Everything you need to know about Aurora Borealis Weddings

Magical Northern Lights Weddings: Can you elope under the aurora borealis?

The Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis, are one of nature’s most mesmerizing spectacles. Imagine a night sky painted with vibrant hues of green, purple, and pink, swirling and dancing above you. This ethereal glow is the result of charged particles from the sun colliding with the Earth’s magnetic field and atmosphere. These particles, carried by solar winds, create a stunning display of light that can range from soft, diffuse glows to dynamic, dancing curtains.

To see the Northern Lights, you need to be in the right place at the right time. The best locations are typically at high latitudes, such as Finland, Canada, Norway, and Sweden. These regions offer the darkest skies and the clearest views, far from the interference of city lights. The prime time to witness this natural wonder is during the winter months, from September to April, when the nights are longest and darkest. So, if you’re dreaming of a Northern Lights elopement, plan your trip during these months to maximize your chances of experiencing this breathtaking phenomenon.

Understanding the Northern Lights

If you feel like you don't know how to start planning your Northern lights wedding - I'm here to help!

March 11th, 2025.

A Wedding Under the Aurora Borealis?

Northern lights wedding info

Imagine standing together in the silence of the Arctic night, snow crunching beneath your boots, your breath visible in the crisp air. You exchange vows under a sky that shimmers with ribbons of green and purple light—the northern lights dancing above you as if celebrating your love. It’s an intimate, breathtaking, and almost surreal way to get married. Imagine the enchantment continuing into your wedding night, as you embark on an adventurous journey to chase the Northern Lights, making it an unforgettable conclusion to your special day.

A Northern Lights wedding is a dream come true for couples who value experiences over tradition, for those who find romance in adventure rather than grand ballrooms. But can you actually elope under the aurora borealis? The answer is yes—but with a few important things to keep in mind.

The aurora is unpredictable. It depends on solar winds, cloud cover, and how far you are from light pollution. One night, the sky might burst into color; the next, it could stay completely dark. That’s why I always encourage my couples to start planning with flexibility. Instead of setting all hopes on a single moment, plan an entire destination wedding experience—one where you get married in a stunning natural setting during the day, and then chase the aurora at night.

If you’re dreaming of saying I do under the dancing lights, you’ll need the right photographer, the right location, and the right timing. That’s exactly what we’ll explore in this guide—where to go, when to go, and how to make this once-in-a-lifetime adventure happen.




Northern Sweden, especially Abisko National Park, is one of the world’s most reliable places for aurora sightings. Thanks to a special microclimate, Abisko often has clear skies even when surrounding areas are cloudy. This makes it an excellent choice for a northern lights elopement, where you can hike to a secluded spot and say your vows under the Arctic sky. Swedish Lapland also offers luxury wilderness lodges and snowmobile-driving excursions for adventurous couples.


Sweden

With its towering fjords, snow-covered mountains, and rugged coastline, Norway is an incredible setting for a northern lights wedding. Towns like Tromsø, Senja, and the Lofoten Islands sit directly under the auroral oval, meaning dancing lights are often visible when the skies are clear. Whether you choose a mountain-top elopement or a secluded beach, Norway’s beautiful landscapes offer endless possibilities for an intimate, adventurous ceremony. (See more on my Elope in Norway page!)

Norway

If you dream of a cozy, intimate celebration surrounded by snow-draped forests and frozen lakes, Finnish Lapland is a perfect choice. Places like Rovaniemi, Levi, and Saariselkä offer incredible chances to see the northern lights while enjoying unique fun winter activities like dog sledding and reindeer sledding. You can even stay in a glass-roof igloo, watching the aurora dance above you from bed! (Check out my Elope in Finland guide to start planning your dream experience!)

FINLAND

The Best Locations for an Aurora Borealis Wedding

Booking your elopement lodging and travel

What makes a good northern lights wedding location?

The first step in planning your Northern Lights wedding is choosing the perfect location. To see the aurora borealis, you need to be in the right place—somewhere north, ideally near or above the Arctic Circle, far from light pollution, and with plenty of open skies.

The best locations offer not just a high chance of aurora activity, but also breathtaking landscapes for your wedding day. Many of these locations offer specialized Northern Lights wedding packages that include everything from the ceremony to unique winter activities, ensuring a magical and stress-free experience.
For couples looking for total seclusion, Greenland is a hidden gem. With almost no light pollution, the aurora here often burns bright against the night sky. Imagine saying I do by a glacier or an iceberg-filled fjord, the dancing lights overhead making the moment even more surreal. While Greenland requires more logistical planning, the beautiful landscapes and untouched wilderness make it a truly unforgettable destination wedding location.

Greenland

If you’re considering a northern lights wedding in North America, Canada’s northern regions offer some of the best opportunities. Yukon and the Northwest Territories, especially around Yellowknife, are famous for their breathtaking landscapes and near-guaranteed aurora sightings. Picture an intimate vow exchange in a remote lodge, followed by an evening under the glowing sky, far from any city lights.

Canada

For American couples who want to elope under the aurora borealis without leaving the U.S., Alaska is the best bet. Fairbanks is one of the most well-known aurora-viewing locations in the world, with clear nights and reliable activity during the winter months. Stay in a cozy cabin, go aurora borealis hunting, and enjoy fun winter activities like hot spring soaking or snowshoeing before heading out to capture stunning photos under the dancing lights.

Alaska

Timing is everything when it comes to northern lights weddings. The aurora is only visible when the sky is dark enough, and the best months for eloping under the aurora borealis are September, October, February, and March.

In fact, early & late season are the best times to see them, too, as the aurora activity is at the highest level! These months offer a perfect balance between aurora visibility, breathtaking landscapes, and enough daylight to explore the scenery during the day.


When Is the Best Time to Have a Northern Lights Elopement?

Aurora borealis wedding

Why These Months?

  • September & Early October – The first months of the aurora season offer crisp autumn air and stunning fall colors, with golden trees contrasting against beautiful landscapes and the aurora activity is at the highest level. These months are also milder than deep winter, making them perfect for couples who want to experience the Arctic without extreme cold. Plus, nights are long enough for northern lights hunting, but days are still bright for daytime adventures.

  • Late February & March – These are some of the best months to see the northern lights in northern Scandinavia. The skies are often clearer than in mid-winter, the snow is deep and powdery, and the dancing lights are incredibly active. Plus, by March, the days are a little longer, allowing you to experience the best of both worlds—fun winter activities during the day and aurora viewing at night.

What About November–January?

While the aurora is visible during winter months, these months have some challenges:

  • November & December – November often brings unpredictable cloud cover, and in December, locations above the Arctic Circle experience polar night, meaning the sun doesn’t rise at all. While this provides extra-long nights for aurora chasing, it also means less daylight for exploring beautiful landscapes.

  • January – One of the coldest months, January is great for deep winter lovers but can be challenging due to extreme temperatures. The long, dark nights make it an excellent month for aurora borealis hunting, but the harsh conditions require proper preparation.

Backup plans

Since the northern lights are unpredictable, I always recommend my couples stay in a good location for at least 3 nights. This increases your chances of catching a clear sky and active aurora. Some couples choose to stay even longer, combining their destination wedding with a winter adventure, which allows for more opportunities to see the lights.

What is a good location for Northern lights you might ask? Well, it's a location with minimal light pollution, meaning that there aren't cities or traffic lights nearby.

If you start planning your Northern Lights wedding, consider choosing one of these months to maximize your chances of seeing the northern lights while also making the most of the breathtaking landscapes.

How much time do we need to see and capture the northern lights?

Aurora borealis activities

As magical as a northern lights wedding sounds, the reality is that the aurora is never guaranteed. Cloud cover, solar winds, and even the moon’s brightness can affect visibility. That’s why start planning with flexibility is key. Rather than basing your entire wedding on a single moment, it’s best to design a wedding day that will be incredible with or without the aurora borealis.

Planning for the Unpredictable: Backup Plans for Your Northern Lights Wedding

1. Plan Your Wedding Ceremony for the Day, Not at Night

Many couples imagine exchanging vows under the dancing lights, but in reality, wedding ceremonies are difficult to capture in the dark. Long exposure photography (which is needed to photograph the aurora borealis) means you’d have to stand completely still, which isn't ideal when you're caught up in the emotions of the moment. Instead, I always recommend having your wedding ceremony during the day—surrounded by breathtaking landscapes—and then setting aside time for aurora borealis hunting later at night.

2. Stay at Least Three Nights

If seeing the northern lights is important to you, don’t pin your hopes on one evening. I recommend staying in your chosen location for at least three nights. This gives you multiple chances to see the aurora and allows for flexibility if one night is cloudy. The longer you stay, the better your chances! Plus, you’ll have more time to enjoy fun winter activities like dog sledding, reindeer sledding, or even a romantic soak in an outdoor hot spring.

3. Be Ready to Chase the Aurora

To increase your chances of seeing the northern lights, you might need to move away from light pollution and into darker areas. If you’re not renting a car, I can drive you to a remote spot—just 20-30 minutes from a small town can make a huge difference. Sometimes, simply driving to the other side of a mountain or valley can give you clearer skies. I always keep an eye on aurora borealis hunting forecasts and cloud maps so we can adjust plans if needed.

4. Embrace the Adventure, No Matter What

The most important mindset for a Northern Lights elopement? Go with the flow. Even if the aurora doesn’t appear, you’ll still have a stunning, intimate elopement day in one of the world’s most beautiful landscapes. Your wedding will be about you two—whether that’s hiking to a secluded spot, cozying up by a fire, or exploring the Arctic wilderness together. The northern lights are a bonus, not the whole story.

So, if you're dreaming of an aurora borealis wedding, the key is to start planning with a flexible approach. Choose a breathtaking location, give yourself a few nights, and focus on creating an experience that’s unforgettable—aurora or not.

Taking photos under the dancing lights isn’t as simple as snapping a picture on your phone. Because it’s dark, the camera needs a long exposure to let in enough light, meaning any movement can cause blur. That’s why I guide my couples through poses that work best—ones that allow them to hold still while still feeling natural and connected. It’s a balance of planning and spontaneity, waiting for the right moment when the aurora is at its brightest.

The Challenge of Aurora Photography

Arctic circle dream elopement

How to Capture Stunning Wedding Photos Under the Aurora Borealis

To get the best photos, we’ll need to escape light pollution and find an open space where the sky is clear. That might mean driving 20-30 minutes outside of town or hiking to a secluded spot. If there’s cloud cover, we may need to adjust plans at the last minute—I always check aurora forecasts and weather updates to find the best conditions.

Choosing the Right Location

Standing in the snow late at night can get cold fast. That’s why I always bring hand warmers for my couples (and for myself!). I also recommend heated gloves, thick layers, and boots that keep your feet warm. If you get too cold, we take breaks—there’s no rush when we have the whole night to work with.

Staying Warm for the Photos

The best aurora photos aren’t just about the sky—they’re about you two. Whether you’re standing hand in hand under the breathtaking landscapes, wrapped in a cozy blanket, or sharing a quiet kiss beneath the aurora borealis, I focus on creating images that feel real. Some of my favorite shots happen when couples aren’t even thinking about the camera—they’re just there, fully present in the moment.

While the northern lights are unpredictable, one thing is certain: we’ll do everything possible to capture this once-in-a-lifetime experience. And even if the aurora doesn’t show up, we’ll still create incredible nighttime portraits that tell the story of your Arctic adventure.

It's about you - not the nothern lights!

Dresses & Suits:
  • Brides, consider a dress with long sleeves or heavier fabric like velvet to help keep warm. Grooms, layering thermal wear under a suit is a game-changer!

Footwear:
  • Forget heels or dress shoes—opt for insulated winter boots so you can move comfortably through the snow.

Accessories:
  • Hats, scarves, and heated gloves will keep you cozy between shots. And don’t forget hand warmers—I always bring extra for my couples!

2. Choose Wedding Attire That Works for the Arctic

The trick to dressing for an aurora borealis wedding is warm layers. You’ll want:

  • Base Layer – A thermal layer (like merino wool or moisture-wicking synthetics) to keep heat close to your body.

  • Mid Layer – A fleece or insulated down jacket to trap warmth.

  • Outer Layer – A windproof and waterproof coat or parka to protect against the elements.

1. Layer Up (It’s the Secret to Staying Warm!)

What to Wear for a Northern Lights Wedding

A northern lights elopement is magical—but it’s also cold. Whether you’re standing in the snow for your wedding ceremony or waiting under the aurora borealis for the perfect photo, staying warm is key to fully enjoying the experience. The good news? You can absolutely stay comfortable and look amazing if you start planning your outfit with the right layers.
You don’t have to sacrifice style for warmth. Many couples wear stunning coats over their wedding attire, adding a cozy yet elegant look to their elopement day. A faux-fur shawl or wool blanket can also add a romantic, Nordic touch while keeping you warm.

3. Stay Practical but Stylish

If you book me as your Northern Lights photographer, I’ll send you a complete clothing guide with recommendations tailored to your location and season. That way, you’ll know exactly how to start planning your wardrobe for an unforgettable destination wedding in the Arctic.


4. I’ve Got You Covered!

fun facts & deep thoughts

how i shoot

my work

get to know me

Hi, I'm Jaakko. Adventurer, outdoor-enthusiast, husband, father, in love with the wild nature. I photograph people who want to honour their love through a meaningful experience and memories that last for a lifetime.

If you’re like me, a big wedding isn’t for you. Not if you really think about it. And I want you to be brave enough to say no to it. Because I wish my wife and I had been. And I'll be there to capture it all.


Your northern lights PHOTOGRAPHER

My favorite memories

Let's Start Planning Your Adventure

+ Flexible Coverage Options

Experiences crafted exclusively for you

Northern Lights Elopement Packages and Pricing:

From 5 hours, half-day, full-day, to 2-5 days—tailored to your needs and desires.

+ Personalized Planning Support & 60+ page guide


Unlimited video calls and assistance. You also receive my exclusive 60+ page "Experience Over Photos" guide, complete with checklists and resources to help with locations, vendors, permits, timeline creation, and everything you might need.


+ Exclusive Location Scouting by an Experienced Orienteer
With over a decade of experience in orienteering and professional photography, I'll guide you to hidden gems where you can be fully present with each other, away from the crowds.


+ Genuine Connection & Award-Winning Photography

I invest time to get to know you as individuals, ensuring you're comfortable and free to be yourselves—leading to real, heartfelt moments. As a two-time winner of Junebug's Best of the Best Wedding Collection, I bring an artistic eye to capturing your day in a way that's both authentic and breathtaking.


+ Peace of Mind & Shared Road Trip Adventure

Your safety and comfort are paramount. Equipped with my background in orienteering and trail running, I can navigate unexpected situations and ensure a smooth journey.

+ No Hidden Fees
All costs are transparent, with no surprise charges.


+ Sneak Peeks Within 48 Hours & full printing rights
Relive the magic shortly after your day with 20+ sneak peek images. The full gallery is delivered with full printing rights and high-resolution downloads.

Starting at 5,800 €

by submitting this contact form you confirm that you have read and agree to my privacy policy.

submit

Filling this form takes only 1 minute! I'm so excited to hear about your ideas and help you plan everything! 

Your unique experience starts here!

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

read more

MY Guide TO PLANNING AN UNFORGETTABLE AND SUPER-PERSONAL ELOPEMENT IN EUROPE

read more

Why dreaming big is the best thing you can do for your elopement?

read more

The most important reasons you should elope

on the blog

inspiration & ideas for your nordic elopement

Norwegian wedding traditions you could borrow for your elopement

Top 10 Airbnb Cabins in Norway for Couples

How to Elope in Norway?

More resources for your dream experience

Things I wish I had known

How To get legally married in Norway as a foreigner?

Is Norway Ruined by Tourism? What can we do to be more sustainable?

Ultimate Hiking Proposal Guide for Norway