Arctic Elopement Adventure in Norway: A Magical Love Story

So being adventurers at heart we wanted to do something a bit different for our wedding. After doing a lot of research we settled on an arctic elopement. I (Katherine) wanted to climb a mountain and Chris wanted to see the Northern Lights. We then started researching photographers to make this happen and found Tanja from TS Foto Design and from the first time speaking to her we knew we wanted her to be our adventure elopement photographer.

We planned to visit Alta in Northern Norway for 8 days to maximise our chance of seeing the Northern Lights, here is how it went. For content we visited in early February 2024.

Day 1 – Travel Day

We were travelling from the UK so caught an early flight from Heathrow to Oslo and then another flight up to Alta. We arrived early afternoon (just before it got dark!) and relaxed and unpacked at our airbnb. Where we stayed in Alta.

Day 2 – Settle in and explore Alta city centre, Northern light hunting

We began our first morning in Alta by visiting the Northern Lights cathedral. This was well worth in, there is a movie downstairs about the Northern Lights which was really beautiful and the cathedral was stunning.

We then meet up with Tanja to do a final run through of the elopement plan before grabbing some lunch at Erica’s and looking around the shops. We then headed back to our Airbnb for a relaxing afternoon, as we were planning to go Northern Light hunting that evening as it was looking clear.

We were right, we drove North out of Alta at around 9:30pm until we found a lay-by where we could pull over. We jumped out the car and just like that, the Northern Lights were right above us!

Day 3 – Elopement Day – Hike and special meal

The day was here…it was an early start as the hairdresser was arriving at 7am and the photographer at 8am.

Once we were ready, the hike up to Nordtoppen began. We hiked through the morning and as we climbed the views just go better and better. Hiking on snow was a bit different but something we got used to as luckily the path was well formed. But being a week day we didn’t see anyone on our hike up.

At the top there was a cute little hut where we could light a fire and warm up before our mountain ceremony.

Then it was time, we would exchange our vows, exchange rings and perform hand fasting. The view was just incredible and it was such an amazing experience, even if it was -20C!

After the ceremony we have a few more photos before returning to the hut to warm up, eat packed lunch, drink hot chocolate and toast marshmallows.

We then headed back out to get some more photos before the sunset of a different mountain view and popping the champagne. Then we got changed before heading back down the mountain and warming up at the Airbnb.

In the evening we then enjoyed a special meal of nordic tapas at Skakeriet in Alta.

Day 4 – Cross country skiing lesson and more photos

The first day of our honeymoon we had a cross county skiing lesson in the morning, which happened to be a private lesson. And then met up with our photographer for some more photos in the trees.

Day 5 – Snowmobiling and Northern Light photo shoot

The next day was an epic one! We spend the day on snowmobiles on the Finnmark Plateau. Then in the night we went Northern Light hunting with our photographer and were able to catch some good ones.

Day 6 – Ice fishing and snow shoeing and staying in an arctic dome

We now left our airbnb in Alta to try out some different accommodation. We tried our hand at ice fishing and snow shoeing. We didn’t catch anything but one person it the group did so we were able to try some arctic chard as well the a salmon lunch that was cooked for us in a tipi.

That evening we stayed at Holmen Husky in their arctic dome. Luckily there was a fire and electric blankets that kept us warm. We enjoyed a nice meal here and had a relaxing evening star gazing.

Day 7 – Husky ride, visiting and staying in an igloo hotel

We began our day with a good breakfast at Holmen Husky before going out on a Husky ride. What a wonderful experience. The dogs were desperate to go when we were getting ready but they calmed down once we were going. They wanted all the cuddles once we were back to the lodge.

We then headed back to Alta, to the same parking lot as we did our previous hike at and did a short hike to Hjemmeluftoppen before it got too dark. We then headed to the Alta museum for a late lunch – can recommend. As well as a look around the museum and some shopping in the gift shop. We found the most beautiful glass northern lights Christmas decoration.

After this, we headed to Sorrisniva, the igloo hotel, where we would stay this night. We checked in and we were given a tour of the facilities. Then we went to look around the hotel at the beautiful sculptures and get a drink in the ice bar!

We then hung out in the snug before we got dinner at the arctic lodge which was amazing. We then went out to try our luck to seeing the Northern Lights but we didn’t see much this evening. So we went back, found our sleeping bags and went to our room in the igloo hotel, leaving all our valuables in the safe in the lodge.

Day 8 – Reindeer ride, staying in an arctic glass box and more Northern Lights

We both actually slept surprisingly well, but we were grateful for the lodge to warm up in. First stop was the sauna, we then showered and got a good breakfast and loaded up the car before waiting for our activity. We were lucky and this was another private activity for us. We met the Sami herder who took us to meet his reindeer before we got to ride in a sleigh to a Sami tipi, where we enjoyed coffee, snacks and heard stories about the Sami culture and the nomadic reindeer herders life.

After this we returned to the Sorrisniva lodge and drove onto our next destination, Flatmoen Natur lodges. These lodges (there is 4 in total) and situated on a farm, in a field and far from light pollution. Making a great place to see the Northern Lights. They are equipped with private shower room, small kitchen, adjustable beds and hot tubs. We spend some time relaxing and reflecting on our time in Norway before enjoying some food and a soak in the hot tub. Its a strange feeling when your body is warm but your hair is literally frozen!

Then just as we were getting ready for bed we thought we saw the Northern Lights so we went to look and we were right, Norway was saying goodbye to us by giving an amazing show!

Day 9 – Travel Day

Our last day was here and it was time to say goodbye to Norway, we headed back to Alta airport to hand back the hire car and catch our flight back to Oslo. We had a few hours in Oslo airport so grabbed some dinner before heading back to Heathrow and then on home.

What an epic trip!

Until next time, happy travelling,

Katherine x