A northern lights destination wedding in Norway

When winter takes over the plan

Karen and Casey arrived in Alta to heavy snowfall. The kind that transforms everything almost instantly – trees bending under fresh snow, paths disappearing, the landscape turning soft and quiet.

Originally, their ceremony was planned for March 22d. But the weather forecast told a different story… At the end of March temperatures were well above zero, and from experience I knew that this magical winter forest wouldn’t last long… The snow would melt down, branches would clear, and that deep winter wonderland feeling Karen dreamed of would be gone…

So we met up at a café that afternoon – talked it through, looked at the forecast, and decided to trust the moment. Together, we chose to move the wedding day forward.

That meant: rearranging plans, calling the celebrant, and adjusting everything on short notice. Thankfully, everyone involved was flexible – and snow kept falling through the night, turning Alta into a true winter wonderland.

A wedding aisle built with shovels and teamwork

Morning of March 21st, the snow was deep. Accessibility became the biggest challenge, especially with family members who needed an easy walk to the ceremony spot. Hiking was off the table – all trails were buried. So we adapted.

While Karen got ready inside their mountain cabin, Casey and Karen’s father grabbed shovels and headed out. Together, they carved a path through waist-deep snow to a small forest clearing close by. Firewood was carried in. Snow was packed down. A ceremony space slowly took shape – built by hand, step by step. They even made snow benches – for the family to sit on! Later, I joined them to help finish the work. We set up wool blankets on the benches, and finally, it was time for the wedding ceremony.

A forest wonderland wedding with family, fire and s’mores

The ceremony itself was simple, emotional, and intimate. Family gathered among snow-covered trees. Karen and Casey exchanged vows in the stillness of the forest, witnessing small snow avalanches falling from the trees every now and then.

To seal the deal, bride and groom made a bonfire. They poured hot chocolate, grilled s’mores and invited all the guests to join in for this cozy winter celebration. Some of the guests experienced snow – and even tasted it! – for the very first time in their life! This whole celebration was warm in all the ways that matter.

Dogsledding through the Arctic

The next day was all about adventure. Karen and Casey had planned a dog sledding experience for their family – a chance to explore the Arctic landscape together. Huskies pulled sleds through snowy forest trails, laughter thrilling between the trees, and yes – a few people tumbled off their sleds along the way. After the ride, everyone gathered in a lavvu for tea and cake, warming up by the fire.

Northern lights to wrap up the wedding adventure

That evening, the sky cleared up. And we didn’t need to wait long until Aurora borealis showed up – soft green waves moving across the arctic sky. Karen and Casey stood together, taking it all in. Later, a few family members joined for portraits beneath the aurora, sharing a quiet moment under the lights – a new experience for them all.

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A northern lights destination wedding in Norway shaped by winter

This northern lights destination wedding in Norway wasn’t about sticking to a perfect plan. It was about flexibility, trust, and embracing what the Arctic offered in that moment.

Snowstorms, shovels, bonfires, huskies, family, and dancing auroras – all coming together in a way no timeline could predict. And honestly? That’s often where the most meaningful wedding stories are born.

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Elopement in Alta with dog sledding