Thinking of saying “Ja!” in the land of fjords and Northern Lights? Welcome to your ultimate guide to getting married in Norway as a foreigner—minus the stress, confusion, and Norse mythology references (okay, maybe just a few).
So, You Want to Get Married in Norway?
Let’s be real—choosing Norway for your wedding is an A+ decision. The country has it all: breathtaking landscapes, dramatic fjords, charming wooden chapels, and even the Northern Lights if you time it right. But before you start imagining yourself exchanging vows atop a glacier, let’s tackle the essentials:
✔️ Can foreigners get married in Norway? – Yes! But there’s paperwork.
✔️ Do you need to be a resident? – No! But there’s paperwork.
✔️ Will you need patience? – Absolutely. Because… there’s paperwork.
Fear not! I’ve broken everything down so you can breeze through the process without wanting to elope in frustration.
Step 1: The Not-So-Romantic Legal Stuff
1. Paperwork You’ll Need
Before you can say “I do” in Norway, you need to prove that you legally can do so. Here’s your checklist:
- Certificate of No Impediment to Marriage – Proof that you’re not already married.
- Personal Declarations (Egenerklæring & Forlovererklæring) – Both of you (and two witnesses) must confirm you’re free to marry.
- Valid Passports – Because your driver’s license from Kansas won’t cut it.
- Birth Certificates – Some countries require an Apostille stamp, so double-check.
- Residence Permit (if applicable) – If you live in Norway but are not a citizen.
👉 For full details, visit the Norwegian Tax Administration (Skatteetaten).
2. Where to Apply & How Long It Takes
- Send all documents to Skatteetaten (The Norwegian Tax Administration).
- Processing takes 4–6 weeks, so don’t procrastinate.
- Once approved, you get a Marriage Certificate (Prøvingsattest), valid for 4 months.
Pro tip: Start early—especially if your documents need translations or apostilles. Bureaucracy loves surprises.
3. Who Can Officiate Your Wedding?
You can get married by:
✔️ A Civil Authority (at a town hall, free of charge)
✔️ A Religious/Belief-Based Officiant (Christian, Muslim, Humanist, etc.)
✔️ An Approved Wedding Venue with an Officiant
Best Wedding Venues in Norway (Because Location Matters!)
Norway isn’t just about city hall weddings—unless that’s your thing (no judgment). Here are some breathtaking options:
🏔️ The Ultimate Fjord Wedding: Geirangerfjord
Picture this: you, your love, and an epic fjord backdrop that looks straight out of a fantasy film.
🔗 Visit Geiranger
❄️ Northern Lights & Glass Igloos: Lyngen North
Want to say “I do” under the dancing Aurora Borealis? This is your spot.
🔗 Lyngen North Wedding Venue
🏰 Fairytale Wedding in a Historic Hotel: Hotel Union, Geiranger
If it’s good enough for Norwegian royalty, it’s good enough for you. This venue recently hosted the wedding of Princess Märtha Louise.
🔗 Hotel Union Geiranger
🌲 Rustic & Cozy Norwegian Farm Wedding: Huser Farm
A traditional Norwegian countryside venue perfect for intimate celebrations.
🔗 Huser Farm
FAQs (Because Google Loves These)
Can I Have an Outdoor Wedding in Norway?
Yes! But be ready for unpredictable weather. A fjord-side wedding in summer? Stunning. A blizzard wedding in February? Less so.
Do We Need Witnesses?
Yes, you’ll need two witnesses. If you’re eloping, some venues provide them for you.
Is a Norwegian Marriage Legal Worldwide?
Yes! But check your home country’s rules on recognizing foreign marriages.
Final Thoughts (And Why You Need an Expert Photographer 😉)
If you’ve made it this far—congrats! You’re well on your way to a stunning Norwegian wedding. Now, let’s talk about capturing those magical moments.
As a destination wedding photographer, I specialize in telling love stories through breathtaking photography. Whether you’re planning a fjord-side elopement or a castle wedding, I’ll be there to document every moment with authenticity and artistry.
📸 Explore my portfolio → Your Happy Moments Blog
💍 Check out my wedding photography packages → Investment Packages
📩 Let’s plan your dream wedding shoot! → Contact Me
Norway is waiting. Are you ready to make your wedding unforgettable? 🖤
