So, you’re thinking of getting married in Norway? Great choice! Picture this: towering fjords, charming wooden stave churches, or maybe even an intimate ceremony under the Northern Lights. It’s the kind of fairytale setting that makes Pinterest boards jealous.
But before you start practicing your “Ja, I do,” let’s go over everything you need to know about legally tying the knot in Norway as a foreigner. Don’t worry—it’s not as complicated as it sounds (and I promise to keep this guide fun and easy to follow!).
1. Can Foreigners Get Married in Norway?
Short answer: Yes! Norway welcomes both straight and same-sex couples. The process is relatively straightforward, but there are some legal boxes to tick first.
✅ You both must be at least 18 years old.
✅ Neither of you can already be married (makes sense, right?).
✅ If you were previously married, you’ll need an official divorce certificate.
✅ If one of you is a Norwegian citizen, additional rules may apply.
Pro Tip: Even if you’re planning a symbolic ceremony (a wedding that isn’t legally binding), it’s still good to know the legal side of things.
2. The Paperwork: A Little Less Romantic, But Very Important
Ah, the magic of bureaucracy! Here’s what you’ll need to make your Norwegian wedding official:
📜 Certificate of No Impediment to Marriage (proof you’re not already married).
📜 Passports or valid ID (no surprises here).
📜 Visa or residence permit (if applicable).
📜 Completed marriage forms from the Norwegian Tax Administration (Skatteetaten).
Reality Check: All documents must be in Norwegian or English. If they’re in another language, they’ll need to be officially translated (and possibly apostilled).
Once submitted, processing takes about 4–6 weeks, so don’t leave this to the last minute!
3. Choosing Your Wedding Ceremony: Civil, Religious, or Something Unique?
Norway offers several options for saying “I do,” from classic city hall weddings to breathtaking fjord-side ceremonies.
💍 Civil Wedding
Perfect for those who want a simple, legally binding ceremony. You can get married at:
🏛️ Oslo City Hall – Modern and elegant. Visit here
🏛️ Bergen City Hall – A great choice for those who love a coastal vibe. More info
⛪ Religious Wedding
For a more traditional setting, Norway’s iconic stave churches are a dream. You’ll need to contact the Church of Norway (kirken.no) or your religious institution to check the specific requirements.
🌍 Humanist or Symbolic Wedding
Not religious? No problem! You can have a beautiful humanist ceremony with personal vows. Check out Human-Etisk Forbund (human.no) for non-religious weddings.
Fun Idea: Why not exchange vows on a mountaintop or even under the Aurora Borealis? Norway’s landscapes make any wedding setting unforgettable!
4. Where to Get Married? Norway’s Most Stunning Wedding Locations
Alright, let’s talk scenery—because, let’s be honest, this is one of the biggest reasons to get married in Norway!
🌄 Lofoten Islands – For the adventurous couple, imagine saying your vows with jagged mountain peaks and crystal-clear water as your backdrop.
❄️ Tromsø & The Northern Lights – Winter wedding? Picture saying “I do” under the dazzling aurora borealis. Unreal.
🏔️ Geirangerfjord – Want waterfalls in your wedding photos? This UNESCO-listed fjord is a dream.
🌲 Sognefjord & Stave Churches – Traditional, romantic, and so uniquely Norwegian.
🏙️ Oslo or Bergen – If you want a city wedding with a touch of Nordic charm, these are great picks!
Budget Tip: Consider a winter wedding! Prices for venues, vendors, and accommodations tend to be lower from November to March.
5. The Final Step: Registering Your Marriage
Once you’re officially married, you’ll receive a Marriage Certificate (Vigselattest). If you need to register your marriage back home, check with your embassy—some countries require additional legalization.
Pro Tip: If your home country requires an apostille stamp, make sure to arrange this through the Norwegian authorities before heading back.
6. What’s Next? Celebrate in True Norwegian Style!
Norwegians know how to celebrate! Here are a few local traditions to incorporate into your big day:
🎶 Wedding speeches & songs – Norwegian weddings are full of heartfelt (and sometimes humorous) speeches. Guests even write personalized songs for the couple!
🍰 The Wedding Cake – Forget a traditional tiered cake—go for kransekake, a stunning tower of almond rings.
💃 After-Party in a Cabin – Cozy up in a traditional hytte (cabin), drink some hot gløgg, and celebrate under the midnight sun or Northern Lights!
7. FAQ: Everything You Need to Know About Getting Married in Norway
❓ Do I need a visa to get married in Norway?
✅ If you’re from an EU/EEA country, no visa is needed. If you’re from outside Europe, check the Norwegian immigration website.
❓ How long does it take to process marriage documents in Norway?
✅ Around 4–6 weeks, but start early to avoid stress!
❓ Can we have a symbolic wedding in Norway?
✅ Yes! If the paperwork is tricky, you can legally marry elsewhere and have a stunning symbolic ceremony in Norway.
❓ How much does a wedding in Norway cost?
✅ It varies, but expect to spend €3,000–€10,000 for an intimate elopement (including venue, photographer, and vendors).
Budget Tip: Want to save money? Avoid peak season (June-August) and book local Norwegian vendors instead of international ones.
Final Thoughts: Let’s Capture Your Dream Wedding in Norway!
If you’re ready to turn your Norwegian wedding dreams into reality, don’t forget one of the most important parts—stunning wedding photos to remember it forever. Whether you’re eloping in the fjords, celebrating in a charming city hall, or running hand-in-hand through the snow, I’d love to capture your love story in all its beauty.
📸 Check out my wedding portfolio: www.yourhappymoments.net/blog/
📷 Explore my wedding photography packages: www.yourhappymoments.net/investment/
💌 Let’s start planning your dream wedding photoshoot: www.yourhappymoments.net/contact/
Let’s make magic in Norway! 🏔️💍✨
