The Archipelago Sea Elopement Experience

August 2025, from the 1st to 8th

Are you dreaming to elope or renew your vows in a beautiful setting without the crowds? Well, I have exciting news for you: this destination is exactly what you’ve been looking for!
 
How about eloping in an island without anyone else? Imagine an expanse where the sea meets thousands of islands, creating a mosaic of hidden bays. This secret gem offers not only a visual feast but also an intimate setting that feels like it’s from another world, perfect for those seeking to escape the ordinary.

To make everything even more unique, we're going to find you a perfect cabin so you can experience the magic of this place every time you wake up! I’m here to assist you every step of the way, from fine-tuning the logistics to crafting unforgettable experiences, ensuring that your special day is as enchanting as the setting itself. Let’s do this!

Experience the Golden Twilight of Summer in the World’s Most Beautiful Archipelago

The archipelago sea has over 40,000 islands and you can even rent a while island for your secluded elopement experience

To ensure your experience will be the best possible, every destination will have limited availability of two elopement experiences.

This limited availability allows multi-day experiences and backup plans if needed. And most importantly, it ensures we have time to connect with each other.

Early August is a stunning time in the Archipelago Sea when the landscape is vibrant with mature summer hues, and the days are still long enough to experience the gentle twilight.

You can even rent a whole island or I can assist you in booking a perfect place near the water. You can explore everywhere since Finland has everyman’s right - meaning you can roam free, pick berries, or spend a night in a tent as long as there’s 50m to the closest house or cabin.
 
While there are super unique islands, I want you to remember that the elopement experience is not about searching for unique backgrounds for your photos. It’s about making memories of a lifetime. We can still take a ferry or boat ride to a secluded island or islet 🏝 But they aren’t backdrops for a photo. They are the settings of your story. So, I’ll promise you this: We won’t do things just for photos. We do it for the experience.

timeframe for the experience

August is a unique time by the sea

The best time to elope in the Archipelago Sea

August 2025, from the 1st to the 8th.




Envision yourselves exploring Finland’s expansive archipelago: kayaking between the islands, discovering hidden coves, or perhaps hiring a boat ride to an uninhabited islet. Your once-in-a-lifetime experience is filled with intimate moments for just the two of you. While I'm there to photograph your story, I also give you space to savor the intimacy. At the same time, I can be your guide and a supportive friend whenever needed.

Photos of you two on your wedding day aren’t just photos; they are memories of moments. Everything you feel in the moment, you will feel when looking at the pictures. That’s why I never want you to plan anything just for the photos.

This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t put effort or do cool things on your elopement day, far from it. But instead of trying just to find beautiful places to pose for photos, let’s plan things that excite you and make the whole thing an adventure of a lifetime.

Navigating the Endless Archipelago



The location for your ceremony, suggested earlier, feels even more enchanting under the endless summer sky. After a short boat ride, we walk through the small forest to a private rock near the water. At your ceremony site, embraced by the elements, you stand together.

It’s just the two of you, standing on a secluded shore, with the vast sea before you and the lush islands behind. As you exchange vows you’ve written just for this moment, you find that the simplicity and purity of the setting perfectly reflect the depth of your commitment. Here, with the gentle sound of waves and the call of seabirds as your soundtrack, the world falls away, and you focus on this moment.

Boat ride to the ceremony place


Imagine waking up in a cozy cottage in the Finnish Archipelago, where fishermen once braved the seas. As you draw back the curtains, the view unfolds: a panorama of clear waters bordered by green, beautiful islands, urging you to breathe the cleanest air of the World.
 
After a breakfast filled with local flavors, we'll tune into your favorite playlist as I capture the essence of your morning. Outside, the persistent daylight of early August is tempered by a gentle, golden twilight that dances over the waters.
 
You decided to get ready together, but dress separately, so you could have a first look outside or your cabin. After I have helped you to find the perfect spot for your first look, I'll fade into the background so you can have all the feelings privately while I'm still making sure you'll have the memories to hold onto.

Waking up next to the sea 

Here is an example of how all this could feel:

Doing things for the experience

The Archipelago Sea is located in southwestern Finland, between the mainland of Finland and the Åland Islands, which belong to Finland. 

It is part of the Baltic Sea and lies to the south of the city of Turku, extending out towards the Gulf of Bothnia. The area is renowned for its natural beauty, rich biodiversity, and opportunities for outdoor activities like sailing, kayaking, and exploring the unique cultural heritage of the region.

How to get there?

You can fly into Helsinki or straight to Turku. From Helsinki rent a car or use train or but to get to Turku. From Turku, you can explore the Archipelago by car, bike, or ferry.

You can also fly to Stockholm and get there by ferry through the Åland Islands. Once in Turku, you can easily access the Archipelago Sea.

Where is the Archipelago sea and how to get there?

Archipelago Sea location

Even if you legalize your marriage in your home country, your anniversary does not have to be on that date. You can have your marriage license signed in a courthouse in your home state / city and then have a once-in-a-lifetime elopement in the Archipelago sea.

Legalizing your marriage before the elopement


The most significant benefit of a symbolic ceremony is that it allows you to have your elopement ceremony wherever you want. Also, you can modify it in a way that there's only you two and your vows or someone (a hired officiant, a friend, or a family member) who is making the whole process more unique for you. In my experience, the most authentic moments during the ceremonies often only involve the couple getting married. 

Should we have a symbolic ceremony instead?


Non-residents can legally marry in the Archipelago if they complete the required paperwork.

Marrying there is legal, but you must first follow all regulations set out by Digital and Population Data Services Agency (DVV). While straightforward, it can be slightly confusing. Don't worry, I'll help with the process if you want, but I would highly recommend the symbolic ceremony for the best experience.





Can foreigners marry in the Archipelago Sea and are elopements legal there?


THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE ELOPING IN THE Archipelago

Archipelago faq

fun facts & deep thoughts

how i shoot

my work

get to know me

Hello, I'm Jaakko, a lover of adventure, and a passionate photographer. I love a few places in my home country and the Archipelago Sea is definitely one of them.

I first visited the Archipelago Sea many times during my childhood and adult life, but there's always places to explore. I documented my first wedding at the area in 2016, I’ve had the privilege of visiting there many times after that.

Your Elopement Photographer in The Archipelago Sea


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To ensure your best elopement experience, each destination is exclusive to just 2 couples (0 left). This limited availability ensures multi-day explorations, flexible backup plans, and fosters a unique connection between us.

Our journey begins with a personal video consultation. Together, we'll dive into the details of your dream experience, answer any questions you may have, and lay the foundation for something truly extraordinary. Following our conversation, you'll receive a tailored quote reflecting our shared vision. 

Archipelago Sea Elopement is SOLD OUT!

Thank you for your message!

I will get back to you within 48 hours. If you don't hear from me, get in touch via email or hit me up on Instagram.

Talk soon,
Jaakko

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Thank you for your message!

I will get back to you within 48 hours. If you don't hear from me, get in touch via email or hit me up on Instagram.

Talk soon,
Jaakko