Are you thinking about traveling abroad for your wedding day but not sure where to start? Do you love the outdoors and imagine sharing your vows at the top of a breathtaking mountain scene? Well then, I have a suggestion for you: elope in Norway!

Why Choose Norway for your Elopement?

Landscapes

Norway is a country that is rugged and wild. Lush valleys are found between the glacier fjords and jagged mountains. While the coastlines of Norway offer some of the most dramatic scenery, venturing inland will certainly not disappoint. An adventurer's paradise, your jaw will be dropping everywhere you look when you choose to elope in Norway.

Adventure

As you start to plan your elopement in Norway, you'll find that it's hard to keep your "to-do list" short. Whether it's hiking, biking, skiing or another activity that you enjoy, you'll soon realize that you might want to extend your stay. Norway is filled with recreational opportunity for both beginners and avid-adventurers. No matter the adventure you choose, the ruggedness of Norway will wrap you up and even a simple walk on the beach surrounded by towering fjords will make it feel extreme.

Northern Lights

Norway is one of the top destinations for couples hunting for the Northern Lights. A visit between late September and late March almost guarantees a sighting. If you've never seen the night sky dance overhead, you're going to want to add it to your bucket list. It is truly an unforgettable phenomenon that would surely make your elopement day in Norway one for the books!

Ease of Travel

It is so easy to travel in Norway. They have great roads, paths and trails that lead to remarkable access to recreation. And the majority of Norwegians also speak English, making getting around so simple. Not to mention, they are an extremely kind and generous community of people who are eager to hear your story and help show you the best of their country.

Where to Elope in Norway

Trolltunga

If you've ever Googled hiking in Norway, you've seen a picture of Trolltunga, a cliff that juts out horizontally over Ringedalsvatnet Lake. This hike takes the majority of the day to complete and is certainly not for the faint of heart. But if you want a challenging adventure with breathtaking views for your Norway elopement, you should definitely consider Trolltunga.

The Lofoten Islands

Nothing really says 'Norway' quite like the Lofoten Islands. Known for its small, colorful fishing villages that offer up unique lodging opportunities and its dramatic scenery, you really can't go wrong when you choose to elope in the Lofoten Islands. Go for a scenic drive from town to town, and take in the towering cliffs that shoot up from the sea.

Jotunheimen National Park

Jotunheimen National Park, or "The Giant's Home" is filled with as much magic and mystery as the name suggests. Norway's most visited park, Jotunheimen is one of the best places to see stunning landscapes and local wildlife. While you could take a scenic drive through the park, the best way to see its beauty is by going for one of the many hikes that take you through some of Norway's BEST terrain.

Senja

One of Norway's largest island, Senja (second to Svalbard) is a magical place and great for adventure seekers as it is more off the beaten path than other destinations. Home to some of Norway's most dramatic mountains, you can't visit here without enjoying a few hikes. Located above the Arctic Circle, visiting Senja between Sept-March almost guarantees a glimpse of the Northern Lights.

How to Legally Get Married in Norway

In order to legally get married in Norway, you do not have to be a citizen. However, you do have to have a residence permit or a visitor’s visa, which can make the process complicated. For couples traveling to Norway fr their elopement, I recommend taking care of legalities at home.

For less hassle, you can sign the papers and make it "official" at home either before of after your elopement. That way, you can focus on your elopement being all about fun and adventure without worrying about paperwork. Don’t worry, signing the papers before or after the elopement won’t make it any less real. It's all about the feeling of the day and the words you share as you exchange your vows in this beautiful landscape.

If you'd still like to explore making it legal IN Norway, here are a few resources for you. If you are citizens or have permanent residence in Norway, you can find instructions for getting legally married here. If you don’t live in Norway, here are instructions for you.

FOR COUPLES FROM THE US WONDERING HOW TO ELOPE IN NORWAY:
In certain states, you can ask your county clerk the authorization to sign your wedding license abroad. If they agree, as a registered minister, I will be able to legally marry you. Whichever way you choose to do it, just make sure you double check all the requirements and have everything in line before your trip.

How to Get to Norway for Your Elopement

Get to Norway by Plane

If you're flying into Norway, you'll likely travel through (or to) Oslo, the capitol, which handles the majority of international flights. But there are several smaller airports throughout the country as well. Once you decide on where in Norway you want to visit, be sure to look up the closest airport. Once in the country, you'll have many options for travel - by car, bus, train, or another short flight.

Get to Norway by Train or Bus

If you're in Europe or already in Norway, traveling by bus or train may be the best option for you. The bus will likely be the cheap and cheerful mode of transport. Norway has an extensive railway system, which provides an adventure in and of itself if you're trying to get from point A to point B within the country.

Getting Around Norway Once You're There

Renting a car will give you the most flexibility while you're visiting Norway for your elopement. You'll likely want to get out and explore a few different places while you're there, and it will make your travels so much easier and more enjoyable if you can do everything at your own pace - without having to worry about public transportation.

Things to do When You Elope in Norway

Go Hiking

There are hundreds of amazing trails to hike when you elope in Norway. And no matter how many blogs you read on "The Top Hikes to do Norway" you'll have a hard time deciding on where to go. But the truth is... there is no wrong answer. There is no bad hike. The scenery in Norway is unlike anywhere else and you just simply can't go wrong no matter where you choose to go.

Ski in the Mountains

No surprise here, skiing in Norway is pretty unbeatable. I mean, the Norwegians basically invented skiing. It's part of the culture, that's how you know it's going to be good! My husband and I honeymooned in Norway in April of 2023 and planned the whole trip around backcountry skiing. There just aren't even words to explain how incredible it was! So if you like to ski, I've got quite a few suggestions to share with you!

Thinking about a Winter Wedding? Read More: How to Plan a Skiing Elopement

Enjoy a Boat Tour of the Fjords

Whether you want to zip through the water on a fast-paced RIB-boat or enjoy a calmer experience sailing the coast, I highly recommend planning on some sort of nautical adventure. Enjoy a cruise exploring coastal waterfalls or hop on a safari and spot whales and eagles. Want to get a real cultural experience? Book a fishing trip on a nostalgic wooden boat!

Take a Scenic Drive

If hiking isn't really your thing, or you're just having the hardest time deciding on what to do and see... go for a drive! Cover some distance! A driving tour of Norway is a great idea and will allow you to stop into several towns and see SO much of the country. But the roads in Norway are narrow and winding, so be sure to keep your eyes on the road and look out for a place you can pull over to get out of the car and soak in the scenery.