Imagine standing hand in hand under a cosmic ballet of shimmering greens and purples, exchanging vows as the Northern Lights waltz above you. A wedding beneath the Aurora Borealis isn’t just romantic—it’s legendary. But how do you plan such an extraordinary celebration? Let’s embark on this celestial journey together.
Why Get Married Under the Northern Lights?
Some couples choose castles, others opt for beaches, but you? You’re aiming for the stars—literally.
The Northern Lights are nature’s own fireworks, a rare and magical phenomenon that symbolizes the beauty and unpredictability of love. Plus, let’s be honest—your wedding photos are going to be out of this world.
But before you start googling “Northern Lights wedding packages,” let’s talk details: when, where, and how to pull off this cosmic dream.
Best Locations to Get Married Under the Northern Lights
The Aurora Borealis is mostly visible in the Arctic regions, where long winter nights provide the perfect canvas for the lights to dance. Here are the best locations for a Northern Lights wedding:
1. Iceland – The Land of Fire and Ice
Iceland is a top-tier choice for aurora-chasing couples. You can say “I do” on a black sand beach, near a frozen waterfall, or even inside a glacier cave. The country offers incredible wedding venues, such as:
- Hotel Rangá (hotelranga.is) – A luxury lodge with a dedicated aurora alert system.
- Budir Church – A picturesque black church with an epic backdrop.
Best time to visit: September to April
2. Norway – Fjords & Frozen Fairytales
Norway’s landscapes are like something out of a dream. Tromsø, Alta, and Lofoten Islands are among the best places to witness the Northern Lights.
- Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel (sorrisniva.no) – A dreamy ice hotel for a truly Arctic wedding.
- Lyngen Lodge (lyngenlodge.com) – A secluded, cozy setting with stunning views.
Best time to visit: Late September to March
3. Finnish Lapland – The Santa Claus Experience (But Make It Romantic)
Fancy a reindeer sleigh ride to your wedding? Lapland offers glass igloos, ice chapels, and cozy cabins.
- Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort (kakslauttanen.fi) – Where you can sleep under the auroras in a glass igloo.
- SnowCastle of Kemi (experience365.fi) – A full-on ice cathedral for a true winter wonderland wedding.
Best time to visit: December to March
4. Alaska – The Wild & Free Aurora Wedding
If you want something rugged and adventurous, Alaska offers remote lodges and mountaintop elopements.
- Aurora Borealis Lodge (auroracabin.com) – Near Fairbanks, with prime aurora viewing conditions.
- Golden Heart Weddings (goldenheartweddings.com) – Offers custom Aurora Borealis wedding packages.
Best time to visit: August to April
When & How to See the Northern Lights for Your Wedding
The auroras are breathtaking, but they’re also unpredictable (kind of like planning a wedding without a guest list). Here’s how to maximize your chances:
✅ Best months: September to April (the darker, the better!)
✅ Best time: Between 9 PM – 2 AM
✅ Best weather conditions: Cold, clear nights away from city lights
✅ Top aurora forecast site: SpaceWeatherLive
Pro tip: Stay for at least 3-5 nights to increase your chances of seeing the lights. They don’t appear on command, but patience pays off!
Northern Lights Wedding Packages & Costs
So, how much does it cost to get married under the auroras? The price depends on how extravagant you want to go.
💰 Budget-friendly options ($3,000 – $7,000):
- DIY elopement in Iceland or Alaska
- Renting a small glass igloo for a private ceremony
- Hiring a local photographer and officiant
💎 Luxury wedding packages ($10,000 – $50,000+):
- Full wedding planning with venue, decor, and photography
- Stay in an ice hotel or a private cabin with a sky view
- Reindeer sleigh rides, dog sledding, and gourmet Arctic dining
For custom packages, check out:
What to Wear for an Aurora Wedding?
Let’s be real—this isn’t your typical beach wedding. Arctic conditions demand style + survival gear.
👰 For brides:
- A wool-lined wedding dress (yes, they exist!)
- Faux fur cape for that ice queen aesthetic ❄️
- Thermal leggings and insulated boots (nobody sees them under the dress!)
🤵 For grooms:
- A sleek winter coat over the suit
- Leather gloves (because frostbite isn’t cute)
- Warm but stylish boots—no one looks romantic while shivering
Photography Tips: Capturing the Magic
Photographing under the auroras requires skill, so hire a photographer who knows how to shoot in low light.
📸 Tips for epic photos:
- Use long-exposure settings to capture the vibrant colors
- Stay still—blurred images ruin the moment
- Bring fairy lights or lanterns for extra dreamy vibes
Lucky for you, I specialize in destination wedding photography and have experience capturing love stories under the stars. 😉
Final Thoughts: Is a Northern Lights Wedding Worth It?
A wedding under the Northern Lights is not for the faint-hearted, but if you’re an adventurous couple who craves magic, it’s an experience like no other.
Just imagine telling your grandkids, “We got married under a sky that was literally on fire.”
So, are you ready to turn the Arctic sky into the backdrop for your love story?
✨ Let’s make it happen. Check out my:
📸 Portfolio: yourhappymoments.net/blog
💍 Investment Packages: yourhappymoments.net/investment
📩 Contact Me: yourhappymoments.net/contact
Let’s create a wedding experience that’s as unforgettable as the Northern Lights themselves. 🌌💫
