Lapland Elopement Guide

Do you picture yourself waking up in a glass igloo surrounded by a winter wonderland?  Maybe you’re even bold enough to do so on the morning of your adventure wedding… Well them, choosing to plan a Lapland elopement may be ideal for you!  Our team has crated and forever documented many.  Therefore, use this intricate guide to help you plan a super fun elopement in Finnish Lapland!

Where is Lapland?

But wait, where is Lapland?  To illustrate, the area is situated within the Northern section of the Scandinavian countries of Norway, Sweden, Finland, plus the Kola Peninsula in Russia.  Next, when folks fly to Lapland, typically they fly into the following airports:

  • Enontekiö Airport (ENF) in Finland.
  • Ivalo Airport (IVL) in Finland.
  • Kemi-Tornio Airport (KEM) in Finnish Lapland.
  • Kittila Airport (KTT) in Finland.
  • Kuusamo Airport (KAO) in Finland).
  • Rovaniemi Airport (RVN) in Finland.

Traveling to Lapland can be a bit time consuming as there are no direct flights offered from North America.  You will always have to fly into the major city within Scandanvia first then either take puddle jumper planes or drive.  But we do not suggest driving for your Lapland elopement during winter unless you have experience with driving in snow.  Why?  The weather can be brutal in regards to cold and snow.

Best Time of Year to Visit Lapland

If you’re looking to be surrounded by snow, Northern Lights, and the magic of winter the best time to visit Lapland is between November to March.  And if you are specifically a Christmas lover for sure come in November-December.  However, be aware that Lapland experiences Polar Nights during the winter months.  Which isn’t full on darkness but more like a twilight during the day.  Furthermore, here is a quick rundown of what to expect for your Lapland elopement as far as sunrise / sunset times and average temps throughout the year.

November in Lapland:

  • Sunrise: 9:30am
  • Sunset: 2:15pm
  • Average Temperatures: 25° / 13°F

December in Lapland:

  • Sunrise: None / Polar Nights
  • Sunset: None / Polar Nights
  • Average Temperatures: 20° / 5°F

January in Lapland:

  • Sunrise: 11:02am
  • Sunset: 1:36pm
  • Average Temperatures: 16° / 0°F

February in Lapland:

  • Sunrise: 8:30am
  • Sunset: 4:15pm
  • Average Temperatures: 18° / 2°F

March in Lapland:

  • Sunrise: 6:30am
  • Sunset: 6:05pm
  • Average Temperatures: 27° / 10°F

April in Lapland:

  • Sunrise: 5:15am
  • Sunset: 9:05pm
  • Average Temperatures: 37° / 20°F

May in Lapland:

  • Sunrise: 2:42am
  • Sunset: 11:36pm
  • Average Temperatures: 48° / 33°F

June in Lapland:

  • Sunrise: 24 hours of daylight
  • Sunset: 24 hours of daylight
  • Average Temperatures: 60° / 43°F

July in Lapland:

  • Sunrise: 1:48am
  • Sunset: 12:45am
  • Average Temperatures: 66° / 49°F

August in Lapland:

  • Sunrise: 4:20am
  • Sunset: 10:03pm
  • Average Temperatures: 61° / 45°F

September in Lapland:

  • Sunrise: 6:24am
  • Sunset: 7:45pm
  • Average Temperatures: 50° / 37°F

October in Lapland:

  • Sunrise: 8:15am
  • Sunset: 6:33pm
  • Average Temperatures: 37° / 27°F

Amazing Hotels in Lapland

Part of experiencing Lapland is being able to see what is happening outside.  Likely, you want to see the snow fall and Northern Lights dance!  So choosing an unforgettable hotel for your Lapland elopement is key!  Our top 10 favorites for you to consider…

  1.  Arctic TreeHouse Hotel in Rovaniemi, Finland.
  2.  Wilderness Hotel in Inari, Finland.
  3.  Wilderness Hotel in Muotka, Finland.
  4.  Arctic Fox Igloos in Ranua Finland.
  5. Glass Resort in Rovaniemi, Finland.
  6.  Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort in Saariselkä, Finland.
  7.  Arctic SnowHotel & Glass Igloos in Sinettä, Finland.
  8.  Top Star in Saariselkä, Finland.
  9.  Hotel Levi Panorama & Levi Chalets in Levi, Finland.
  10. Lapland Hotels Sky Ounasvaara in Rovaniemi, Finland.

Guide to Planning a Lapland Elopement

Ready to start planning your Lapland elopement or wedding with guests?  Firstly, decide what time of year you wish to visit.  Secondly, it may be good to then determine if you will elopement (no guests) or you will extend an invite to your loved ones.  Thirdly, begin your research on what are must do’s / must have’s and the area of Lapland that intrigues you.  Next, once you have narrowed those items down a bit, then move on to the topics below!

Hire a Lapland Wedding Planner & Photographer

Since there a lot of logistics, cultural dynamics, and cost fluctuations depending on region, it is advantageous to hire a Lapland wedding planner.   For example, a wedding planner can give you a estimated Lapland elopement budget.  That way, you can anticipate costs for venues, celebrant, hair, makeup, activities, accommodation options, food, etc.  Also, the planner can also give ceremony and photography location recommendations.

Furthermore, in hiring a local Lapland wedding photographer, the big benefit is that they know the area and how to shoot year round.  For instance, it is extremely important to have a photographer that is experienced with off camera flash if you’re coming during wintertime.  Therefore, you will end up with nicely lit photos no matter if the sunrises or not.  Meanwhile, our adventure wedding photographers are well-versed in shooting when it is 24 hour darkness from tons of previous Lapland elopements.

Choosing Accommodation

Next, if you did not hire a local Lapland elopement planner, spend time researching accommodation options.  Maybe one of the above locations would be a good fit for you too!  Personally our suggestion would be for you to stay 3-5 nights total.  More if you intend on doing more activities.

Lapland Wedding Locations

Oh la la here comes the super fun part… Selecting Lapland elopement locations!  Next, imagine yourself at a few of these types of places:

  • Glass Teepee Ceremony
  • Ice Chapel
  • Snowy Forest
  • Mountain Overlook
  • Santa’s Village
  • Igloo Village
  • Alongside Cross Country Skiing Trails
  • Picnic inside a historical natural teepee
  • Photos in front of colorful log cabins
  • Reindeer Farm
  • Husky Farm
  • Ice Skating Pond
  • Northern Lights Viewing Platforms
  • Riverside Bridges
  • Underneath the Northern Lights
  • Sami Village

Things to Do in Lapland

Additionally, after your Lapland elopement ceremony, you may want to embark on an activity!  After all, how fun would it be to have wedding photos done doing it too!  Here are a few ideas of what you can do in Lapland during winter and summer:

Activities in Lapland during Winter:

  • Snowmobiling
  • Dog Sledding
  • Reindeer Safari
  • Horse-back riding or horse-sleighing
  • Hunting for Aurora Borealis
  • Ice-fishing
  • Snow shoeing, cross country skiing, downhill skiing or snowboarding too!
  • Ice breaking boat ride
  • Snow Tank Safari

Activities during Summertime:

  • Hiking
  • ATV Safari
  • Gold Panning
  • Horseback Riding
  • Boat Cruise
  • Mountain Biking Adventures
  • Island Day Trips
  • Midnight Sun Champagne Picnic
  • Kayaking and Canoeing
  • Berry and Mushroom Hunting
  • Fishing Trips

Lapland Wedding Menu

After a adventurous Lapland Elopement you may be anxious to embark on a foodie experience for dinner!  However, most accommodation locations will offer you an all-inclusive rate that typically includes breakfast and dinner in their restaurant.  Yet another reason to work with a wedding planner, so you get exactly what you desire.  Curious what type food you may experience during your Lapland wedding menu?  Lapland as a whole is very focused on meat and potatoes.

Eloping in Lapland Finland

Feel confident in your decision to marry in Lapland?  In conclusion if you do not want to embark on the journey alone, feel free to contact us to find out more information!

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