How to Prepare for Your Hiking Elopement in Lofoten
As an adventure elopement photographer, some of my favorite elopements to capture involve couples exchanging vows nestled within Lofoten's towering mountain trails and lush landscapes.
Even for a small affair like elopement in the Lofoten Islands, there's a lot to coordinate and plan leading up to your special day.
Unlike traditional weddings, elopements don't have a well-laid-out playbook. The last thing you want on your Lofoten elopement hike is to reach a beautiful spot on the trail only to realize that the rings are nowhere to be seen.
In this article, I will share a tried-and-true checklist to help you prepare and pack for your hiking elopement in Lofoten.
Preparation Checklist for your Elopement in Lofoten
1. Complete the Paperwork
If you're planning to be legally married in Lofoten, it’s important to have all the proper paperwork in place. If you're a foreign couple, the documentation you need to get married in Norway is detailed on this page. If you are a Norwegian resident or citizen, refer to this government article for a step-by-step guide.
2. Book your Photographer
Working with the right elopement photographer can make all the difference. Go for a professional and local photographer who knows the ins and outs of Lofoten, including the best hiking trails.
The right photographer will help you with the planning details, scout the picture-perfect backdrops for your elopement, help you avoid the tourist traps, connect you with other vendors you may require, and more.
3. Pick the Perfect Hiking Trail for your Elopement
Lofoten Islands are covered in hiking trails perfect for your elopement. Some are great for relaxed hiking, while others are more suited for extreme hikers.
Choosing in advance gives you and your fiancé time to check the distance, difficulty and highlights to match your dream elopement. Do you wish to hike past cascading waterfalls, cross a river, or anything in between?
Don't just focus on the endpoint. Many rest stops along the way can make for memorable ceremony backdrops for your elopement. The trick is to review several options with your loved one (and perhaps your photographer).
4. Prepare Your Body for Hiking
Getting in hiking shape can make a huge difference. That's especially true if you last hiked a while ago.
As I am sure you know, struggling to catch your breath can quickly turn an elopement into a grumpy day. Start ramping up your activity levels a few weeks before.
A few suggestions include taking longer walks and doing hill training to get your cardio fitness and muscles up to speed. This will help you enjoy your hiking elopement without fatigue.
When hiking for your elopement, you should take it nice and easy. Slow down, take rests and stop often for photos. Taking it slow will help you feel fresh and not get too sweaty at the end of the hike when you need to put on your wedding clothes.
5. Get a Good Night's Sleep
Getting enough ZZZ's the night before your big day is important. This will ensure everyone is well-rested, energized, and refreshed.
Staying up late the night before can be tempting, especially if you're a stickler for the small details. However, this can cause more harm than good for you and your loved one. Plenty of sleep helps you beat fatigue and travel jitters so you can enjoy your hiking elopement.
Packing Checklist for your Lofoten Hiking Elopement
Hiking Essentials
- Clothing: Comfortable layers that you can add or remove along the hike, including merino wool long underwear for warmth, a fleece and a lightweight down jacket to keep you cozy when the temperatures drop.
- Waterproof Jacket: Essential for unpredictable weather in Lofoten; choose a reliable, breathable option to keep you dry during unexpected rain.
- Socks: Your socks are just as important as your hiking boots. Wool socks are best for temperature regulation and breathability, keeping your feet nice and dry. If it gets cold, wool socks will keep your toes nice and cozy.
- Hiking Boots: Good, comfortable hiking boots with solid ankle support are a necessity when exploring Lofoten's rugged terrain. Although some of the more popular trails are well-maintained and clearly marked, the majority of hikes in Lofoten lack these conveniences. The paths can prove challenging and strenuous, especially for those who are unaccustomed to such conditions.
If you purchase new hiking boots for your elopement, you will want to break them in beforehand so they are more comfortable and you will be less likely to get blisters on your special day.
- A comfortable backpack: You need a comfortable backpack to pack all your essentials in. Depending on the location, you may want one big enough to fit your dress, suit, water, snacks and other essentials. Since the weather varies so much in Lofoten, I suggest you have a waterproof cover for your bag just in case.
- Water bottle: Staying hydrated is key. Make sure you have enough water for your hike in a water bottle or a hydro pack.
- Snacks: Keep yourself fueled for the hike with energy bars and trail mix.
- Champagne: Who doesn't love a good champagne popping shot? Even if you don't love Champagne, maybe you would like to bring something to pop and celebrate your just-married status!
Gear and Extras
- Headlight: Depending on the time of year and if your hiking extends into the darker hours, a headlight might come in handy.
- Mirror, Brush and Makeup: After hiking, you may want a quick touch up of your hair and make-up.
- Bug Spray and Sunscreen: Essentials for outdoor protection.
- Blanket, Hat, Scarf and Gloves: Depending on weather conditions.
Elopement and Wedding Essentials
- Wedding Clothes: If you are bringing a wedding dress and suit, remember to bring the garment bags or a waterproof bag to use when packing them into your backpack. This will protect them from other items in your backpack and provide extra protection in case of rain or snow. Rolling your suit and dress separately in the bag from bottom to top helps prevent wrinkles when packed.
- Marriage License: If you're legally getting married in Lofoten, this might be important to remember.
- Rings & Ring Boxes: Don't want to be scrambling around looking for these last minute.
- Vows: These are optional and up to you if it is something you would like to do. Handwritten vows can add a special touch to your elopement. If you like you can order a beautiful vow card to write these on beforehand. This might be a nice way to keep and cherish them.
- Flowers: Again, flowers aren't essential but they may be something you would like to have. You can clip these in the back of your hiking bag and still have both hands free.
Ready for Your Lofoten Adventure?
Are you envisioning your love story against the stunning backdrop of the Lofoten Islands? As an adventure elopement photographer in Lofoten, I'm here to turn your dream elopement into a visual masterpiece.
Click here to explore elopement and wedding packages and start planning your extraordinary day!