too, she was amazing.
Why Is Olden One of the Best Places to Get Married in Europe?
Lucy & Chris: Beautiful mountains and fjords. Just a complete feel of nature. Just everyone was amazed by the beauty, felt so private while out in the nature. Was so special to have such an amazing location to ourselves.
