The Arctic has a way of turning ordinary moments into something extraordinary – and Jenny and Tony’s Arctic elopement was the perfect example of that.
They traveled all the way from Illinois to Northern Norway with a dream: to say their vows somewhere remote and wild, under the dancing northern lights. After exploring options like Senja and Lofoten, they chose Alta – tucked away above the Arctic Circle, where the climate is calmer and the chances of clear skies (and auroras) are significantly better than in the coastal regions. And what a choice it was…
Snowmobiles and sunshine
Their elopement began with snowmobiles and sunshine. After some getting-ready photos in their cozy Airbnb, they put on their warm layers and headed out of town. At the trailhead, we met two local drivers who would transport us high up into the mountains – on snowmobiles. I had applied for a permit to reach this mountaintop, because in Norway, snowmobiling off marked trails is only allowed in specific areas with permission. For foreign couples, this kind of arctic elopement takes a bit of planning: you either need a Norwegian snowmobile license, or you have to join a guided tour on fixed routes. Thankfully, we had everything lined up.
Hiking into the Arctic silence
We rode up through valleys and snow-covered hills, until the last part of the trail became too steep. From there, we hiked the final stretch on foot – snow crunching beneath our boots, backpacks filled with wedding clothes and warm layers.
At the top, the view took our breath away. White peaks all around, a blue fjord shining under the sun in the distance, and absolute silence. Jenny and Tony changed into their wedding attire right there on the mountaintop – yes, it was cold, but the adrenaline and the joy kept us all warm for a while.
They read their vows surrounded by snow, sunlight, and each other. No decorations. No audience. Just the two of them, standing in the stillness of the Arctic, promising forever.
Warming up by the fire
Shortly after the ceremony, the cold really settled in. Jenny started feeling unwell, so we wrapped her in layers and carefully made our way down to the snowmobile camp, where our local guides had built a fire. A small feast awaited: grilled sausages and a custom-made wedding muffin from a local restaurant (because carrying a full cake to a mountaintop? Let’s just say a muffin was the perfect solution).
Letters from home
Once everyone warmed up, we drove back through the wintry landscape, stopping for some soft blue hour portraits on the way. Then I dropped them off at their Airbnb for the coziest part of the day: wrapped in wool blankets on the porch, reading handwritten letters from family and friends.
It was a perfect pause in the adventure – a reminder that even when you elope far from home, love finds a way to travel with you. But this wasn’t the only magical moment in their story.
Northern lights the night before the arctic elopement ceremony
We actually chased the aurora the night before the ceremony. The forecast looked best that evening, and Jenny and Tony didn’t mind seeing each other ahead of the big day – they had decided to skip the first look anyway, so it felt natural to do it this way. And honestly? I think it made their whole experience even better.
From the moment we arrived at our spot, the sky lit up. The aurora appeared fast and stayed strong all night – green waves dancing overhead while I worked quickly in the freezing air, letting the couple warm up in the car between shots. It was one of the most beautiful and effortless northern lights wedding sessions I’ve experienced.
The next day, they stood on a mountain and said “I do.” Their arctic elopement unfolded across two days of magic, and each moment added something unforgettable to their story.
How much does a northern lights wedding cost?
at 6.000 €, covering photography, guidance
and an adventure of a lifetime
Snowfall and huskies
On the third day, we weren’t done yet. Jenny and Tony had moved to Trasti og Trine, a cozy boutique hotel just outside of Alta. It’s one of my favorite places – where huskies, a gourmet restaurant, and quiet forest trails all coexist in the same snowy wonderland. Since we still had some photo time left, I met them for one last session.
First, they cuddled huskies and played in the snow in casual clothes – like an engagement session, but post-wedding. And then… snowfall. Out of nowhere, soft flakes started falling like confetti.
Without much hesitation, Jenny and Tony changed back into their wedding outfits one last time. Snow swirling, laughter echoing through the trees, and two newlyweds savoring every last second of this Arctic elopement adventure.
Turn your northern lights
elopement dream into reality
is closer than you think! Let’s make it unforgettable! I’ll capture every magical
moment and bring your vision to life.
Vendor’s list for this arctic elopement in Alta
- Photographer: TS Foto Design
- Makeup artist: Cityhud Alta
- Flowers: Mestergrønn Alta
- Accomodation: Trasti og Trine
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And plan your own winter elopement
