How To Prepare For Your Winter Elopement In Lapland
A winter elopement in Lapland is an experience completely unlike any other. Imagine getting married in the middle of a snowy wonderland, surrounded by a breathtaking Arctic landscape and the Northern Lights illuminating the sky above you.
It’s completely unforgettable, but to make the most of a winter-themed wedding in Lapland, it’s important to make the necessary preparations — this is the Arctic, after all! You’ll need to make sure you’re ready for some very chilly weather (to put it mildly) while also planning activities and experiences that make the most of this one-of-a-kind location.
That’s why I’ve undertaken the heroic task of putting together this handy guide for everything you’ll need to make your Lapland wedding absolutely unforgettable.
What Do You Need For A Winter Wedding In Lapland?
What do you wear to a winter wedding in Lapland? The answer is, whatever keeps you warm (while still looking stylish, of course). If you’ve never been to an Arctic region like Lapland, allow me to be the first to inform you that it can get cold — very, very cold. Temperatures fluctuate quite a bit due to climate change though, so it can also be pretty mild!
Temperatures can fall as low as -30 to -40 degrees (usually in January), and the landscape and nature changes vs when it’s -15 degrees for example. Everything is quiet and the snow actually sounds different when walking on it!
So, if you want to be able to go out and enjoy everything that Lapland has to offer, you’re going to want to pack accordingly. Be sure to pack lots of warm clothing because you’re going to want to layer up!
Also, when it comes to how to dress for your winter wedding in Lapland, be sure to choose the right material! Wool works best as a base layer, with a second layer of thicker wool or fleece. In fact, when you’re gearing up for a winter wedding in Lapland, you can never have enough wool: wool socks, wool suit, wool scarf, wool hat — you name it!
For the outer layer, you can still look incredibly stunning in a long, elegant fur coat (or, you guessed it, a wool coat). You can also opt for a warmer cardigan, jacket, or cape. My top tip? Choose winter accessories and clothes with a focus on functionality rather than looks.
By the way, if you’re interested in shopping for some local designs, you can check out Karin Vasaras. Her work is stunning and is sure to keep you warm even in the formidable cold of Lapland. I can’t recommend her enough!
How Much Should I Pack?
If you’re wondering how much warm clothing to pack, I would say the more the merrier. Lapland is a remote area, so you don’t want to be in a position where you have to go shopping for more warm clothing, especially if you’re in Lapland for your winter wedding!
If you’ve got a bit of extra space in your luggage, it never hurts to toss in one more sweater or winter coat. Most venues can provide warm clothing for their guests, such as overalls and boots when they go out for activities like snowmobiling. But it's still great to have your own coat, hat, and boots!
Take Care Of Your Extremities!
Your fingers, toes, and face might seem small, but that doesn’t mean you should forget about them! Gloves, warm socks, and comfortable winter boots are key components when it comes to how to stay warm at a winter wedding in Lapland. As always, it’s always a great idea to work with layers!
Keep Warm With Hand Warmers!
Hand warmers are a great solution for how to stay warm at a winter wedding in Lapland. They’re great to keep in your gloves — and in a pinch, you can even stick them into your shoes for an extra cosy Arctic experience. If it gets really cold, you can even stick them on your thighs!
Don’t Be Afraid To Wear A Nice Warm Hat!
Lapland is one of the best winter wedding locations, but it can’t hurt to bring along a nice warm hat or beanie!
Personally, between October to April when the weather is at its coldest, I always wear my pink bubblegum-coloured wool beanie. Sometimes I even wear it indoors. Because I just love it. And I’m not alone — up here in the north, practically everyone wears warm hats or beanies in the winter. After all, 80% of your body heat is lost through your head, according to the experts (my mum).
If you’re wondering how to pull off a beanie while still looking flawlessly glamorous, I recommend this Master Class that gives you all the winter-hat-related fashion tips you could ever need.
Plan Your Day Around The Light
I’ve learned two things during my time as a destination wedding photographer in Lapland: to keep warm and work with the light throughout the day.
In December and January, there are only a few hours of daylight, but they’re absolutely gorgeous, so make sure you don’t miss it! The light during this brief window is perfect for incredible photos, especially portraits.
Incorporate Your Favourite Winter Sport Into Your Day
If you’re planning a winter elopement in Lapland, it’s definitely worth keeping in mind that the Arctic landscape is a perfect venue for participating in some of your favourite winter sports.
From snowmobile rides and skiing to dog sledding and relaxing on a sofa built from snow (yes!!), there are so many ways to really enjoy the landscape and soak in the silence in the sun, especially from March-April. Lapland presents the perfect opportunity to infuse your personality into your special day and to spend some time doing activities you love.
Nightfall Makes For Great Photos, Too!
When the sun goes down and darkness falls in Lapland, there are still countless opportunities for amazing wedding photos. One of the things I love most about being an elopement photographer in Lapland is the opportunity to capture my couples after nightfall, illuminated by the light of torches, bonfires, or sparkles.
Nighttime in Lapland is also the perfect opportunity for stargazing, or to take in the unforgettable spectacle of the Northern Lights!
How To Plan Your Wedding Around The Northern Lights
Speaking of the Northern Lights, one of the most essential winter wedding activities in Lapland is taking in the one-of-a-kind views of the Northern Lights dancing in the night sky. While the Northern Lights don’t appear every night, planning your wedding around it requires following a few helpful tips:
- Keep in mind the Northern Lights are best seen between September and April. But you never know if you will see it during your week here!
- The weather needs to be clear. It’s a very cool natural phenomenon and you never know when it's going to show up and how colourful it will be!
There are dedicated apps you can download onto your phone that will allow you to input your destination, and they’ll send you notifications letting you know when and where you can see the Aurora Borealis.
Book A Local Photographer
When it comes to planning a perfect winter elopement in Lapland, one of the most essential elements is booking a destination photographer in Lapland who knows the region well and is experienced with all the ins and outs of pulling off the perfect wedding in this unique part of the world. They’re invaluable when it comes to knowing how to dress for winter weather, how camera batteries work in the cold, and how to plan your day around the perfect lighting conditions.
If you’re looking for an amazing local Lapland photographer, I happen to know someone who’s a total expert on the region and will make sure you have an incredible time (okay, it’s me).
Book A Venue That Can Take Care Of Everything
You don’t want to spend your entire day worrying about logistics and annoying little details, so if you’re planning a winter elopement in Lapland I definitely recommend booking a venue that can help you plan your day and who takes care of everything for you.
There are lots of amazing venues in Lapland that will provide everything you need for a perfect day, from accommodation to food to the ceremony, and everything in between. One of my personal favourite locations is the Arthotel Tornedalen!
Let’s Get This Party Started!
If you’re considering a winter elopement in Lapland and are looking for an elopement photographer in Lapland with an intimate knowledge of the region, I’d be honoured to join you on your journey!
Get in touch and together we can start planning a destination elopement in Lapland that immerses you in all the beauty and adventure this one-of-a-kind region has to offer. I can’t wait to hear from you!