What to do & When to do it

12–18 Months before

• Set a budget

• Choose a date (remember different seasons, midnight sun vs. winter dark, especially if outdoors).

• Book your ceremony venue (church, rådhus [city hall], or outdoor location).

• Book your reception venue (locations in Norway, especially fjords and historic hotels and big events, book early).

• Draft your guest list (international guests need more notice).

• Engage a wedding planner (optional, but very useful for destination weddings).

• Wedding website

9–12 Months before

• Secure key vendors: photographer, videographer, band/DJ, printings, caterer (if not included with venue).

• Send out a “save the date”.

• Book accommodation (especially if in small towns or fjord areas).

• Go wedding dress shopping. Many dresses must be ordered 6-8 months prior to your wedding.

• Book honeymoon

• Start designing your invitations.

6–9 Months before

• Apply for marriage license requirements in your own country.

  If one or both of you are foreigners, prepare documents early (birth certificates, proof of residence, certificates of no impediment, translations if needed).

• Book officiant / minister / celebrant

• Order wedding cake

• Plan travel and accommodation for guests

• Finalize décor and theme. Order rental produts (glasses, lights, chairs, chair covers, crockery etc.)

4–6 Months before

• Send invitations (earlier if many guests are flying in).

• Arrange menu tasting.

• Order wedding rings.

• Book hair and makeup artist.

• Arrange for any paperwork translations/apostilles (if international).

• Apply for “prøvingsattest”.

2–4 Months before

• Work with the seating chart for your guests

• Final dress/suit fittings.

• Bachelor/bachelorette (utdrikningslag).

• Finalize ceremony details (music, readings, vows).

• Create a day-of timeline.

• Send out the invitations

1–2 Months before

• Finalize the guest count. Check your RSVP’s, are there any allergies or special needs?

• Confirm all vendors.

• Write wedding vows

• Print programs, menus, name cards, welcome sign and seating chart.

• Buy gifts for family/wedding party.

• Plan legal name change (if applicable).

2–3 Weeks before

• Have final guest count to venue/caterer

• Hair and makeup trial.

• Check weather plan (outdoor weddings in Norway need backup indoor options).

• Pack for honeymoon.

• Break in shoes.

1 Week before

• Rehearsal with wedding party.

• Prepare payment envelopes for vendors.

• Pack an emergency wedding kit (umbrella, safety pins, makeup, etc.).

• Confirm transport.

• Mani & pedi

Wedding day

• Get married and enjoy the ride!

• Bring ID, prøvingsattest, and other documents.

• After the ceremony, the officiant sends paperwork to Skatteetaten. You’ll receive a marriage certificate (vigselattest) later.

⚡Pro tip: Norway’s stunning landscapes make for breathtaking wedding photos, but logistics (ferries, weather, daylight hours) require extra planning.