HOW TO PLAN A
WEDDING IN LAPLAND
The guide to an intimate wedding in Finnish Lapland
THINKING TO HAVE YOUR WEDDING IN LAPLAND?
If you’re not into the whole big wedding thing, an intimate celebration is for you. Imagine saying your vows surrounded by peaceful nature and breathtaking views. This kind of setting gives you the space to be fully present, celebrate your love in a way that’s true to you, and ditch the rulebook completely. If you’re drawn to wild landscapes, crave something intimate, and want your wedding to reflect who you really are, Lapland might just be the perfect place.
I'm Marion, a local photographer, I help couples planning their wedding here in Lapland. My mission is to ensure that your experience is not only beautiful but also authentic and true to the unique connection you share. Together we’ll create memories that you'll cherish for a lifetime.
WHY YOU WOULD WANT TO HAVE AN INTIMATE WEDDING IN LAPLAND
NATURAL WONDERS
From the vibrant autumn colors, to the northern lights, to the serene snow-covered landscapes of winter and the Midnight Sun in summer, Lapland is a land of breathtaking natural wonders, making your wedding an out of ordinary experience no matter the season.
PRISTINE REGION
With 7 National Parks and 5 million hectares of forest, Lapland is the perfect destination for couples seeking pristine nature. Lapland is considered the most peaceful place in Europe to its vast, uninhabited wilderness and low population density, creating a sense of serenity and privacy that is hard to find elsewhere.
FREEDOM TO EXPLORE
In Lapland, the unique concept of Everyman's Right opens the door to experiences in nature. It allows couples to celebrate a wedding in breathtaking landscapes, free from many of the usual venues costs and permits.
LEGAL REQUIREMENTS TO GET MARRIED.
As a foreigner, a civil wedding ceremony in Lapland involves several steps and requires specific documentation (I will accompany you throughout the process). If the idea of going through the paperwork is too daunting, a legal ceremony in your home country and a symbolic ceremony filled with meanings in Lapland is also an option.
Documents Required
1. Both parties need valid passports.
2. Certificate of no impediments (CNI) : You need a document from your home country proving that you are legally free to marry.
3. All documents should be in English or Finnish. If they’re not, you may need to have them translated and possibly legalized or apostilled.
Booking your officiant
The local register office will need to review your documents of no impediment before the ceremony. The officiant can travel almost anywhere for the celebration. I’ll take care of finding your civil officiant for you, so you can focus on what truly matters and leave the legalities to me.
Final Steps
After the wedding, you'll get an official marriage certificate to register the marriage in your home country. This may be necessary for changing your name or updating your marital status.
Who can get married in Finnish Lapland?
You do not need to be a resident, but you do need to comply with the legal requirements. You will need to be over 18 years old and have two witnesses at least 15 years old. Same sex marriages are celebrated.
THE BEST TIME OF YEAR FOR A WEDDING IN LAPLAND
Winter wedding (December to March)
During these months, Lapland is covered in snow, offering an ethereal atmosphere with the possibility of seeing the Northern Lights. However, be prepared for very cold temperatures, limited daylight hours.
Summer wedding (June to Mid-August)
Lapland experiences the midnight sun with 24 hours of daylight, warmer temperatures, and lush green landscapes. This season is ideal for outdoor ceremonies and exploring nature. Keep in mind that there will be no Northern Lights.
Autumn wedding (End of August to October)
For a quieter, picturesque setting with stunning fall foliage, autumn is an excellent choice. The golden colors provide beautiful sceneries, and the longer nights offer a chance to see the Northern Lights. It is the perfect season for a full wedding day under the open skies!
THE BEST LOCATIONS
Riisitunturi National Park
In winter, Riisitunturi turns into a magical wonderland. The park is famous for its snow-covered spruce trees, called "tykky," which bend under weight of the snow, creating dreamy, fairytale scenes. With the beautiful white backdrop. There are great trails for winter hikes and snowshoeing, perfect for couples looking for incredible landscapes without crazy hiking.
Highlights
-
A ceremony under the slopping bogs
-
Dog sledding
-
Northern Lights Spotting
Kuusamo
Kuusamo is an absolute gem for adventurous and outdoorsy couples. The region flourish with incredible locations such as Valtavaara, Konttainen or Oulanka National Park. The peaceful atmosphere invites deep connections.
Highlights
-
Downhill Skiing in Ruka
-
Stay in a traditional log cabin
-
Hiking
Pyhä-Luosto
This small village sits on the edge of a national park, surrounded by dramatic fells, untouched forests, and frozen lakes. It’s the perfect choice for those who want to escape the crowds but still want to enjoy iconic Lapland activities and commodities.
Highlights
-
Stay at Kurula Resort for a luxurious retreat
-
Try a traditional sauna before ice dipping
-
Ice climbing
-
Snowmobiling
Ylläs-Pallas
It’s one of the most tranquil parts of Lapland. Far from busy tourist areas, you can find hidden spots for a deeply personal ceremony. The park is vast, so it’s easy to find a quiet place where it’s just the two of you (plus a photographer and maybe a celebrant!).
Highlights
-
Cross country Skiing
-
Try winter mountain biking
-
Rent a rowing boat on the lake in summer
Rovaniemi
It is the most popular destination in Finnish Lapland, thanks to its easy accessibility and international airport. It’s a convenient choice for couples traveling with young children or hosting guests, as the city offers a wide range of accommodations, vendors, and activities. However, during the winter season, some areas can get quite crowded. Having the right person to plan alongside you is essential, I will help you discover the intimate side of Lapland and steer you away from overly commercialized spots.
Highlights
-
Snowmobiling
-
Ice floating
-
Ice skating in the forest
-
Rent a traditional Kota to host your wedding dinner
GUESTS or JUST THE TWO OF YOU?
Intimacy and personal preference
Think about how you truly envision your wedding day. If your dream is an intimate, deeply personal experience without the hassles of a traditional wedding, then having no guests might be the perfect choice. But if the idea of excluding your loved ones is heartbreaking, then inviting a few carefully chosen guests becomes a meaningful decision.
Budget
Accounting for travel and accommodation costs for guests is important. Decide if your budget can accommodate these additional expenses. Remember that a smaller guest list or no guests at all can significantly reduce costs, allowing you to allocate more funds to other aspects of the wedding or honeymoon.
Climate & Accessibility
If you're thinking about a winter wedding in Lapland and inviting guests, be mindful that the extreme cold can limit your options.
Overall, having guests might require some compromises in your wedding experience, so think about what matters most to you and prioritize accordingly.
WHEN SHOULD YOU START PLANNING
Wedding with guests
12–18 months before:
-
Choose your season and date
-
Book your venue and key vendors (photographer, caterer)
-
Inform guests early so they can plan travel
9–12 months before:
-
Reserve accommodation
-
Arrange transport (flights, transfers, car rentals)
-
Book entertainment and activities
6–9 months before
-
Send invitations
-
Finalize menu and ceremony details
-
Confirm officiant and timeline
3–6 months before:
-
Handle legal paperwork
-
Finalize travel and RSVPs
-
Prepare guest info packs (weather tips, local info)
Tips:
-
Book early, winter dates fill fast.
-
Use local vendors who know Lapland’s conditions.
Wedding with no guests
6–12 months before:
-
Pick your date and season
-
Book your photographer, venue or cabin, and any local vendors (officiant, makeup, flowers)
-
Start paperwork for legal marriage if needed
3–6 months before:
-
Finalize travel plans and accommodation
-
Plan ceremony details
-
Arrange extra experiences (snowmobile, sauna, husky ride)
1–2 months before:
-
Confirm all bookings and check weather prep (layers, boots, etc.)
Tips:
-
Winter dates book fast, start early if you want snowy scenery.
-
Local vendors know the best secret spots and light conditions.
THE BEST AIRBNBS TO HOST A WEDDING IN LAPLAND
Your choice of accommodation plays a big role in your destination wedding, it sets the atmosphere for your entire stay, from the quiet moments of getting ready to the joy of your celebration. Sometimes, you might even find the perfect ceremony spot right outside your Airbnb!
When choosing where to stay, look for a place surrounded by nature, away from the city’s noise, where you can truly feel the magic of Lapland and that intimate atmosphere you’re dreaming of. At the same time, keep accessibility in mind.
If you’d like to discover some of the best Airbnbs in Lapland, send me a message and I’ll share my own private, curated list of favorites.
WHAT YOUR WEDDING DAY
Could look like
QUIETLY GETTING READY
Soft light, quiet laughter, slow breaths. In your little cottage, love hums gently, the calm before the “I do.”
WRITING YOUR VOWS
Write your vows slowly, from the heart. Think of the quiet moments, the laughter, the challenges, and the love that brought you here. These are your vows, your story, spoken aloud.
THE FIRST LOOK
Your heart races, your breath catches, and the moment you see your partner, everything feels exactly as it should be.
ON THE ROAD
The road stretches ahead, quiet and endless. Snow drifts softly across the trees, and the world feels still, just you and the promise of where you’re headed.
THE CEREMONY
You stand together, hearts full, hands intertwined. Every word, every glance feels timeless. Surrounded by nature’s quiet, this is the moment everything becomes real.
DINNER
On the shore of a peaceful lake, you dine around the fire of a glass igloo. When all of a sudden, the northern lights appear, dancing above you.
YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER
Hi, I’m Marion, your local wedding photographer in Lapland. I fell head over heels for the Arctic and made it my home. Today, I help couples plan and live out their dream wedding. From planning every detail to capturing it all through my lens, I’m here to make sure your experience feels effortless, personal, and deeply meaningful.
Whether it’s just the two of you or a small, wild celebration, I’ll guide you through the whole process, from locations and local vendors to timelines that flow naturally with the light and seasons. If, like me, you crave authenticity, love the outdoors, and believe your wedding should feel like you... Let's connect!
WHAT'S INCLUDED
An authentic approach
I believe your wedding shouldn't be just about the beautiful photos and fancy dinner, it's about how you experience your wedding. That’s why on top of photos, I’m here to help plan a wedding that will be deeply personal.
Unlimited planning calls
Whether it’s finding the right vendors or helping you shape every part of your celebration, I’m all in. However many calls it takes, we’ll make sure the planning process feels easy, meaningful, and completely you, so you can focus on what matters most : having the best time with the person you love.
Local expertise and scouting.
As someone who lives in Lapland and spend her free time exploring, I will find the perfect location for your wedding.
Photos to cherish your memories
-
Unlimited amount of photos, you'll simply get all of the stunning photos delivered on a private gallery.
-
Award-winning photography, I will capture your memories in a beautiful artful way, ensuring you'll be able to remember how your wedding felt for a lifetime.
PRICING
How much does a wedding in Lapland cost
-
Civil officiant's fees
-
Marriage certificate and apostille fee
-
Assistance with paperworks in Finland
-
Planning assistance & expertise
-
Unlimited video calls
-
Your local guide & friend
-
Location scouting
-
Vendors coordination
-
Extensive planning guidebook (+60 pages)
-
Accommodation suggestions
-
Sneak-peek gallery within 72 hours
-
Full gallery within 30 days
-
Your story artfully captured (from 2 hours to multiple days)
-
Traveling anywhere in Lapland
Starting at 2.800€
It includes everything you need to get married legally, no extra fees, no surprises!
I could not have planned our day any better and cannot recommend Marion more highly! (...) She made everything sound so easy (...) It was beyond anything we could have imagined! Marion made us feel so comfortable and our photos show how happy and relaxed we were on the day (...) I am so grateful!
Natalie & Ian
START PLANNING YOUR WEDDING IN LAPLAND!
