The Ultimate Guide To Getting Married In Lapland

If you’re thinking about getting married in Lapland, you have great taste!

This magical region  — which contains the northernmost parts of both Finland and Sweden — is a place unlike any other. Extending also into Norway and Russia, this unique arctic destination is filled with incredible cultural and topographical diversity.

It’s chock full of enchanted forests, sparkling waterfalls, and ice-capped mountains. Amidst these landscapes you can experience outdoor activities while learning about the indigenous Sami people who have called this place home for thousands of years. 

But this isn’t all Lapland has to offer!

If you and your partner are night owls, you can chase the stunning northern lights. If you’re foodies, you can eat delicious, sustainably-made, and traditional meals in minimalist locales. If you’re health and wellness junkies, you can enjoy everything from sweltering saunas to freezing ice baths. If environmental sustainability is a major draw for you, every person and every business – from trash to food to transportation – works sustainably in Lapland. 

This region’s wild and stark landscapes, once-in-a-lifetime experiences, and stunning natural phenomena make it a truly awesome place to get hitched. It’s also an incredibly clean and safe place to visit so you can feel confident exploring on your own together. You can also swim in the rivers, drink the water from the streams, and not worry about dangerous animals lurking around! 

Let’s dive into this ultimate guide to getting married in Lapland!

Swedish Legal Requirements

While this isn’t the most fun part of planning your Lapland wedding or elopement, it’s certainly an important aspect. Let’s outline the Swedish requirements, as that’s where my expertise lies!

First off, you might be wondering: “can I get legally married in Sweden?” And if you’re not Swedish, you’re likely thinking: “can I get married in Sweden as a foreigner?”

As long as neither you nor your partner is currently married or under 18 years old, the answer is yes! Sweden is LGBTQIA+ friendly and welcoming to people from any culture and all walks of life. The people living in Lapland are also very laid back and relaxed in a natural way and have high hospitality standards – always going the extra mile to make you feel welcome!

But how exactly can you get married in Lapland/Sweden? 

There are clear-cut guidelines on how to register marriage in Sweden, so you’ll just need to follow a few simple steps:

 

1. Gather The Necessary Documents

• A Certificate Of No Impediment: This states that there aren’t any legal “impediments” to your marriage under Swedish law. You can get this through the Skatteverket, or Swedish Tax Agency Office. 
• A Single Status Affidavit: This certifies that neither partner is already married. Get this from the Skatteverket as well.
• A copy of your birth certificate
• A valid passport
• A government-issued ID

Insider tip: If you’re a foreigner, you’ll need to get the Single Status Affidavit in your home country. Contact the Swedish tax authorities in advance to ensure you have all the correct paperwork. 

 

2. Apply For A Marriage Licence

Once you have all the essential paperwork, go back to the Swedish Tax Agency Office to apply for your marriage licence. No appointment is necessary!

The marriage certificate should arrive by mail within a few weeks. And it’ll only be valid for four months, so make sure you’ve planned adequately before applying.

 

3. Get Hitched!

As soon as your licence comes, you can have your ceremony! You’ll need an officiant, a venue, and guests at the minimum.

 

Best Time To Go 

Any time of year can be absolutely gorgeous in Lapland, so there’s no single best time for your Arctic wedding. That being said, my favourite — and the most popular — season to visit Lapland is winter. 

 

Winter

If you plan your winter elopement or wedding between December and April, you’ll experience blankets of snow and peaceful landscapes. You’ll also be able to make the most of arctic activities and traditions. Not to mention, a winter wedding can easily turn into a northern lights wedding. 

Picture yourself in the ethereal wilderness, enveloped by a night sky that seems to go on forever and trees covered with soft white snow. You’re sharing a warm cocktail (in a glass made of ice!) with the love of your life, surrounded by loved ones there to celebrate your union.

The day after your celebration, you go dogsledding as a group before chowing down on traditional winter cuisine. Then, you and your partner enjoy the sauna while your friends and family explore the natural surroundings — or vice versa!

If you’re dreaming of getting married in a winter wonderland, Lapland in winter will be perfect.

Insider tip: January is the coldest month, but it offers amazing blue and pink sunsets that can’t be seen anytime else! February and April, on the other hand, still present arctic vibes but have warmer temperatures.

 

“Spring Winter”

The time of year between March and April is called the “5th Season”, or “Spring Winter”. If you book your Lapland wedding during Spring Winter, you’ll experience warm sunny days but cold nights.

“Ruska”

The time of year between September and October is called the “6th Season” or “Ruska,” which is a Finnish word. This represents “Arctic Autumn,” and offers gorgeous lighting and colour-changing forests. 

 

Summer

Lapland summer is between mid-June and mid-August. This season is an excellent choice for anyone who loves the sun and warm weather. In the summer, you can make the most of seemingly never-ending days. Think lush green landscapes and kayaking along running rivers dividing two countries.

Insider tip: The “Midnight Sun” — a natural phenomenon represented by 24-hour daylight in the Arctic Circle — occurs between mid-May and mid-July. Book your Lapland wedding then, and you’ll have a once-in-a-lifetime experience!

 

The Best Lapland Wedding Venues

Now that we’ve talked about when to get married in Lapland, let’s discuss where to get married in Lapland.

 

ArtHotel Tornedalen

This minimalist, unpretentious art hotel is homey yet elegant. ArtHotel Tornedalen is one of the most comforting Lapland wedding venues! It’s known for its top-notch service, country vibes, art everywhere you turn (from the teacups to the walls to the sculptures on the bookshelves), and beautiful natural surroundings with a view over the Torne River and to Finland. 

Here, they offer not only high-quality accommodation, but also meals and arranged ceremonies for up to 12 guests. You and your guests can stay in a variety of houses and participate in a range of individually-tailored, seasonal activities.

ArtHotel Tornedalen is my favourite venue in all of Lapland. It combines old and new in one incredible locale. The beauty and wonder you experience here is unmatched, and the owners’ focus on art and culture is inspiring. 

There’s nothing like looking out across the frozen river together or exploring the art village that surrounds this beautiful place, which has been named one of the best art hotels in the world.

 

 

Huuva Hideaway

Huuva Hideaway is a foodie lover’s dream, featuring an outdoor dining room and incredible culinary experiences. If you host your Lapland wedding here, you and your loved ones can learn about Arctic, Tornedalian, and Sámi cuisine. 

You’ll also discover local traditions, regional history, and the Arctic approach to living in harmony with nature. Huuva presents a truly unique, rewarding, and enlightening experience, especially if you’re looking to fully immerse yourselves in Arctic life.

 

Treehotel

One of my favourite venues for Swedish Lapland weddings and elopements is TreeHotel, a secluded oasis. This is a locale like no other, featuring cool cabins with names like “Mirror Cube,” “Bird’s Nest,” and “Biosphere”.

It manages to be both modern and ecologically-focused and offers an enticing array of seasonal packages. If you book in winter, you’ll have a front row seat to the Northern Lights!

 

Arctic Treehouse Hotel 

Arctic Treehouse Hotel is another tree hotel but is located on the Finnish side of Lapland. It’s a design hotel on the Arctic Circle, with a restaurant serving delectable dishes.

Think luxury yet comfort. Think panoramic views of the Midnight Sun or the Northern Lights paired with intimate private spaces. Think of an enchanting escape amidst the wild natural surroundings!

 

Malören Lodge

Malören Lodge is über cool. It’s a relaxed and simple venue inside a nature reserve… which is on an island!

It’s a great option for couples and loved ones seeking relaxation or adventure in unusual places. Your group can opt for day tours, fishing trips, or kayaking. Or, you can choose to just enjoy the views.

 

Arctic Bath

This open-air bath hotel is a wellness oasis. If you and your partner go crazy for spa days, Arctic Bath might be your best bet.

This venue offers floating rooms, a floating spa, and an amazing Scandinavian restaurant. Its owners invite their guests to “immerse themselves in the elements while leaving a minimal environmental footprint behind”.

 

Arctic Retreat

Arctic Retreat is a small eco-lodge that overlooks the Råne River. It’s nestled amidst boreal forests in a stunning spot by the river’s bend.

It’s secluded, intimate, and sheltered by trees. Here, you and your guests can stay in log timber cabins with private jacuzzis and experience the warm local hospitality. It can only accommodate up to 8 people but is perfect for an intimate Lapland elopement.

 

Niehku Mountain Villa

This venue is located in the Riksgränsen Ski Resort, which is 200 km north of the Arctic Circle! It has 14 incredible rooms, a high-quality spa and a sustainable restaurant.

Niehku Mountain Villa is luxurious and lavish, yet relaxing and comfortable. It’s wholly unique and their activities packages make it great for adventurous groups. 

If you’re planning a destination wedding in Swedish Lapland, you can rent out the entire villa.

 

Lapland View Lodge

Lapland View Lodge is staffed with friendly locals and comprises 40 hotel cabins with huge windows. It’s on Luppio Mountain next to Övertorneå, and the vistas are unbelievable!

This lodge was built to be one with nature and is great for eco-conscious couples and guests. It’s a genuinely breathtaking venue for a big Lapland wedding.

 

 

Winter Activities

If you and your partner are dreaming of an adventurous wedding, you’ll love doing fun activities together! While other seasons present opportunities for hiking, swimming, and camping under the stars, winter activities are what make Lapland special.

This offbeat destination offers a seemingly infinite array of arctic activities for anyone seeking thrills, relaxation, or unique experiences.

Insider tip: Many Lapland wedding packages include some of the following activities. So, consider what you want to do before you book a venue or package!

Here are some of my favourites:

 

Dog Sledding

Up for a speedy adventure? Experience a canine-driven ride through the sparkling snow.

 

Northern Lights Spotting

Give your guests something to brag about… see the elusive and unimaginable, yet GORGEOUS Northern Lights!

 

Skiing

Whether your jam is cross-country or downhill skiing, you can certainly make it happen in Lapland. Rip down the mountain or across pure white terrain with your group.

 

Iceshoe Walking

Prefer taking it slow and noticing the small details in your surroundings? Try iceshoe walking and immerse yourselves in arctic winter forests.

 

Outdoor Cooking

Experience an age-old Lapland tradition — grilling over an open fire amidst pristine natural surroundings.

 

Caviar Safari

Caviar…safari? Yes, you read that correctly. Even your most bougie friends will be impressed.

 

Reindeer Feeding

Rudolph’s gotta eat too! These incredible animals are a huge part of Lapland culture, and your young family members will love this activity.

 

Snowmobiling

Do as the locals do. Whiz across frozen rivers, through forest oases, and around arctic landscapes.

 

Icebreaker Cruise 

Glide through the frozen Bothnian Sea and watch the ship break the ice. Hey, someone had to do it, right? You can walk across the ice and — if you’re brave — swim in the freezing water.

 

Ice Fishing

Catch fish like a true Lappalainen! 

 

 

Vendors

 

Florist

Most Swedish Lapland wedding & elopement packages won’t include flowers, so make sure to find a top-notch florist for your celebration!

My favourite Lapland florist is Skogsbrynets Trädgård. Here you’ll find local, organic and in-season flowers (even in the winter!) arranged with love and care.

 

Hair And Makeup

If you’re booking your own vendors, who will make you look like the kings, queens, and/or non-binary royals that you are?

I recommend Znygg Studio – an exclusive yet entirely relaxing hair and makeup studio. The team will bring their impeccable service and luxe experience straight to your door.

 

Food

Lapland has tons of tasty local food. This region is known for fresh fish, meaty game, and locally grown vegetables and wild ingredients from the forest. Here, you and your partner can enjoy warm drinks, mushrooms packing a powerful umami punch, and a variety of cheeses.

Insider tip: If you’re vegetarian or vegan, eating in Lapland can be a challenge. Make sure to check the menu before you book!

These are a few things you might see on the menu:

 

Traditional Cuisine

• Älg: Moose
• Ren: Reindeer
• Leipäjuusto: Bread cheese 
• Lapin puikula: Almond potatoes
• Rieska: Soft barley flatbread
• Varm lingonjuice : Hot lingonberry juice

 

 

Tips & Tricks For Lapland Weddings 

• Don’t be scared to opt for nontraditional Lapland vendors or venues … Fortune favours the bold!
• Plan everything as far in advance as possible, so your dream vendors/venue don’t get booked!
• Ask your vendors – especially the venues – for advice, as they will all help and arrange your ceremony. I know this because I’m a Lapland elopement photographer who loves assisting my couples!
• Make your wedding or elopement truly special by adding creative and unique touches that represent your love story. Incorporating elements of your personalities/interests will make your big day authentic and memorable.
• Consider skipping the full-fledged ceremony… eloping and having a celebration afterwards will save you lots of time and money.

 

If you’re dreaming of a non-traditional, creative wedding, get in touch with yours truly. I’m an award-winning Lapland wedding photographer who’s obsessed with capturing authentic, organic, and candid moments. 

Let me help you prepare for your special day and capture your unique love story through wedding photography, Lapland style! Together we’ll create timeless, fun, and one-of-a-kind images that will last forever.