A Truly Christmas Wedding

Now, seeing as all the posts tend to be about weddings at home, I thought I'd give away a chance too. And with the spirit of Christmas just round the corner (and having just seen the Norwich lights switch on, throwing me into crimbo overdrive!), today is all about.... Lapland Weddings!

The true home of Santa Claus, land of reindeer and snow, and the sky owning the beautiful Aurora Borealis, what a stunning destination to get married! Away from aisles and vows Lapland’s got the right mix for brides, grooms and loved-up friends and family. The capital of Lapland, Rovaniemi has nightlife that’ll get you partying and is the perfect base to meet the country’s most famous resident – Santa Claus. Head over to Yllas and Levi and you’ll not only leave behind the bright lights of the big city, you’ll also get to experience old-world Lapland. 

Imagine getting ready in the morning, and taking your reindeer pulled sleigh to your venue to meet your groom. Picture yourself with your loved one walking hand in hand through a blanket of snow and looking at the night sky with twinkling stars and perhaps a surprise spectacle of the northern lights display. Or it could be just the two of you having a champagne toast in a cosy log cabin in front of a crackling fire. 

And of course, it is home to the legendary and most amazing, Ice Hotel. Every year in Jukkasjärvi (in Swedish Lapland) when the temperature drops, artists and architectures alike join forces to build a hotel completely out of snow and ice. From the beds and chairs, to the glasses and plates, everything is made of frozen water! And with its own purpose built chapel for weddings, a truly magical location for any couple!

Many travel companies will have packages varying for different Lapland locations and seasons, and all varying in cost. It is important to remember the paperwork needs to be well coordinated and can take up to 3 months to process therefore early planning is essential.

While the documentary requirements for Lapland weddings are uncomplicated, it is essential that the wedding is planned in advance in order for all the legalised documentation to be processed. The following is a list of the required documents:

• Legalised (apostilled) No Impediment to Marriage form
• Legalised (apostilled) copies of passports for both parties
• Legalised (apostilled) copies of Birth Certificates for both parties
• Copy of Decree Absolute (for divorcees only)/name changes
• Finnish No Impediment form (one form to be completed by bride   and groom each)
• Finnish marriage in Finland (one form to be completed by bride and groom each)

Its good to do your research before booking to ensure everything has been taken care of, or perhaps get a wedding planner to take care of all the little details for you. But with some early planning, this could be the dream location for you!