Take a tour of the most breathtaking outdoor wedding venues in the Nordics

Getting married out in the open air can be an unforgettable moment for both the happy couple and guests. The Nordic countries have a lot of variety when it comes to an adventurous elopement, after all.

However, when it comes to hosting a wedding outdoors there are a few things you need to consider, such as mist, insects, slippery rocks and soil, colder temperatures and changing weather, which can all threaten your happy day. Like most things in life, it's best to be prepared for anything to happen, like blustery wind in your hair, rain on your wedding dress (or makeup) or perhaps even holding umbrellas during the ceremony. However, if you’re up for the challenge you might just get the dreamiest special day, filled with forever photos and memories to last a lifetime.

So, what's your dream nature wedding, a secluded waterfall in Iceland, on top of a mountain in Norway or even a botanical garden in Sweden? Take our tour to find out...

Norway is a land of intense beauty, with famously steep mountains and deep fjords carved out by ancient ice age. Whether you want to have a private elopement or a grand ceremony with all your friends and family, it's the perfect location for your adventure wedding out in the fresh air and amongst nature.

Wedding location: Litlefjell, near Åndalsnes

Lofoten is a beautiful place that brings you up into the fairytale magic of Norway. It’s a bit of an adventure, since getting to the location is a half an hour hike, however the terrain is relatively easy and with gravel paths. This location is perfect for a small, intimate wedding and provides you and your guests with the most incredible views.

Wedding location: Lofoten islands

The famous Lofoten Islands in the northern parts of Norway is an experience of a lifetime. You are greeted by magnificent scenery, mountain peaks and the midnight sun in summer. It’s the perfect place for any couple who want to elope in a remote and wild destination, with plenty of different spots to choose from. Get in contact with a local wedding planner to sort out all the details.

“If you’re up for an extra adventurous ceremony, head up to the beautiful lookout point at mount Ryten in Lofoten. It’s about a two hour hike with mostly soft, mossy ground, some wet patches and a little bit of climbing. Here you’ll get a stunning view of the Kvalvika beach below and the photos will be worth the hard work,' suggests local photographer Christin Eide.

One of the biggest reasons to tie the knot in Sweden is the country's incredible natural beauty, which consists of lush forests, lakes perfect for swimming and crystal clear waters. There's a plethora of outdoor, romantic scenes to choose from, including rustic barns and fairytale-style castles.

Wedding location: Norrviken

Norrvikens Trädgårdar, a big park located in the South of Sweden, in Båstad is another great choice. Norrviken is famous for its gardens, inspired by various countries and cultures. The gardens will help tantalise all the senses, packed with sweet scented flowers and greenery. A great spot to host your ceremony is one of the gardens overlooking the ocean, as there’s plenty of space, making it the perfect place for a big grand outdoor wedding, holding up to 150 chairs.

“The park itself is very big and even though I have done six weddings there now I find new spots every time, on top of all the different places and areas in the park it changes through the seasons, of course. So a spot that looks one way in May can be a completely different scene in October. I love how the light always finds its way through the park, through the endless amount of trees and plants. It’s truly the perfect place for a wedding," says local photographer Maria Broström.

Wedding location: Gunnebot Slott

Gunnebo Castle & Gardens is located just outside of Gothenburg and is known as one of Sweden's most spectacular venues. It’s the perfect spot combining both nature and the castle's stunning regal interiors. Host your wedding ceremony out in the gardens, and snap your beautiful wedding photos in the grounds, then move inside the castle for an evening spent dancing the night away...

Wedding location: Írárfoss waterfall

If you are dreaming of a fairytale wedding in the crisp open-air with the sounds of the running water behind you, Írárfoss waterfall is your perfect location. It feels as if it was carved out of rock for this very purpose. Nearby sits a big open grass field fit for any ceremony, big or small. And because the area is sheltered by surrounding cliffs, that constant, nippy Icelandic breeze is kept at bay.

This particular waterfall is normally very calm, with a minimal visitors, which makes it the perfect quiet and tranquil spot. Convinced you yet? If so, keep in mind that because the land is privately owned, you'll need to have permission granted – but a local wedding planner can always assist.

Wedding location: Black Sand Beach

If you're looking for super unique location for your ceremony, situating your big day on one of Iceland's other worldly black sand beaches could be what you’re looking for. Iceland is a volcanic island and is home to hundreds of black sand beaches, some with stunning natural features like rock formations and hidden caves.

But you'll have to skip the winter wedding as conditions will mean it's far too windy, instead opt for a summery date when the waves will also be smaller. And just think: all the white details of a Scandinavian wedding will look beautiful contrasted against the dark unearthly sand. Top tip: add that extra Icelandic touch and don an Icelandic wool sweater, or locally made wool suit, to keep you warm on your wedding day.

“I have shot many weddings and engagements at the Reynisfjara black beach of Iceland and it’s always a very unique experience for the couple. Most of them have never seen or touched volcanic sand ever in their life. Walking towards the ocean on the left side there is the extraordinary basalt column formation, on the right side is the Dyrhólaey Arch, and in the ocean in front of you stands the Reynisdrangar sea stacks. Even though it might be cold and windy, the couple usually forgets about it as they take in the scenery and hear the waves crashing, the sand moving and the birds singing in the cliffs. I think that this, and all these beautiful landmarks surrounding you, makes Reynisfjara the most beautiful place in Iceland," says local photographer Ívar Eyþórsson.

Finnish nature is very versatile and there are reams of interesting nature wedding venues to choose from. On top of that, Finland is Europe's most forested country, where 70% of the land is covered with lush trees, making it a perfectly wild paradise and ideal spot for a ceremony.

The Venue: Suomenlinna Sea Fortress

Suomenlinna Sea Fortress, an Unesco World Heritage site, is a charming escape that boasts many wedding venues, along with restaurants and museums, to opt from. A great choice for the ceremony could be the atmospheric Tenalji von Fersen, Suomenlinna’s banquet halls, which can comfortable seat up to 200 guests. In between drinks and dancing, guests can have fun exploring the rest of this little island gem – the perfect location for a weekend long celebration.

Plus, Suomenlinna sea fortress is only a 15 minute ferry ride outside the Helsinki city centre and boasts both beautiful old architecture and nature. The neighboring island, Vallisaari, which you can access by ferry or water taxi has developed a unique natural system as it's been vacant for decades.

“I love the magical atmosphere in Suomenlinna and Vallisaari, they're like from another era. They have both of the two most important aspects of the Finnish nature: forest and water. And all just a stone's throw away from the city centre," says local wedding photographer Pyry Kantonen.