If you’ve been wondering how to elope in Loen (Norway) and want something more unique than the usual tourist spots in Norway – this hidden gem might be exactly what you’re looking for.
This awesome place in Western Norway has it all: glacier lakes, towering mountains, wildflower meadows, waterfalls, and even a cable car that takes you straight to the top of a mountain in only 5 minutes. It’s perfect for couples who want to mix adventure and intimacy with jaw-dropping scenery.
In this guide, you’ll get:
- The best elopement locations in Loen
- A real full-day elopement example
- Tips for timing, weather, crowds, and activities
- Ideas for making your day truly yours
Why elope in Loen?
Loen is a small village in Western Norway, surrounded by dramatic mountains, deep fjords, and glacier-fed lakes like Lovatnet and Oldevatnet. It’s a place that feels cinematic – but it’s also surprisingly accessible. It’s a great alternative to Lofoten or Senja if you’re looking for:
- Fewer tourists (outside of cruise ship days)
- Easy access to multiple incredible landscapes in one area
- A balance of peaceful nature and fun adventure options
- That deep, wild Norwegian vibe without needing to hike for hours
That said – Loen isn’t exactly a secret. Cruise ships do dock here, and on those days, the most popular spots can get busy. That’s where having a local expert makes a big difference. I help couples build timelines that avoid the crowds and find quiet, hidden gems where you can enjoy your elopement without distractions.
Best elopement locations in Loen
Want to know where you can actually go for your elopement in Loen? These are some of the most beautiful and photo-friendly places in the area – all of them visited by real couples I’ve worked with.
Lovatnet lake
A glacier-fed lake with bright turquoise water in the summer (depending on light, weather, and sediment levels – it can also appear greenish or even grey in early spring). It’s stunning, but ceremony spots require careful scouting, as it’s hard to find peaceful areas with enough space and parking near the lake.
Oldevatnet lake
Less busy than Lovatnet and equally gorgeous. Perfect for early morning photos, intimate portraits, or relaxed end-of-day sessions by the water. Check this blogpost for more inspiration.
Loen Skylift & Mount Hoven
The best place for a panoramic view without a hike. Ride the cable car to the top, meet some sheep, enjoy the breeze, and explore short trails with epic fjord and lake views. Bonus: there’s a restaurant with huge windows overlooking the mountains.
Via Ferrata Loen
For the adventurous: climb all the way to the top of Mt. Hoven via steel cables and ladders bolted into the mountain. Yes, it’s epic. Yes, it can be part of your elopement.
Hidden forest trails & grassy-roof huts
Perfect for cozy cabin-in-the-woods vibes, quiet portraits, or couples who love rustic Norwegian culture. I know both roadside and hike-in options.
Waterfalls & rivers
Loen, Stryn and Oldedalen are full of them. Some are accessible right from the road, others require a short hike – all are incredible for portraits.
Farm animals & alpine meadows
You might run into sheep and cows! It’s always a fun bonus, and I know a few spots where we often cross paths with them.
A real elopement in Loen: Julie & Jackson’s unforgettable day
Julie and Jackson’s full-day elopement was a beautiful example of how to create a day filled with connection, laughter, variety, and just the right amount of adventure. Here’s a peek at what their day looked like – and what yours could too.
We started the morning at their cozy Airbnb with views of the fjord and low-hanging clouds drifting between the mountains. Julie wore a short white dress for their first portraits – playful, light, and perfect for the relaxed start of their day.
Private ceremony by lake Lovatnet
Their ceremony was held at a hidden location I had scouted near Lovatnet. It was completely private, with the sun shining through and turning the water that iconic blue-green. (Quick note: the color of the lake can change throughout the year and even the day depending on weather, light, and sediment levels – sometimes it’s turquoise, sometimes grey.)
Rowing across the glacier lake
After their ceremony, we went rowing across the lake in a wooden boat. They’d pre-booked it (which is a must – these are seasonal and opening hours are limited!), and brought a bottle of champagne from a local café. The boat ride was unreal – glaciers, waterfalls, and mountains all around – and the spray-toast moment was so full of joy.
They grabbed coffee and cake at the café, then wandered through an area where we were lucky to meet a small group of curious cows (Julie was hoping for wildlife!). The cows inspected her bouquet, but didn’t try to eat it – win.
Next, we visited a set of old wooden huts with grass roofs, perfect for that storybook Norway feel. There’s a similar location that requires a short hike, with even grander views – I’d definitely include that for couples up for a little walking.
Views from the top of Loen Skylift
Then: Loen Skylift time! At the top, we met some sheep (Julie was ecstatic), explored a bit, and soaked in the incredible views. They stayed for dinner at Mt. Hoven restaurant, where the giant panoramic windows offer a pretty dreamy wedding dinner view. But their day wasn’t over yet…
We still had two more stops – a waterfall for some evening portraits, and a quiet riverbank bathing in golden sun rays where they laid out a blanket and shared their wedding cake. We’d forgotten the server and plates, so they just grabbed two forks and dug in. (Honestly, it was better that way.)
Glacier lake dip to end the day
For the final location, we returned to Lovatnet – where they kicked off their shoes and walked into the cold glacier water. It was freezing, even in late August, but they did it anyway – because that’s the kind of day it was. Free-spirited, romantic, and unforgettable.
How to elope in Loen and what could your own elopement in look like?
Every couple’s vision is different – and that’s exactly why I love elopements. You’re not following a template. You’re creating something that feels meaningful, fun, and totally yours.
To help you imagine what’s possible, here’s the exact timeline from Julie and Jackson’s 10-hour summer elopement in Loen. Their day included slow moments, bold adventures, and everything in between:
Loen elopement – timeline example
- 10:30–11:30 – Getting ready at a cozy Airbnb
- 12:00–12:30 – Drive to lake Lovatnet
- 12:30–14:45 – Elopement ceremony by the lake, rowing boat, and champagne toast
- 14:45–15:15 – Drive to Loen Skylift
- 15:15–15:30 – Ride the Skylift up to Mt. Hoven
- 15:30–17:30 – Mountaintop portraits + dinner at Hoven restaurant
- 17:30–17:45 – Take the Skylift down
- 17:45–19:30 – Waterfall + river picnic/cake session
- 19:30–20:00 – Drive back to Lovatnet
- 20:00–20:30 – Evening portraits by the lake + glacier dip
- 20:30 – Wrap up!
Of course, this kind of day can be shaped around what you love most — whether that means more hiking, more relaxing, or swapping the champagne for campfire coffee. See another example of a couple who decided to elope in Loen, Norway here.
Adventure ideas to add to your Loen elopement
- Row a boat on lake Lovatnet or go kayaking or paddleboarding
- Take the Loen Skylift for fjord views without a hike
- Take a zipline in the mountains
- Climb the via ferrata to the top of Mt. Hoven
- Take photos with mountain sheep
- Visit traditional huts with grassy roofs for that classic Norway feel
- Swim in a glacier lake – even just your feet counts!
- Stop for cake and coffee at a local café
- Add a hike to reach a viewpoint or hidden location
And if you’re not sure which direction to go – don’t worry. I’ll help you build a timeline that’s realistic, exciting, and totally you.
Why choose Loen over other places to elope in Norway?
You’ve probably heard of places like Lofoten, Senja, or Geiranger. And yes, they’re all incredible. But Loen brings something special:
- Mountains, lakes, waterfalls, and fjords – all in one compact area
- Less driving, more exploring – most locations are super accessible
- Quieter than Lofoten – except on cruise days (which I can help you plan around)
- You can create a full, diverse day without hours of logistics
- A variety of postcard-perfect locations to explore and photograph — including hidden gems I’ve discovered over the years
Loen is that rare mix of wild and calm, dramatic and down-to-earth. If that sounds like you, this might be your place.
Thinking about eloping in Loen?
- Loen is perfect for couples who love nature, romance, and a bit of adventure
- Lovatnet and Oldevatnet are stunning, but ceremony spots require local knowledge
- The Skylift gets you to mountaintop views in five minutes
- The via ferrata adds a thrill to any elopement timeline
- Weather can change fast – layering and flexibility are key!
- Most couples take care of legal paperwork at home and come here for the experience
- If you’re looking for a Loen elopement photographer who knows the area and can help plan a stress-free, stunning day – I might know someone 😉
