Finnish Lapland, a wintery wonderland nestled in the far north, is just something else. The endless forests are blanked with snow, creating a breathtaking landscape.
The best time for an winter elopement in Lapland is late February to early March. By then, the days are starting to get longer, so you have more daylight. And it's not as cold as it is in the middle of winter. The lower temperatures are easier to manage, but you still have all the snow-covered beauty of the season. It's a great balance, making this time of year perfect for a memorable elopement.
If you're wondering about the exact location, I chose Lapland as a whole because I wanted to offer different options for different couples and to ensure your experience is the best possible. After our first call, I'll introduce you to a few options in the area, depending on your interests and hopes.
Finnish Lapland is in the Arctic region, known for its extensive snowy forests and peaceful winter landscapes.
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.
In the later part of winter, around late February and early March, Finnish Lapland transitions beautifully. The harshest cold days have retreated, yet the captivating winter ambiance remains, weaving a unique charm in the atmosphere. This time of the year is a magical canvas for outdoor exploration, as the extended daylight hours afford you ample time to bask in the picturesque beauty of nature.
During the day, the sun already gets a bit higher, casting long shadows and painting the snow-laden landscape in a soft, ethereal glow. This is the perfect time to take part in various outdoor activities such as cross-country skiing, dog sledding, or snowmobiling, leaving your own tracks in the untouched snow.
And as day gives way to night, the sky transforms into a dark, velvety expanse, creating an ideal stage for one of the most breathtaking natural displays—the Northern Lights. The aurora borealis dance across the sky, their vibrant hues shimmering over the snow-covered forests and frozen lakes, an experience that etches itself in your memory.
Week 9, from February 26th to March 1st, 2024.
In the days around your elopement, Lapland offers a variety of exciting winter activities. You can ride a snowmobile over the snow, ski along trails, or hike up quiet paths wearing snowshoes. These thrilling experiences along with the quiet moments of your ceremony will form a diverse set of cherished memories from your time here.
This is not about creating a perfect, staged event. It's about capturing the real emotions, authentic moments, and natural interactions that define you as a couple.
On your elopement day, the focus is on making you feel at ease and fully engaged in each moment. It's a day to enjoy your love, the calm environment, and the deep bond you share, free from outside pressures. The goal is to let you be true to yourselves and your love, making the day a real reflection of who you are together. This is what your day is all about, a sincere and heartfelt celebration of love in Finnish Lapland.
Imagine stepping out from your cozy cabin, located in the stunning Finnish Lapland. The moment the door swings open, brisk winter air greets your face. It's cold, so delightfully cold that it makes your cheeks tingle. But there's a clarity in the frigidity, pureness that you inhale deeply, awakening your senses.
Stepping outside, you can hear the distinct sound of your steps pressing into the snow. It's a quiet, crisp noise that breaks the serene silence around you. Everywhere you look, the scenery is covered in a layer of fresh, white snow. Trees, heavy with snow, stand tall and still in this chilled domain.
Preparing separately, the anticipation stirs a warmth in your heart that contrasts the icy air outside. I've arrived earlier to capture the breathtaking beauty of the setting and the quiet anticipation in your expressions.
The ceremony spot outside has been selected with utmost care. It's sheltered from the chilling winds yet still open to the majestic panorama of the winter wonderland.
As you stand at the ceremony spot, the snow shimmering beneath your feet, the sight ahead is humbling. It's a vast yet welcoming setting, creating the perfect backdrop for your intimate vows. Standing together, you look out over the snow-covered land, and speak the promises you've written just for this occasion. Even if your voice shakes or your hands tremble, the genuine love you share shines through. This is your time, your commitment to each other, secluded and quiet in the midst of the snowy landscape.
On your elopement day, the focus is on making you feel at ease and fully engaged in each moment. It's a day to enjoy your love, the calm environment, and the deep bond you share, free from outside pressures. The goal is to let you be true to yourselves and your love, making the day a real reflection of who you are together. This is what your day is all about, a sincere and heartfelt celebration of love in Finnish Lapland.
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 Lapland.
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.
Non-residents can legally marry in Finnish Lapland if they complete the required paperwork.
And yes, elopements are legal in Lapland 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.
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Lapland elopement experience is sold out! If you're interested about the upcoming destinations, join my mailing list, email me at jaakko@jaakkoperala.com, or hit me a message below!
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Talk soon,
Jaakko