Summer Elopement in Lofoten, Norway

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A magically beautiful June day in the Lofoten Islands, Norway with an absolutely stunning couple that travelled all the way from Australia. Starting their day in a traditional norwegian robuer with a screensaver view from the window. They then moved on to another stunning part of the island where they said their vows in front of a Norwegian fairytale view. After that they hiked up to the mountain view destination where they created their dream photos and eventually finished off the evening eating the Norwegian pastries that they bought earlier that day.

Table of Contents

Why Did You Choose To Have An Elopement in Lofoten?

From Chanelle, the bride: We had a month long Nordic’s trip planned for April 2020 while I (Chanelle) was working in Stockholm but COVID saw those plans be cancelled. 4 years later with the price of the trip (and weddings) costing so much and with some convincing from Jacob I fell in love with the idea of marrying my best friend on top of a mountain amongst the most magical scenery without a care in the world.

Were There Any Sustainability Considerations?

Just to have as little waste / consume the least resources as possible which was a consideration for eloping. We made sure we followed the Norwegian hiking principle of leaving no trace and rather than wasting my bouquet we gave it to our accomodation the following morning.

Did You Incorporate Aspects of the Local Culture into Your Wedding?

We bought traditional sweets, solbolle, from a local bakery to eat during the day. Would have loved to have incorporated more though!

Did You Face Any Challenges While Planning Your Elopement? How Did You Overcome Them?

Committing to eloping was the hardest but once we reached out to Lydia, our photographer, it all became so easy and real! Also definitely travelling/transporting all our wedding gear (dress, suit, makeup, shoes). We were overseas a month in total and stressed a lot that airlines would ask us to check in our luggage but thankfully never did! I packed my dress, shoes, suit and accessories in a hardshell carry on suitcase. Our backpack had my makeup. We were at limit but made it work!

Do You Recommend This Time Of Year For Getting Married In Norway?

Yes, as it wasn’t yet peak season so the locations were very private. We were very lucky on the day with perfect warm sunny weather and some wind toward the end of the day (which just made the photos better!).

From Lydia, the photographer (local to Norway): June is a good month before all the tourists arrive. Mid to end of August into September.

What Are the Best Tips for Planning a Destination Wedding or Elopement in Lofoten?

From Chanelle, the bride: Research photographers you like and work with them to get a location. Instagram and Pinterest were very helpful to see other elopements in similar locations! Join local travel Facebook groups to understand the area and weather implications given you’re outdoors for the day!

From Lydia, the photographer: Be prepared for all different kinds of weather. Avoid the popular destinations – elopement photographers in these areas will be able to advice on different locations

How Did You Personalize Your elopement?

By eloping overseas in the first instance! It was very intimate and stress free which is what we wanted. I did some yoga in the morning. We wrote our vows in our vow book while we were in Norway which was special. We put together a specific playlist and had it on while we drove from location to location. We did a lot of jumping shots (Jacob loves to jump high to show his excitement)

What Were the Most Memorable Moments From Your Day?

Not being stressed! It was the most fun stress-free day spent with my best friend exploring beautiful Norway. Scrambling up a mountain and doing a couple of outfit changes during the day were definitely memorable. Our photographer, Lydia also made the day so fun – it was like we were hanging out with a long time friend. I remember at the end of the day on the mountain, it was quite windy and the wind was carrying her voice so we couldn’t hear her and she literally had to scream “KISS!” so she could get the drone shot!

What Advice Would You Give to Others Planning an Elopement in Lofoten?

Being in quite a remote place I struggled to find a hair and MUA that was within my budget and willing to travel. My photographer gave a few other recommendations but they were all unavailable or outside of my budget. I decided to do a 2 hour crash course trial in wedding makeup at a local cosmetic store before we left and bought all my products for 1/4 of the price of some quotes and wore my hair down. Best decision ever!

Why Is This Location One of the Best Places to Get Married in Europe?

I might be biased coming from a very flat, red Australia but who doesn’t love never ending mountain ranges, fjords, beautiful green scenery and pristine lakes? Very magical.

Why Did You Choose To Elope?

As planning & time went on the cost of a wedding was increasing and I was becoming overwhelmed with the process and decisions to make. It was very stressful and I found myself thinking of pleasing others vs what we wanted. Jacob is also a reserved person and wasn’t keen on a big traditional wedding so it was always an option for us. The decision was easy once I realised it just made sense to do it while we were on our big Nordic trip.