Is Sweden a good country for elopements?
Before we start talking about the best elopement locations in Sweden, I have to ask you: Are you thinking of getting married in Sweden? Congratulations! You selected one of the most beautiful countries in the world. Sweden offers everything from wonderful beaches to scenic mountains. That’s actually why I decided to relocate to Sweden and to live here 14 years ago. Nature is basically behind the corner everywhere even if you live in the capital Stockholm. That brings a lot of opportunities for beautiful weddings which can be held both in unique landscapes and also in picturesque villages and cities which are still hidden from mass tourism compared to other European countries. I am so thankful that I work as an elopement photographer in Sweden and that I can help couples from all around the world to spend the most beautiful days of their lives here.
Another reason why Sweden is a great choice for elopements is the smooth paperwork you have to deal with before your wedding day. Unlike in Norway for instance, here we have pretty straightforward rules for how to get married. I am working right now on a comprehensive guide on how to get married which will appear on my website soon. If you want the information already now, send me a message to info@jardazaoral.com
What are the best elopement locations in Sweden?
Your elopement in Sweden can be as unique as you. Sweden offers an incredible variety of landscapes, making it one of the most diverse and exciting places for an elopement. Whether you dream of exchanging vows under the northern lights, on a remote mountain peak, or in a charming medieval town, Sweden has something for every couple. From the frozen magic of the Ice Hotel in the Arctic to the sun-kissed beaches of Gotland, this country is perfect for those who want adventure, as well as those who prefer a more intimate and relaxed setting. Your wedding day should be about what makes you happiest – whether that’s skiing down the slopes of Åre after saying “I do” to your life partner, hiking through the wild landscapes of Sarek National Park, or celebrating with close friends on a private island in the Stockholm Archipelago.
An elopement doesn’t have to mean just the two of you running away in secret to get married in Las Vegas by a priest dressed as Elvis. It can be anything from an intimate moment shared between the couple to a celebration with up to dozens of guests in a beautiful natural setting. You can choose an adrenaline-fueled adventure, like a via ferrata ceremony on Höga Kusten, or a cozy event, like a candlelit winter wedding in Stockholm’s historic Gamla Stan. Maybe you want to incorporate a shared passion, such as skiing across the Vasaloppet finish line hand in hand or taking a helicopter to the summit of Kebnekaise. The opportunities are endless, and the beauty of elopement is that it allows you to design your wedding experience exactly as you imagine it.
The most important thing about an elopement is that it’s about you. Your wedding should be a day that feels like a true reflection of your relationship and what brings you joy. If that means hiking for hours to exchange vows with a breathtaking mountain view, do it. If it means saying “I do” in a cute seaside cottage surrounded by your closest family and friends, that’s perfect too. Sweden is full of magical places where you can create unforgettable memories, and whatever your vision, the most important thing is that you and your partner truly enjoy your special day. Would you like some help from a local with tips and tricks about weddings and elopements? I am here to help you designing it. I don’t only photograph weddings but also offer:
- Wedding planning & advice on marriage licences
- Personalized activity ideas including locations & accommodation tips
- Creative & fun photography including drone shots
Now, you know the basics about eloping in Sweden. Let’s finally start with the best eloping locations in Sweden.
Abisko national park offers all for a dream elopement
Abisko National Park is a dream destination for couples who love untouched wilderness and Arctic beauty. Known for its clear skies and exceptional northern lights visibility, Abisko offers one of the best opportunities in the world to witness this natural wonder. The park’s dramatic landscapes, featuring wonderful viewpoints, frozen lakes, and wild mountains, provide a striking and romantic backdrop for an elopement. Whether you choose a ceremony under the midnight sun in summer or beneath the auroras in winter, Abisko’s stunning views and remote charm make it an unforgettable location to exchange vows.
Experience the most unique elopement location in Sweden at the Ice Hotel
As we talk about the north of Sweden, we can’t miss the Ice Hotel. While winter landscapes are becoming increasingly rare in Europe, the Ice Hotel in Jukkasjärvi guarantees a wonderful winter experience and offers a dreamlike retreat for winter enthusiasts. This world-famous hotel, rebuilt each year from blocks of ice harvested from the nearby Torne River, provides a magical setting for an unforgettable elopement. The unique ice sculptures, sparkling walls, and blue glow create a magical atmosphere that feels straight out of a fairytale. To make your wedding even more special, there is an Ice Chapel, also sculpted from ice, which provides an intimate and breathtaking space to say “I do.” If you and your partner dream of a wedding set in a frozen wonderland, this is the ultimate destination.
Get married under northern lights in Sweden
The northern lights, or Aurora Borealis, are one of nature’s most awe-inspiring displays, offering an unforgettable backdrop for an intimate elopement. From September to April, Sweden’s Arctic regions provide front-row seats to this spectacular phenomenon. Here you have the advantage that an exact location is not a must. Multiple elopement locations in Sweden can offer fantastic northern lights from approximately Höga Kusten up to Treriksröset, the most northern point of Sweden. Imagine exchanging vows under a sky painted with vibrant colors of green, purple, and pink as the lights dance above you. Whether you choose to witness this spectacular lights from a frozen lake, or near an Arctic lodge, the experience is nothing short of magical. Not only will your wedding photos be surreal, but the sense of adventure and romance will make your special day truly unique.
Do you prefer a sunny wedding? Elope in summer paradise Gotland
A Swedish summer paradise, Gotland is an enchanting island in the Baltic Sea, famous for its windmills, breathtaking beaches, and dramatic cliffs. The island’s crown jewels are the unique limestone formations known as “raukar,” which rise mysteriously from the coastline, creating a striking backdrop for wedding photos. But Gotland is also not just nature. With its medieval architecture, charming cobblestone streets, and the historic town of Visby (a UNESCO World Heritage site), Gotland offers romance and nostalgia. Whether you dream of a beachside ceremony at sunset or an intimate elopement in Visby Cathedral, Gotland offers a picturesque setting to celebrate love.
You can make a fantastic elopement in Stockholm too!
Are you looking for more urban elopement locations in Sweden? Remember, you can elope anywhere. A big city like Stockholm doesn’t mean it’s only suitable for large weddings. In fact, it offers amazing elopement opportunities as well. For couples who love the charm of a historic city, Stockholm offers a mix of elegance and fairy-tale romance. Whether you prefer a wedding in the medieval streets of Gamla Stan, a rooftop ceremony overlooking the city’s waterways, or an intimate gathering in one of Stockholm’s parks by the sea, the city has endless enchanting spots. Its blend of old-world charm and modern Scandinavian vibes makes it a perfect location for an unforgettable urban elopement which can also be combined with an adventure. How about kayaking in the Stockholm city centre? How about a hot air balloon trip during sunset or an adventure helicopter tour?
Elope on one of thousands of islands in the Stockholm archipelago!
A short boat ride from Swedish capital, the Stockholm Archipelago consists of over 30,000 islands and each offers its own unique charm. Imagine exchanging vows on a secluded island with waves gently lapping the shore or in a seaside cottage with panoramic ocean views. Whether you prefer a summer wedding under the never dark sky or a cozy winter escape on a snow-covered island, the archipelago provides a peaceful and romantic setting.
Get married in a northern hiking paradise on Kungsleden or in Sarek
For adventurous couples who find romance in nature, Kungsleden and Sarek National Park offer the most scenic elopement locations in Sweden because you can find there some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the world. Kungsleden, or “The King’s Trail,” is a legendary hiking route stretching through Arctic wilderness, featuring dramatic valleys, wild rivers, and impressive peaks. Sarek, known as Sweden’s most remote and untouched national park, is a paradise for those seeking a real adventure. Imagine saying your vows atop a mountain ridge, with nothing but the unspoiled wilderness stretching around you. Whether you hike to your perfect spot or embark on a helicopter adventure, your wedding will be an experience of pure, wild beauty.
Plan a skiing wedding in Åre and visit the largest waterfall in Sweden
For couples who share a passion for skiing and winter landscapes, Åre is the ultimate elopement destination. Known as Sweden’s best ski resort, Åre offers world-class slopes, cozy lodges, and a vibrant alpine atmosphere. But the adventure doesn’t stop on the slopes—nearby Tännforsen, Sweden’s largest waterfall, provides a dramatic and romantic backdrop for wedding photos. Imagine a winter wedding with snowflakes gently falling around you, followed by a thrilling ski session down the beautiful mountains. Whether you prefer a luxurious mountain lodge ceremony or an adventurous snow-covered escape, Åre and Tännforsen offer the perfect mix of romance and adrenaline.
Do something spectacular – Get married on Kebnekaise
Do you want to experience the most spectacular view in Sweden during your wedding? For couples who want to experience something unique and special, Sweden’s highest peak, Kebnekaise, offers an unforgettable experience. Standing at approximately 2,100 meters, this mountain top is a dream for thrill-seekers and nature lovers. If hiking to the summit sounds too daunting, you can take a helicopter ride to the top. Exchanging vows at the highest point in Sweden, surrounded by snow-capped peaks and endless horizons, will make your wedding truly epic. This is a celebration of love at its most adventurous.
Are you looking for a special challenge? Get married at Vasaloppet finish
Do you like sports and races? Believe it or not, couples can get married at the finish line of the legendary Vasaloppet, the world’s longest cross-country ski race. The Swedish church is offering drop-in weddings there. If you and your partner are enthusiastic skiers, imagine celebrating your love by crossing the finish line hand in hand and making history with a unique, adrenaline-filled wedding ceremony in Mora. This is the ultimate way to combine sport and romance in an unforgettable way. Do you prefer running to skiing? Similarly, the finish of Stockholm marathon also belongs to these special sporty elopement locations in Sweden.
How about getting married after a summer adventure at Höga Kusten?
Let’s get back to summer activities but let’s stay at adrenaline activities for a while. For thrill-seekers, Höga Kusten (The High Coast) offers not only fantastic hiking on high mountains on the coast of the Baltic sea but also offers a special via ferrata experience. Imagine saying your vows on a dramatic cliffside, overlooking the breathtaking coastline and the vast Baltic Sea below. With the perfect mix of adventure and stunning landscapes, this location is ideal for couples looking for a truly unique and adrenaline-fueled wedding experience.
The location must be about you
Did you get some inspiration from these elopement locations in Sweden? Bear in mind that the options are endlesss. I have visited all the above mentioned places multiple times and I can recommend them 100%! At these spots, I can help you with planning everything necessary to your wedding because I know both local vendors and accommodation providers. But the list of places where I’ve been and where you can get married is much longer. If these locations have sparked your imagination but you have another Scandinavian gem in mind, the possibilities are endless. Sweden and its neighboring countries offer countless breathtaking places for an elopement. Let’s brainstorm about a perfect spot for your wedding on a free consulation with me.
