As 15-year photography vets, we’ve visited dozens of elopement destinations around the world. A wedding under the Northern Lights is always a magical and once-in-a-lifetime experience for couples.
From choosing the right season and location to planning cozy, intimate details, there are endless ways to make your Northern Lights elopement feel both intentional and unforgettable.
Keep reading for ideas to inspire the dreamiest elopement beneath nature’s most dazzling light show.
Kristen & Adam’s Northern Lights Iceland elopement
Key Takeaways:
- 6 of the best locations for a Northern Lights elopement
- The best time to plan an Aurora Borealis wedding
- Our expert packing guide
- Creative ideas for an aurora-inspired elopement
What Are The Best Locations For A Northern Lights Wedding?
A Northern Lights elopement is one of the most magical ways to celebrate your marriage. Since the aurora borealis is only visible in certain regions under the right conditions, you must choose your location wisely.
These are our top six locations to have a wedding under the Northern Lights.
1. Iceland
In Iceland, you’ll find dramatic landscapes of glaciers, volcanoes, and waterfalls. It pretty consistently has aurora activity, so you have a great chance of getting amazing views and photos during your elopement.
The best time to have a Northern Lights elopement in Iceland is from September to April, giving you a lot of options for planning your big day.
You can combine your ceremony with an adventure tour in ice caves, on a black sand beach, or at a hot spring.
Look at some of the amazing photos we shot during Kristen and Adam’s Iceland elopement!
2. Norway (Tromsø & Lofoten Islands)
Photo by Tobias Bjørkli
Tromsø is often referred to as the “gateway to the Arctic” and offers frequent displays of the Northern Lights. The Lofoten Islands add rugged coastal beauty—it’s the best of both worlds.
Plan your Norwegian wedding under the Northern Lights from September to March for the best chance of spotting the Aurora borealis.
We love Norway as a location for a Northern Lights elopement because it has so many unique ceremony backdrops— fjords, fishing villages, and snowy peaks. You can truly make the ceremony one-of-a-kind.
3. Finland (Lapland)
Photo by Sergey Guk
Finland features remote, snowy landscapes and glass igloo hotels, making it one of the most romantic Northern Lights wedding destinations.
The best time to plan your elopement is late August to April. You can incorporate reindeer sleigh rides, saunas, and cozy lodge receptions into your experience—imagine those photos!
4. Canada
Explore the vast wilderness of Canada, featuring spectacular aurora displays without the heavy crowds. You’ll get an intimate elopement with the experience of a lifetime.
While it’s possible to see the Northern Lights throughout Canada, the northern regions offer the most active displays and clearest skies.
Here’s where the Northern Lights appear the most:
Yukon: Whitehorse is your home base for November to March auroras. Think cozy wilderness lodges and endless dark skies.
Northwest Territories: Yellowknife is known as the “Aurora Capital of North America” for a reason. You’ll catch lights in fall, winter, and even summer.
Manitoba: Churchill offers year-round Northern Lights, with peak season from January to March.
Nunavut: Remote and raw. Head to Kimmirut or Whale Cove from October to April for true Arctic elopement vibes.
Alberta: Banff and Jasper National Parks bring mountain drama to your aurora ceremony. September to May is prime time, and Jasper is a designated Dark Sky Preserve for incredibly clear views. Lake Minnewanka and Wood Buffalo National Park are also stunning options.
Ontario: For a late-season aurora elopement, head to Pukaskwa National Park, Manitoulin Eco Park, or Moosonee in September and October.
Newfoundland & Labrador: Torngat Mountains National Park offers summer Northern Lights, a rare treat with dramatic coastal landscapes.
The northern regions are perfect for adventurous couples who want dog sledding, snowshoeing, or cozy log cabin stays built into their elopement day. If you’re chasing that mountain-meets-aurora magic, aim for Alberta in autumn.
We spend July through September in Banff and October through December in Ontario — check our full travel schedule here. That said, we’re always willing to travel anywhere in Canada for a truly magical Northern Lights elopement!
5. Alaska (Fairbanks & Denali National Park)
Photo by John De Leon
Want to stay a little closer to home? Fairbanks is one of the best U.S. destinations for the Northern Lights, with a long aurora season. You have from late August to April to see an aurora borealis display. Combine your ceremony with epic backdrops, such as glaciers, mountains, and endless wilderness.
6. Sweden (Abisko National Park)
Photo by Gerhard Lipold
Abisko is known for some of the clearest skies in the aurora belt, giving couples a higher chance of sightings. However, your timeline is a little shorter, with the best time to see the Northern Lights being November to March.
In Sweden, you’ll have so many scenic mountain backdrops for wedding photos. The Aurora Sky Station brings you 900 meters above sea level, giving you unobstructed views of the Northern Lights. It’s a fun addition to your experience.
Browse Real Elopement Stories for More Inspiration.
The Best Time To Plan For A Northern Lights Wedding
As you may have noticed, the best months to plan a Northern Lights elopement are September to April, depending on the location. But of course, aurora activity is never guaranteed. It’s best to plan a multi-day stay for the best chance of seeing the Northern Lights.
It’s not just about where you go, but when you go.
Deep Winter (November to February)
In the deep winter months, you’ll have long, dark nights, which are the best conditions for spotting the aurora.
However, it’s extremely cold (depending on location, temps can drop to –20°C / –4°F or colder). You’ll have to pack heavy winter gear for an outdoor ceremony, or even to get some elopement photos with the aurora.
If your priority is maximizing aurora sightings, deep winter is your best bet—but be prepared for the cold.
Shoulder Season (Late August – October or March – April)
On the other hand, the shoulder season brings milder weather, so an outdoor ceremony is more enjoyable. You still get dark enough skies to see the lights, and longer daylight hours mean you can combine aurora viewing with other outdoor activities, such as hiking.
The downside is that the aurora is slightly less consistent compared to peak winter months. You’ll have to stay up later or rise earlier to catch the aurora. You may also not achieve that winter wonderland look, if that’s something important to you.
If your priority is comfort and a balance of adventure and aurora, shoulder season is ideal. It allows you to celebrate outside, enjoy milder temperatures, and still chase the Northern Lights.
What to Avoid
One of the biggest considerations is avoiding full moons and city light pollution. This significantly reduces (or sometimes completely hides) the spectacular light display.
Jasper National Park is actually one of the world’s top dark sky preserves. You have a great chance of seeing the Northern Lights here.
There’s a lot to consider when planning a Northern Lights elopement. Having an experienced elopement planner on your side can give you the best experience possible.
What To Know Before Chasing The Northern Lights For Your Elopement
Photo by Tomáš Malík
While you might be focused on seeing the Northern Lights, you have to consider the temperature. The winter brings freezing temperatures, and the evenings get even colder. Will you still enjoy your experience bundled in heavy winter gear? That’s up to you!
The last thing we want is for you to be disappointed during your elopement. The aurora is unpredictable, and it might not happen while you’re there. Have a backup location for your elopement and other activities planned, so you still have fond memories of your elopement experience.
There are some ways to increase your chances of seeing the Northern Lights. Certain apps can give you a prediction of the likelihood of seeing the aurora in different locations across the world. Local guides can take you to the best places to see the Northern Lights if they appear. And multi-night stays can increase the chance you’ll see them at least once on your trip.
Download Our Free Elopement Planning Guide.
What To Wear & Pack For A Cold Weather Elopement
Photo by Gu Bra
We’re no strangers to cold-weather elopements! We’ve got all the tricks up our sleeves, and you won’t be packing anything without consulting us.
Here are some of our best tips on staying warm without losing style:
- Layer Like a Pro: Choose nude or white thermal leggings/tops so they don’t show under your dress or suit. Wear thermal undershirts or lined trousers that won’t bulk up your look.
- Chic Outerwear: Brides can wear a long wool coat, faux fur shawl, or elegant cape to add drama and warmth. Grooms, try a tailored overcoat, scarf, or even a velvet blazer to look sharp while staying insulated.
- Footwear with Function + Fashion: Swap stilettos or dress shoes for insulated boots. You can even find white, sleek winter boots that pair beautifully with gowns. Bring decorative boot toppers or lace cuffs to dress them up in photos.
- Accessories that Double as Style Statements: Leather, knit, or fur-trimmed gloves keep hands toasty for rings and photo moments. Statement scarves, wraps, or patterned blankets can add texture to portraits.
- Plan for Breaks: Even the most stylish layers won’t fully beat the cold. We’ll help you build in warm-up breaks indoors or in a heated car between photos so you stay comfortable and radiant.
The key is to blend comfort with intentional style. We don’t need your teeth to be chattering during your ceremony or photos!
Alternative + Creative Ideas for an Aurora-Inspired Elopement
Photo by Marek Piwnicki
You might not get a clear sky on your elopement evening, but there are ways you can still theme your elopement around the Northern Lights!
Stay in a Glass-Domed Igloo or Aurora Cabin
Fall asleep under the stars and wake up to the glow of the aurora shining across the sky. Glass-domed igloos and aurora cabins are the perfect blend of comfort and adventure.
You’ll stay cozy and warm while getting a front row seat to the show. For your Northern Lights elopement, a cabin or igloo could be your ceremony spot or first night suite.
Adventure & Aurora Elopement Week Combo
Many couples turn their elopement into a week-long experience. Have your legal ceremony during the day, and a ‘just us’ ceremony later that night (or on a totally different night) for the Northern Lights show.
Then spend the rest of the trip exploring—hiking, dog sledding, snowmobiling, or hot springs. You can embark on your first adventure as a married couple.
Post-Elopement Aurora Photoshoot
If you’re worried about weather, timing, or wanting a stress-free ceremony, consider doing your vows in daylight, then booking a separate photoshoot under the Northern Lights. Treat it like a second look or a honeymoon adventure.
Make It A Honeymoon Experience
If a full wedding under the lights feels too unpredictable, you can still travel to an aurora destination after your elopement. That way, your ceremony can feel stress-free and intentional, while your honeymoon becomes a chase to see the lights.
Ready To Say ‘I Do’ Under The Northern Lights?
An aurora borealis elopement is more than a wedding—it’s your first adventure as a married couple. There are countless ways to make this experience uniquely yours. With the right planning and intention, you can create a celebration that feels magical, meaningful, and unforgettable—just like the Northern Lights themselves.
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