Winter Elopement in Lofoten, Norway

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When many people think of the magical Lofoten Islands in Norway, they think about the summer and the midnight sun. But Lofoten can also be magical in the winter too. Planning a winter elopement in Lofoten can be a unique and unforgettable experience.

Christina & Dustin’s elopement was planned in less than a month. They already had flights booked to Norway, and spontaneously decided that they would exchange their vows with one another while they were there. However, their trip was just a few days before the winter solstice, meaning that not only was the sun not going to rise, but it was going to be one of the shortest days of the year. That meant, if the weather was on their side, that they would have around 3-4 hours of twilight between around 11am and 3pm. The rest of the day would be as dark as night.

This didn’t seem to bother them at all, however. The long, dark morning gave them the opportunity to have a lazy morning, getting ready together and drinking coffee in their Airbnb. For the few hours of daylight that they had, they wanted to simply explore as much as they could, driving around and jumping out to see the scenery. And whenever the moment felt right, they would exchange vows.

Tips For A Winter Elopement In Lofoten

If you are considering travelling to the Lofoten Islands in winter, here are some things you should consider:

Weather
The weather in Lofoten during winter can be quite unpredictable, with frequent snowstorms, strong winds, and heavy rain. The Lofoten Islands can be very cold in winter, where the temperature can drop as low as -10°C. It’s essential to pack warm clothing, waterproof jackets, and sturdy boots.

Daylight Hours
The daylight hours are limited during the winter months, with only a few hours of daylight. From mid-December to mid-January the sun doesn’t rise above the horizon, meaning you’ll only have a few hours of twilight for your elopement. However, the dark winter days can offer excellent opportunities for Northern Lights viewing.

Activities
There are a number of winter activities that you can do in the Lofoten Islands in winter, including ski touring, snowshoeing, ice fishing, and dog sledding. Hiking is also possible, but it is essential to be experienced in winter hiking, well-prepared and knowledgeable about the area’s terrain and conditions.

Accommodation
Many hotels and guesthouses around the Lofoten Islands remain open during the winter months, but some may have limited services and facilities. You may also find many restaurants outside of the main towns are closed during the winter months, so plan to stay somewhere where you can cook for yourselves or a hotel with a restaurant.

Transportation
During winter, roads can be icy and dangerous. Rental cars usually come with studded winter tyres, but if you are nervous about driving on ice, snow and in the dark, it might not be for you. Public transportation is available in some areas, but schedules may be limited.

Christina & Dustin’s Winter Elopement in Lofoten

Vendor Credits

Photographer: Wild Connections Photography
Dress: Lulus