When it comes to planning a winter elopement in Norway, creating the perfect timeline is key to ensuring a magical and stress-free day(s). Norway’s breathtaking winter landscapes offer a unique setting for couples looking to tie the knot in a truly unforgettable way. However, with shorter daylight hours and unpredictable weather, careful planning is essential to make the most of your special day.
In this blog, I’ll guide you through some important considerations when crafting your winter elopement timeline and share tips for ensuring everything flows seamlessly. Below, you’ll also find three real-life timelines from couples I’ve had the honor of photographing during their winter elopements in Norway.
Considerations for planning your winter elopement timeline
Daylight hours
In winter, daylight in Norway is limited, especially in the northern regions. The sun might only be up for 3–6 hours, depending on the time of year and location. Golden hour, when the light is soft and dreamy, is perfect for photos, therefore plan your timeline around these precious daylight hours for outdoor activities and photos.
Embrace the cold
Winter in Norway is magical but chilly, so dress warmly! Layered wedding attire, thermal accessories, and warm drinks on hand can help keep you comfortable. It’s also worth scheduling breaks indoors to warm up between outdoor shoots and activities.
Plan for adventure
Whether it’s a dog sledding adventure, or exchanging vows on a snowy mountaintop, the beauty of a winter elopement in Norway lies in the adventure. Leave room in your timeline for spontaneous moments, like enjoying a surprise snowfall or pausing to take in the jaw-dropping scenery.
Prepare for weather delays
Winter weather in Norway can be unpredictable. Snowstorms or icy roads might delay your travel, so it’s a good idea to build some flexibility into your timeline and arrive at the destination a couple of days before your elopement day.
Evening magic
After the sun sets, your elopement day doesn’t have to end. The evening offers opportunities to cozy up by a fire, enjoy a candlelit dinner, or head out for a Northern Lights adventure.
Crafting your winter elopement day timeline
To help you visualize what a perfect winter elopement day can look like, I’ve included three examples of real timelines from couples I’ve worked with. Each timeline reflects a different style of elopement, showcasing the endless possibilities for creating a day that feels uniquely yours.
A snowmobile mountaintop elopement –
10 hours photo package
- 11.00-13.00 – Bride’s hair and makeup appointment
- 13.00 – Photographer arrives at Airbnb
- 13.00-14.30 – Getting ready photos + get dressed for the snowmobile tour (bride and groom getting ready together in the Airbnb)
- 14.30-15.00 – Drive to the trailhead
- 15.00-15.30 – Drive snowmobiles up to the mountaintop
- 15.30-16.00 – Fresh up/change to the wedding attire
- 16.00-16.30 – Mountaintop ceremony (vow exchange + rings exchange)
- 16.30-17.00 – Photos on the mountaintop
- 17.00-17.30 – Make a campfire and warm up (+ warm drinks and snacks)
- 17.30-18.00 – Drive down with snowmobiles
- 18.00-18.30 – Drive back to town
- 18.30-20.00 – Take a break in the Airbnb, warm up and dress up for the dinner
- 20.00- 22.00 – Dinner & drinks at the restaurant
- After dinner: grab some extra warm layers, get ready for the night
- From ca. 22.00 o’clock and onwards (depending on the forecast) – Northern lights hunting/stargazing
Winter adventure elopement with husky sledding and northern lights hunting – 12 hours photo package split across 2 days
- Day 1 (the day of the elopement ceremony)
- 10.30 – Hairdresser comes to the mountain lodge
- 11.30 – Photographer arrives at Sorrisniva mountain lodge: getting ready photos, detail shots
- 11.30 – The groom leaves for his grooming appointment at a hair salon
- 13.00 – 13.30 – First look (outside of the mountain lodge or inside in case of the horrible weather scenarios)
- 13.30-14.00 – Walk in the ice hotel, photos and drinks in the ice bar
- 14.00-14.30 – Drive to the ceremony spot + short walk to the location (celebrant arrives at the same time.
- 14.30 – 15.00 – Outdoor wedding ceremony
- 15.00-16.00 – Outdoor portraits
- 16.00 – 16.30 – Bride and groom drive back to the mountain lodge, photographer takes a break
- 16.30 – 18.30 – Warm up & refresh at the room
- 18.30-20.30 – Dinner at the restaurant
- From ca. 21.00 and onwards – Meet up again and go northern lights chasing (timing depends on the forecast for the northern lights and weather)
- Day 2
- Daytime: Portraits with a fjord view, dogsledding tour + photos with the dogs
- Evening: northern lights hunting (extra time if the forecast for the aurora borealis is great)
How much does a northern lights wedding cost?
from 6.000 € for photography + guidance and
from 12.500 € for all inclusive wedding packages
Mountaintop hiking adventure elopement (8 hours photography coverage)
- 07.30 – Hairdresser arrives at the Airbnb.
- 08.00-09.00 – Getting ready at the Airbnb (Photographer arrives at 08.00)
- 09.00-10.30 – Hike up the trail (possibly snowshoeing – weather dependent)
- 10.30-11.00 – Arrive at the mountaintop hut, change to the wedding attire, make a fireplace and warm up the hut
- 11.00-11.30 – Elopement ceremony + handfasting with a mountain/fjord view
- 11.30-12.30 – Warm up in the hut, drink hot chocolate (and champagne), roast marshmallows on the fireplace or have a picnic there
- 12.30 – 14.00 – Hike down the trail. Pictures with snowy forest on the way down
- 14.00 – Bride and groom go back to the Airbnb to warm up and take a break
- From 20.00 and onwards – Northern lights hunting
Ready to plan your dream winter elopement in Norway?
Whether it’s chasing the Northern Lights or saying your vows in the snowy mountains, I’m here to help you craft a timeline – and an experience – you’ll never forget.
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