Who said weddings always have to be the same? If you are one of those people who dream big and want your wedding to be different and spectacular, a wedding under the northern lights is just what you need. This natural phenomenon, with green, purple and golden lights, is the perfect setting to say “I do” in a magical and original way.
The phenomenon of the Northern Lights, also known as “Northern Lights”, is one of the most impressive natural spectacles on the planet. Whether in Iceland, Norway, Finland or Canada, a wedding under the northern lights guarantees a mystical and fairytale setting.
But how do you organize a wedding under the northern lights, which destinations are the most recommended, and what is the best time of year?
Don’t worry, right now we will take you by the hand through the most incredible destinations to celebrate a wedding under aurora borealis, the ideal seasons to do it and how to plan every detail to make your big day unforgettable.
Let’s get started!
First of all… Where can I have my wedding under aurora borealis?
There are unique and magical destinations in the northern hemisphere where this phenomenon occurs in all its grandeur. Each location has its own landscapes, culture and wedding options that transform the “I do” into an unforgettable experience.
Iceland, a setting from another planet
Iceland is one of the most popular destinations to enjoy the Northern Lights and also one of the most romantic. This country combines volcanic landscapes, glaciers and waterfalls that seem to be from another planet.
It has a large array of boutique hotels, offering customizable options for weddings, with panoramic views of the Arctic sky. The Nordic atmosphere adds a magical touch to any ceremony.
Norway, with postcard landscapes
Norway is an excellent choice for those looking for a dream wedding with breathtaking natural scenery. Tromsø, known as the “Arctic capital”, combines snowy landscapes with urban life.
On the other hand, the Lofoten Islands offer picture-postcard scenery: rugged mountains, crystal-clear waters and small fishing villages. Here, you can find cozy hotels with glass roofs and private estates overlooking the fjords for a more intimate wedding.
The finishing touch? A menu based on smoked salmon, reindeer and local berry desserts.
Finland, northern lights and Christmas combined
In addition to enjoying the northern lights, would you like your wedding to be inspired by Christmas? Then what better place than the country of Santa Claus?
In Finnish Lapland, you will find some of the best views of the Northern Lights. It also has wonderful glass hotels, rustic cabins and ice chapels that make this destination a perfect choice for an intimate and unique wedding.
In addition, activities such as husky and reindeer sleigh rides add a touch of adventure to the big day.
Canada, luxury and tranquility
The Northwest Territories and Yukon are perfect for those who long to connect with wild and unexplored landscapes. In these regions, you can celebrate your wedding in exclusive luxury lodges, rustic cabins, or even glamping, surrounded by majestic mountains, endless forests and skies that light up with the Northern Lights.
This destination is ideal for those seeking privacy, an intimate experience and a unique environment that combines natural beauty with a touch of adventure. In addition, the tranquility of these territories creates the perfect setting for unforgettable moments, away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Sweden, for an “I do” in an ice chapel
In Kiruna, in northern Sweden, is the famous Icehotel, a place where every corner is a work of art. Ceremonies can take place inside an ice chapel or outdoors, surrounded by a snowy landscape and magical northern lights.
This destination is perfect for minimalist and modern weddings or for those who want to theme their wedding with Scandinavian touches. How about a menu based on fresh seafood and mulled wine?
Don’t miss this article about a traditional Persian wedding at Villa Vänhem in Sweden.
Greenland, for a unique experience
If you dream of a truly remote location full of charm, Greenland is the perfect choice. This unique territory, with its small villages of colorful houses contrasting with vast glaciers and majestic mountains, creates an intimate and magical setting for an unforgettable wedding.
In Greenland, you can add a unique cultural touch by incorporating traditional Inuit ceremonies, surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of the Arctic. This destination offers not only breathtaking scenery, but also an authentic and different experience that will make your celebration extraordinary.
Now, what would a wedding under the Northern Lights be like?
In a wedding under aurora borealis it is very important that every detail of the ceremony and celebration can be adapted to complement this natural spectacle. This type of weddings are usually intimate, thematic and designed to highlight the magic of the place and the moment.
The decoration, imitating the sky
The decoration of a wedding under aurora borealis should be an extension of the natural spectacle of the sky, with colors and textures that represent it: intense greens, violets, blues and golden touches.
For centerpieces, crystals and scented candles create a warm and elegant atmosphere. In addition, natural elements such as wood, spruce branches and plants such as eucalyptus, ferns and white or blue flowers, represent the place where the wedding is being held.
To add a different and unique touch, structures such as glass igloos or transparent domes allow guests to enjoy the natural phenomenon without sacrificing comfort. And dim lighting is paramount!
A fairytale ceremony
For the ceremony, given that it is a wedding under aurora borealis, the ideal would be to celebrate it outdoors, with views of the sky, or inside a glass structure such as an igloo or dome that also allows you to enjoy this natural phenomenon.
If you want to make your ceremony even more unique and in tune with the theme, choose to incorporate local rituals, such as Lappish blessings in Finland or Inuit traditions in Greenland, to make the moment even more special.
Banquet with a local flavor
A banquet inspired by local flavor is the key to complement the magic of a wedding under the northern lights. The menu should reflect the gastronomic richness of the chosen destination:
- A Nordic feast might include fresh salmon, seafood and local berries, highlighting the pure, traditional flavors of the region.
- For a Canadian dinner, you might opt for smoked meats, seasonal vegetable sides, and desserts made with maple syrup that evoke the essence of the forest.
- If the celebration is influenced by the magic of Lapland, holiday desserts such as spice cakes, gingerbread cookies and warm glögi could be a sweet choice.
Each dish will transport guests to the culture of the region, making the banquet an unforgettable experience. In addition, themed cocktails can include indigenous ingredients and colors inspired by the northern lights, adding a visual touch that reinforces the connection to the landscape.
Unique themes and experiences
A wedding under aurora borealis can be designed to be much more than a ceremony: an immersive experience for both the bride and groom and guests.
Why not include photo stations with husky sleds, a traditional dance or even sessions to learn about the Northern Lights? Invitations can have a star map-inspired design, and the dress code can be elegant but weather-appropriate, with layers or arctic-style boots.
But… What is the best time for a wedding under the northern lights?
Now that we know which places are the best to celebrate your wedding under aurora borealis, we also know how to do it, it is important to know how to choose the right season.
The key to enjoy the auroras is to choose cold seasons, when the nights are longer and the sky is dark for more hours.
Autumn: A transitional landscape
From late September to mid-October, the sky begins to turn green and violet, giving way to the first aurora borealis.
At this time, temperatures are milder compared to the deep winter, which may appeal to couples who prefer a less extreme climate. In addition, the scenery is fairytale-like: with golden and reddish forests due to the change of season.
Winter: The quintessential season for aurora viewing
Winter is undoubtedly the most popular time to plan a wedding under aurora borealis. From late November through March, the nights are long and dark, which maximizes the chances of seeing this natural phenomenon.
Snowy landscapes, starry skies and the possibility of holding your wedding in a heated glass dome make winter an irresistible option.
Spring and summer: out of the question
During spring and summer it is practically impossible to see an aurora borealis. This is because the sunlight is constant and that prevents you from seeing this phenomenon.
So if you are planning your wedding under northern lights, the best advice is to avoid the months of May, June, July and August.
If you want to experience the full Northern Lights, your wedding will be cold!
Yes, you can see that your wedding under aurora borealis is possible!
Celebrating the “I do” under a sky illuminated by northern lights is an experience that will remain engraved in your memory forever. However, planning such a wedding can be a challenge if you don’t have the help of experts. This is where Natalia Ortiz of Weddings and Events by Natalia Ortiz and her team can make all the difference.
From choosing the perfect destination, to planning every detail, her advice guarantees a successful experience for you and your guests. In addition, their creativity ensures that every aspect of your ceremony reflects your personality and the magical atmosphere you are looking for.
Ready to take the plunge and live your modern fairy tale? Contact us now!