When Brittany and Jimmy started dreaming about their elopement in Aurland, they didn’t want just pretty views – they wanted something that felt like Norway. The misty fjords. The quiet, winding roads. The sheep. Jimmy had long been obsessed with all things Norwegian, and even the most casual, grass-munching sheep in Western Norway felt more majestic to him than their American cousins back home. So when it came to deciding where to elope, Norway was a no-brainer.
Aurland became their choice – a small fjord village tucked between towering mountains and deep fjords, full of raw beauty and stillness. And while October is technically the low season here, that didn’t stop us from creating an adventure elopement that ticked all their boxes.
A dream kayaking elopement on the fjord
During our planning e-mails, Brittany mentioned that kayaking on their elopement day would have been a dream. But when we checked, all the usual kayak rentals had just closed for the season – literally days before their wedding date. A total bummer… or so we thought.
But I don’t give up that easily. After a deeper research in Norwegian language, I discovered the Aurland kayaking club – and yes, they were able to help. A lovely local lady met us early that morning by the bay, handed over three kayaks and safety gear, gave us a quick safety brief, and off we went.
Rain was gently falling and low clouds clung to the water. We paddled quietly through the still fjord, surrounded by autumn colors and tall cliffs disappearing into the mist. Brittany and Jimmy didn’t want a long tour – just enough to soak in the feeling, to mark the beginning of their wedding day with calm and magic. And that’s exactly what it was.
Getting ready in a cozy cabin
After the paddle, Brittany headed to a small local salon to have her hair and makeup done. Meanwhile, Jimmy and I returned to our airbnbs to warm up and get ready. Later, I arrived at their cozy wooden cabin in the valley where they helped each other dress – the kind of moment that makes elopements feel so intimate and real.
Backpacks were packed with cinnamon buns, snacks, champagne (or so we thought…), and their vow books. Wooden signs reading “Yours forever” (or “Forever yours” – depending on who stands where) dangled from their packs – a small touch that added charm to every photo and became an adorable keepsake from the day.
Chasing waterfalls and forest paths
We began our adventure with a short hike to a nearby waterfall – just to breathe it all in and enjoy the view. From there, we wandered through the forest alongside a river, leaves crunching under our boots. The weather kept shifting – light rain, more mist – but it added to the feeling of being wrapped in nature, completely present.
This was the heart of their adventure elopement in Western Norway: not a tight schedule or rigid plan, but a slow, meaningful journey through nature.
What does it cost to elope in Norway?
A private fjord elopement ceremony above the clouds
To reach the final ceremony spot, we followed a winding mountain road high above Aurland. We skipped the usual stop at Stegastein viewpoint (which was packed with tourists) and continued deeper into the mountains until we found a quiet trail. One short hike later, we were completely alone – surrounded by golden autumn colors, low-hanging clouds, and the faint sound of wind through the heather.
Here, with no one else around, Brittany and Jimmy read their vows overlooking the fjord far below. It was raw, emotional, quiet. They danced on the mountaintop, popped their bottle of “champagne” (which turned out to be apple cider from local apples – a happy mistake), and shared cinnamon buns with the mountains as their witnesses.
And of course – more sheep
On the drive back down, we met a few more sheep – because of course we did. Brittany and Jimmy laughed and posed for a few final photos with them, soaking in the last bits of their day. We made a quick stop at Stegastein after all – just for the fun of it. Tourists or not, the view is still worth it. And we are the tourists there too, right?
Why elope in Aurland?
Aurland is quiet, wild, and breathtaking in a way that doesn’t try too hard. It’s perfect for couples who want a fjord elopement that feels intimate and real – not curated or staged. Whether you’re dreaming of a kayaking elopement, a waterfall hike, or a mountain-top ceremony with no one else around, this place has a way of showing up for you. Just like it did for Brittany and Jimmy.
Their elopement in Aurland wasn’t just about views (though we had plenty of those). It was about feeling alive, being present, and sharing every moment together – rain, sheep, cider, and all.
Ready to plan your own fjord elopement in Norway?
See more inspiration for your own fjord elopement in Norway:
