EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE PLANNING YOUR VIKING WEDDING IN NORWAY

viking runes to celebrate a viking wedding in norway

Preparing your Viking wedding in Norway?

Here is a complete guide with everything you need to know before planning your Viking wedding in Norway.

Norway is a country with a rich Viking heritage. And Viking weddings have become a popular choice for couples who want to celebrate their love in a unique and historic way.

These weddings are inspired by the customs and rituals of ancient Nordic culture. They incorporate elements such as traditional clothing, Viking symbols and symbolic rituals to pay homage to the Viking Age.

Many couples choose to celebrate their Viking wedding in outdoor settings that reflect the natural beauty of Norway. These can range from fjords, forests, mountains or even historic Viking sites.

Viking weddings often incorporate symbolic rituals such as the exchange of swords or the drinking of mead from a ceremonial horn. These rituals symbolize strength, unity and the union of two families.

THERE ARE MANY REASONS TO CELEBRATE A VIKING WEDDING. HERE ARE SOME OF THEM:

History and culture

A Viking ceremony allows you to immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of the ancient Vikings, whether you are honoring your roots or simply appreciating Viking heritage, celebrating your wedding in an authentic and meaningful way can deepen your connection to the past.

Wild landscapes

Many Viking weddings take place in stunning natural settings such as coasts, forests or mountains, these landscapes are the perfect setting for a unique and different wedding as you can take advantage of Norway’s amazing nature to create special and unique memories as well as capture spectacular photographs.

Rituals and symbols

Viking weddings are filled with symbols and rituals that represent important values such as strength, courage and unity, from the exchange of rings and the sacred drinking ceremony to the use of Viking runes and symbols, each element carries a deep meaning that reinforces the commitment and connection between the couple.

Viking spirit

By deciding to have a Viking wedding in Norway, you are embracing the spirit of the Vikings, known for their fearless exploration and daring journeys, this can symbolize your own willingness to embark on a lifelong adventure with your partner, embracing new experiences and facing challenges together.

WHAT ARE THE BEST PLACES FOR A VIKING WEDDING IN NORWAY?

Viking Valley, also known as “Njardarheimr”, is a historical and cultural attraction located in Gudvangen. It is a recreated Viking village that offers visitors a glimpse into the daily life and traditions of the Vikings.

Viking Valley is designed to resemble a traditional Viking settlement complete with thatched roof houses, workshops and various structures. Walking through the village, you can immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the Viking era and get an idea of how the Vikings lived, worked and socialized.

The village is home to a dedicated group of Viking enthusiasts who participate in reenactments and demonstrations of Viking combat, crafts and daily activities, you can witness sword fights, archery displays, traditional crafts such as blacksmithing and carpentry, and even learn about Viking cooking techniques and storytelling.

The park houses one of the largest collections of Viking-era burial mounds in Scandinavia. These burial mounds were created as tombs for Viking lords and warriors and are a powerful reminder of Norway’s Viking heritage.

In addition to the burial mounds, Borre National Park has an open-air museum where visitors can learn about Viking history and culture. The museum displays replicas of Viking buildings, artifacts and exhibits that have information about the daily life of the Vikings.

Borre National Park has great historical significance as it was a center of power and cultural activity during the Viking Age, archaeological discoveries in the park have shed light on Viking society, customs and rituals, making it an ideal location for couples looking for a unique and historically rich wedding experience.

Heddal is one of the largest and oldest wooden churches in Norway. It is located in the village of Heddal in Telemark County, southeastern Norway.

It is a magnificent example of the stylized wooden church architecture commonly associated with the Norwegian Middle Ages. It is believed that the church was built around 1250, although some parts could be even older. It is one of the few surviving wooden churches from the Middle Ages in Norway.

It is surrounded by forests and green meadows, the ideal setting for your Viking wedding in Norway.

You will embark on the shores of a fjord in Norway, where an authentic Viking ship awaits to take you on this unique adventure. The ship is decorated with traditional Viking motifs, such as shields, dragons and runes, creating a mystical and exciting atmosphere.

With the majestic fjord as your witness, a priest or officiant will perform the ceremony, and you can exchange your vows as the boat gently sails through the calm waters of the fjord, surrounded by towering mountains and steep cliffs.

Rituals inspired by Viking culture can be included during the ceremony. Such as exchanging gifts, drinking mead in honor of the gods, or performing a bonding ceremony that involves tying the couple’s hands together with a braided rope, symbolizing their union and mutual commitment.

bride dressed as a Viking posing under a hut in the Viking valley in Norway.

WHAT DO YOU NEED FOR A VIKING WEDDING IN NORWAY?

IF YOU ARE A FOREIGNER AND WANT TO GET MARRIED IN NORWAY YOU MUST MEET CERTAIN LEGAL REQUIREMENTS. HERE ARE SOME OF THE NECESSARY DOCUMENTS AND PROCEDURES:

You must have a legal residency status in Norway, this generally implies having a valid residence permit or visa that allows you to stay in the country for an extended period of time.

As a foreigner, you will need to obtain a Certificate of No Impediment (CNI) from your country of origin, this document certifies that you are single and eligible to marry. The CNI must be issued by the competent authorities in your home country and legalized or apostilled for recognition in Norway.

You must give prior notice of your intention to marry in Norway, this involves submitting an application to the Norwegian Tax Administration or the marriage office in the municipality where the wedding will take place, the notice must be submitted at least one month before the desired wedding date.

You can choose to have a civil or religious ceremony in Norway, civil ceremonies are performed by a marriage official, usually at the local town hall, while religious ceremonies can be performed in a church or other approved religious venue.

If you opt for a religious ceremony, you must contact the appropriate religious community and comply with their specific requirements.

It is important to note that these requirements and procedures may vary depending on your specific circumstances and nationality. It is advisable to contact the Norwegian embassy or consulate in your home country or consult with the Norwegian Tax Administration for detailed and up-to-date information on the requirements and procedures for getting married in Norway as a foreigner.

Most people usually get married in the usual way in their home country and then have a symbolic ceremony in Norway, keep this in mind.

Here you will find more information on how to get married in Norway.

WHAT IS THE BEST SEASON FOR A VIKING WEDDING IN NORWAY?

Spring / Summer

During this time of the year Norway experiences warmer temperatures and longer days, giving you the opportunity to enjoy pleasant weather for your outdoor Viking wedding celebration and explore the beautiful natural scenery.

Norway is known for its breathtaking fjords, mountains, waterfalls and lush green meadows in spring and summer. These landscapes are in full bloom, with green colors and wild vegetation, creating the perfect color palette for your wedding photos.

In northern Norway, during the summer, you experience the phenomenon of the midnight sun, where the sun never fully sets and the day lasts 24 hours. This gives you the opportunity to have a unique and magical wedding with abundant natural light at any time of the day.

Spring and summer in Norway offer a wide range of outdoor activities for you and your guests. You can enjoy nature walks, boat trips in the fjords, hiking in the mountains and exploring the national parks, and activities such as fishing, kayaking and cycling are also popular during this time of the year, so you can enjoy a relaxing and activity-filled few days after your Viking wedding in Norway.

Fall / Winter

Norway is famous for its stunning winter scenery, with snow-capped mountains, frozen lakes and thick forests, it is a romantic and magical setting for a winter Viking wedding.

Norway is one of the best places in the world to witness the fascinating northern lights. During the winter months, the chances of seeing this natural phenomenon during these cold months are greater. Including the Northern Lights in your Viking wedding celebration can create a truly unforgettable experience for you and your guests.

The colder months in Norway create a cozy and intimate atmosphere, perfect for a small wedding celebration. You can incorporate elements such as fireplaces, candlelight and warm blankets to create a cozy atmosphere in your Viking wedding photos in Norway.

ANY MORE QUESTIONS?

Let’s talk about your Viking wedding in Norway.

If you are planning your Viking wedding in Norway I am here to help you, I have been there many times and I know the best venues and suppliers, it will be my pleasure to recommend you what you need to create your dream wedding.

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