Can You Get Married under the Aurora Borealis or the Northern Lights?

The short answer is: Yes you can! However, it will take a little bit of planning and good luck to make it happen. Read on to learn more about how your dream to get married under the northern lights can come true.

Table of Contents

What are the Northern Lights or Aurora Borealis?

When Can You See the Northern Lights in Norway?

When Is the Best Time of Day to See the Northern Lights?

Where Is the Best Place to See the Northern Lights in Norway?

How To Plan Your Wedding Under the Northern Lights.

What Happens If We Don’t See the Northern Lights?

What to Wear for Your Northern Lights Wedding in Norway.

What are the Northern Lights or Aurora Borealis?

The northern lights, also known as the Aurora Borealis, are a natural phenomenon that occurs in the upper atmosphere of the Earth’s polar regions. It is caused by the collision of charged particles from the sun with atoms and molecules in the Earth’s atmosphere.

The northern lights typically appear in the form of colorful lights that dance and shimmer in the night sky. These lights can be seen in shades of green, yellow, red, purple, and even blue. The colors are caused by the different types of gases in the Earth’s atmosphere, with green being the most common color observed.

The northern lights are typically seen in the polar regions, such as Norway, Canada, Alaska, and Iceland. However, they can also be seen in other parts of the world, such as Scotland and Finland, depending on the level of solar activity.

When Can You See the Northern Lights in Norway?

The best time to see the northern lights in northern Norway is during the winter months, typically from September to April. The peak season is when the nights are longest in November through February. However, these months can often be cloudy, so March is also a good month due to higher chances of clear skies.

Wedding couple under the northern lights in norway

When Is the Best Time of Day to See the Northern Lights?

The best time of day to see the northern lights is during the night, specifically during the hours of darkness when the sky is clear, which is typically between 9 PM and 2 AM local time. However, it’s worth noting that the northern lights can be seen earlier an later during the night as well, depending on the level of solar activity. To find out the forecast for northern lights in Norway, check out Norway Lights, Forecast the Experience.

Where Is the Best Place to See the Northern Lights in Norway?

The best place to see the northern lights in Norway is in the northern part of the country, specifically in Troms and Finnmark counties. These areas are known for their clear, dark skies and minimal light pollution, making them ideal for viewing the aurora borealis.

Tromsø, located in the northern part of Norway, is considered one of the best places to see the northern lights in Norway. The city is located above the Arctic Circle, which means that the nights are longer and the chances of seeing the northern lights are higher. Tromsø offers a variety of options to experience the northern lights, including guided tours, cruises, and even dogsledding or snowmobiling excursions. If you spend four or more days in Tromsø, your chances to see the northern lights are pretty high.

Other places in Northern Norway also offers great opportunities to see the northern lights, such as Alta, Kirkenes, Lyngen, and the Lofoten Islands. These places are known for their natural beauty, am

Bear in mind that the northern lights are a natural phenomenon and its visibility depends on solar activity, which can vary from year to year. Even if you’re traveling to Norway during the best time to see the northern lights, it is not guaranteed that you will see them.

How To Plan Your Wedding Under the Northern Lights.

If you want to get married under the northern lights you need at least three days to increase your chances of good weather and solar activity. During these days I and your northern light guide will be on call for you and we will check the local weather and aurora forecasts and consult with you every evening to decide if we should go or wait a day more. Patient is the key here!

You can also choose to get married earlier during the day, and go out for wedding portraits under the northern lights when the forecast is good. There are many options, and you package will be tailored to your needs. Other fun activities to incorporate in your arctic experience can be dog or reindeer sledding, skiing, visit or spend a night in an ice hotel etc.

What Happens If We Don’t See the Northern Lights?

If you plan your wedding around viewing the northern lights and they do not appear on your wedding day, it can be disappointing. However, my advice is to make the most of it neither way. If the northern lights don’t appear, focus on the other beautiful aspects of your wedding location and make the most of the other elements of your wedding day. Remember that what truly matters is that you’re getting married and that’s the most important thing.

Ultimately, it’s important to remember that the northern lights are a natural phenomenon and their appearance cannot be guaranteed. But, with a little bit of planning and flexibility, you can still have a beautiful and memorable wedding day, even if the northern lights don’t make an appearance.

What to Wear for Your Northern Lights Wedding in Norway?

When planning what to wear for a northern lights wedding, it’s important to dress warmly to protect yourself from the cold. Here are a few tips to consider when choosing your wedding attire:

  1. Layer up: Wear layers of clothing that can be easily removed or added as needed. This will allow you to stay warm while outside viewing the northern lights, but still be comfortable inside. A wool layer underneath your wedding attire is a must.
  2. Choose warm fabrics: Look for fabrics that will keep you warm in the cold, such as wool, cashmere, or fleece. These materials will help to insulate your body and keep you warm.
  3. Plan for footwear: Keep in mind that you’ll be outside on snow and ice, so make sure to wear shoes or boots that provide good traction and insulation.
  4. Accessorize smartly: Consider wearing a warm scarf, gloves or a hat to keep your head and hands warm.
  5. Bring body warmers: Body warmers are lifesavers, so bring plenty to put under you clothes, in your gloves, shoes etc.

I have also written a post about Tips & Tricks for Planning a Beautiful Winter Wedding or Elopement in Norway that you should check out.


If you have any questions about getting married under the northern lights, feel free to contact me below or send an e-mail to hello@bornwildphotography. I would love to help you plan an epic arctic wedding experience in Norway!

xx Maria

  1. OMG. SO COOL. What a freaking dream location for a wedding ceremony. I can’t imagine anything much more magical than getting married under the aurora borealis. The photos are gorgeous, by the way!!

  2. Molly says:

    This is freaking awesome!!!! You really captured these dark night photos with precision!

  3. What a cool guide for people looking to see the aurora borealis! Seriously soo cool and I’d love to see them someday.

  4. Kat says:

    How amazing, and the tips included are VERY handy. I really like the decorative lit-up pillars as well. They really shout “wedding” instead of adventure session, and they’re so romantic.

  5. leo says:

    Awesome article! I think people underestimate the beauty of the aurora and what’s involved with getting that perfect shot. Great tips and some awesome photo, thanks for sharing!

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