How to Plan a Northern Lights Wedding in 2024

Can you picture it? You and your partner, standing on a fresh layer of snow, wrapped in blankets and reading your vows as the Northern Lights illuminate the sky, with no sound present but the wind. This is what a wedding or elopement underneath the Northern Lights could like, but you’re not sure where to start.

What time of year are the Northern Lights the strongest? Where are the best places to see them? What are things I need to prepare for? This guide covers all these questions and more. Whether you’re set on eloping under the Northern Lights or exploring the possibility, this guide has all the answers you need. Without further adieu, let’s get into how to plan your wedding or elopement under the Northern Lights.

5 Best Places to See the Northern Lights for Your Wedding

The Northern Lights appear in select places around the world. Below are the top 5 best places to see them.

Other Notable Northern Light Wedding Locations

Below are some other noteworthy places you can see the Northern Lights.

• Greenland
• Yukon, Canada
• Scotland
• Sweden
• Tasmania
• Antarctica

What Time of Year Should I Plan My Wedding if I Want to See the Northern Lights?

While this depends on the location you choose, the best time of year to see the Northern Lights is typically December through March, though you can see them as early as August in some locations around the world.

What Should I Wear for a Northern Lights Wedding?

When it comes to eloping during the cold winter months, and especially during nighttime when the temperature is at its coldest, it’s imperative that you dress for warmth. Below are some of my biggest tips and recommendations for what to wear if you decide to elope in the dead of night.

Fleece-Lined Tights

One of the best pieces of outerwear I recommend for brides and grooms are tights. Specifically, nude colored tights so they can’t be seen under a dress or suit. It’s the ultimate hack for staying warm without sacrificing style. I really recommend the brand Nude Barre. They have an incredible selection of skin tones and their tights are convertible, meaning they can be foot or footless. However, these tights aren’t fleece-lined, so if you’re looking for something with some extra warmth (which I highly recommend if you’re planning your wedding under the Northern Lights), I recommend these tights on Amazon.

Heavy-Material Dresses and Suits

I usually recommend going with a dress that has long sleeves to help you keep warm. Specifically, a dress in a heavier material, like silk or velvet, will help keep you much warmer.

As for suits, the same principle applies. Try going with heavier fabrics, like wool and tweed, that are guaranteed to keep you warm.

Waterproof Boots

Boots are one of the most crucial parts of keeping you warm. If you don’t have warm shoes, you’ll be freezing. Insulated and waterproof shoes are key to having an enjoyable experience outdoors. I also recommend getting a boot that goes a little higher than normal to help keep the snow out of your shoes. Pair those with some wool socks and you’re golden. These magic socks will keep you warm all day long.

Some of my favorite books include Danner, Columbia, and Keen Boots.

Accessories and Body Warmers

Many brides/grooms like to bring fun winter accessories like shawls, fur coats, earmuffs, gloves, scarves, blankets, and more. Blankets and fur coats (real or not) look especially good in photos and serve as fun photo props.

Lastly, my biggest tip is to get some peel and stick body warmers/hand warmers. Stick these puppies against your skin and throw some in your socks to have you warm and toasty all day long.

Oh, and don’t forget a good-quality jacket! I’ve had a $30 jacket and a $300 jacket, and let me tell you that the $300 jacket was one of the best purchases I’ve ever made.

Best Airbnbs and Hotels to See the Northern Lights

If you’re looking to go all-out with your experience, consider staying in an Airbnb with a clear roof for optimal viewing. Below are some of my favorite Airbnbs or hotels from the locations discussed earlier where you can see the Northern Lights.

Fairbanks, Alaska

• Borealis Basecamp (most popular stay in Fairbanks)
• Fairbanks Treehouse
• Lakeside Cabin

Reykjavik, Iceland

• Volcano View Villa
• Designer Suburban Villa
• Northern Lights Luxury

Tromsø, Norway

• Large Modern Villa (great for elopements with friends and family)
• Modern Cabin By The Sea
• Spectacular Modern Home

Voyageurs National Park, Minnesota

• Lakefront Guest Cabin
• Crane Lake Cabin
• Rainy Lake Retreat

Lapland, Finland

• The Glass Igloo (super popular!)
• Villa Huikonen
• Modern Log-House

4 Things You Need to Know About the Northern Lights

While the Northern Lights are magical and a bucket-list item for many, it’s important to understand how they work and prepare for every “what if” situation.

They Aren’t Always Visible

The Northern Lights can only be seen when the sky is clear and there isn’t any light pollution. While it’s hard to predict the weather, try blocking off at least 3 days in a row that you can choose from for your ceremony. If there are clouds in the sky, the lights cannot be seen. The same goes for light. Avoid planning your wedding around a full moon.

Have a Backup Location

Having a backup location is key to having a flawless wedding day. For example, your first choice may have clouds blocking the lights, while your second location is clear as day. Having a second and even third backup location will save you a headache in the end.

Add More Travel Time and Prepare

Because the Northern Lights are visible in the winter months, most of the locations they can be seen from have snow. Be sure to plan for extra travel time, especially since many locations where the Northern Lights are visible are pretty remote, meaning driving on ice and snow-covered roads is a big possibility.

With that, be sure to also have a full tank of gas, food, water, tire chains, a safety phone, etc. you can use to call for help. You never know what can happen!

Be Patient

As much as we’d like to control the weather, we unfortunately can’t. The Northern Lights are usually most visible from 12am-4am. However, they may not start until 3am, after you’ve been sitting in the car for 3 hours waiting to see them. Make sure to be patient and enjoy the journey!

Also, most photographers may have you stand completely still in order to capture you with the lights without having the image turn out blurry. While it may feel like a long time, the pictures are always worth it!

Northern Lights Wedding and Elopement Packages

I’m Brianna, an elopement photographer based in California. I help couples from all over the world plan and photograph their elopement along the West Coast. From location lists to permits, the experience goes beyond just photography. To get more information about my elopement packages, check out my elopement packages page here.

• 4 hours – 2 days of elopement coverage
• A personalized elopement planning experience with unlimited assistance
  • Personalized elopement location recommendations
  • Vendor, lodging, and activity recommendations
  • Assistance and information to help you with permits, licenses, etc.
  • 90+ page elopement planning guide filled with tips and tricks
  • Customized elopement timelines
  • Optional complimentary officiant services
• Online gallery with full resolution images and printing rights
• 24-48 hour sneak peeks to share with the world
• Travel fees to anywhere in California, Oregon, or Washington are already included
• Starting at $6,500 for CA, OR, WA or $8,500 for anywhere in the U.S.

Want more winter elopement inspiration? Check out my Alaska Elopement Guide, Iceland Elopement Guide, and Norway Elopement Guide!