Thinking of getting married in Finland?
This is your guide to what makes this country special, a fuss-free indication of the legalities involved as a non-citizen, and my favourite one-of-a-kind Finnish wedding venues and activities.
The Country of a Thousand Lakes is famous for being a vantage point for the Northern Lights, offering you the chance to sleep in an igloo and being the official hometown of Santa (yes, really! Pop ‘Rovaniemi’ into Google…). But did you know it’s also popular with tourists because of its air quality (cleanest in the world!) and gorgeous lakes and forests, perfect for nature watching the only fresh-water seals in the world? If you’re getting married in Finland you’ll find a wealth of amazing winter activities and a great selection of resorts catering for larger groups, as well as some truly adventurous ceremony spots.
Here is your ultimate guide to getting married in Finland!
Getting To and Around Finland
If you’re travelling to Finland from the UK you can get direct flights with Finnair, British Airways and Norweigan Air. If you’re in the US you can also get there with American Airlines and Iberia. You’ll more than likely land in Helsinki, and the first thing you might find is that Finland is actually larger than you think! Luckily, getting around is a breeze.
In the summer driving is an easy, hassle-free option, however in the winter months you might want to opt for public transport to avoid those slippery, icy roads. Finland’s rail system is excellent and it also has lots of boat connections – unsurprising given its huge amount of lakes! If you’re thinking of getting married in Finland, don’t be put off by its sparsely populated appearance – you’ll be able to get yourself and your guests around without too much trouble. As your destination wedding planner, I’ll be on hand throughout to recommend and arrange the most suitable transport options, and even suggest some more adventurous ones – husky ride, anyone!?
How To Say ‘I Do’
Wherever in the world you’re getting married, a legal ceremony of some sort will be required! As a non-resident getting married in Finland you have 3 options, much like in other Scandinvian countries; religious, civil or symbolic ceremonies. If you’re looking for a legally binding ceremony I will assist you with preparation of the necessary paperwork, and advise on the specific requirements depending on the local offices, mayor and town hall.
Choosing a symbolic ceremony gives you much more freedom and much less paperwork! Many of my couples getting married abroad will sign the paperwork at home, and have a personal, adventurous ceremony in their country of choice. This way you can more or less get married anywhere – whether it’s beneath the glittering roof of an igloo or surrounded by reindeer in Finnish Lapland, I will help you execute the magical Finnish wedding of your wildest Pinterest boards. Speaking of which, you can check out our Pinterest boards for inspiration for your wedding – we have ideas for a whole range of different countries, including the Scandic ones!
Where To Stay
Once the excitement of your Finnish adventure ceremony is over, you’ll want somewhere magical to head back to with your guests (or without them! That’s up to you…). There is a huge selection of amazing venues for you when you’re getting married in Finland, but here are some of my personal favourites.
When you think of snowy Finland you think of igloos, and the Arctic Fox Igloos on Lake Ranuanjärvi are going to make your sleeping-beneath-the-stars dreams come true – with added modern conveniences! It’s the best of both worlds, situated well away from light pollution for an incredible, uninterrupted view across the whole lake…from your bed! Oh, and did I mention they each have a private sauna?
So-called because of its optimal location for seeing the Northern Lights (between September and April), the Northern Lights Ranch is made up of 16 ‘sky-view’ cabins nestled within woodland. At night and in winter this place is filled with magic, transforming into a series of glowing fireflies among the snowy landscape. Lying in your bed, you can look up through the glass ceiling and have the chance to see the aurora borealis without moving a muscle. This is a great option if you’re getting married in Finland with a group of friends and family, as it’s possible to accommodate everyone all in one area, but still feel perfectly isolated from the world.
Nestled in Levi, one of Finnish Lapland’s most popular destinations, lies this collection of glass igloos. Their website describes ‘luxury next to the wilderness’, and this accommodation is certainly a cut above. Spacious glass igloos are one option, however they also have the Northern Lights House – with multiple bedrooms, a living area and a sauna, this is perfect for families when getting married in Finland!
The Arctic Snow Hotel is about the most immersive winter wonderland you’ll find in Finland – each year it is carved out of ice and snow, so it looks different every time you visit! The whole hotel is between 0-5 degrees Celsius at all times, even when the outside temperature drops, and you’ll be provided with reindeer furs to keep you warm. There’s an ice bar and ice restaurant, and if things get a little chilly they do provide a warm area for you to cosy up in. If you’re looking for something truly unique to write home about, consider even just 1 night in this unforgettable location!
Remember me mentioning Rovaniemi earlier? The Ollero Eco Lodge is situated in the heart of Santa’s official hometown, and is perfect for the environmentally conscious getting married in Finland. This family-run venue focuses on sustainable materials and practices, and is immersed in Finland’s natural phenomena such as the Northern Lights and midnight sun. It’s authentically Finnish, so if you’re looking for the full Lappish experience, try this one!
Activities & Experiences in Finland
Getting married in Finland is an experience in itself, particularly if you choose to stay in a unique hotel like the ones listed above. However, you’ll be looking for some one-of-a-kind activities to tell your friends and family back home about, or possibly even bring them along on!
Depending on the time of year you visit, you can either experience midnight sun or daytime darkness. Finland’s extremes of light are something to behold in themselves. Then there’s the activities that immediately come to mind when you think of snowy Lapland; reindeer and husky sleigh rides, visiting Santa, snowshoeing and ice fishing, as well as hopping into a sauna to warm up afterwards! But did you know there is so much more to Finland?
The natural environment in Finland invites hiking in one of its 40 National Parks and swimming in its sparkling lakes. Being a water-ridden country, Finland’s coastline boasts the largest archipelago in the world. This means it has lots of lighthouses – and you can even stay in some of them! Finland has so much to offer, so whether you’re the adventurous type or just want to kick back and relax, you’ll find the perfect post-wedding pastime here.
Amulet Finland Wedding Planning Packages
If you’re thinking of getting married in Finland, you’re likely excited but a little daunted! For my support pulling it all together you can check out my Finland wedding and elopement packages; these include various essentials such as photography, your celebrant and your itinerary, and you’ll be completely looked after from start to Finnish.
Ready to embark? Book a call with me and let’s chat about your biggest adventure yet!