Marlene & Marius – A Secret Elopement by the Lake (and How You Can Plan Your Own in Norway)

When the forest whispers, the wind plays with a veil, and the water reflects your promises – a wedding becomes more than a ceremony. It turns into an experience, a secret shared only between two hearts, the wild nature around them, and a few chosen witnesses.

This is how Marlene & Marius chose to celebrate their love.

Their day began quietly – with a first look among pine trees, where they saw each other for the very first time in wedding attire. The moment was filled with laughter, nervous smiles, and a deep sense of calm. Standing in the forest, it felt like time slowed down.

The ceremony itself took place by Lake Storsjøen in Nord-Odal, surrounded by dramatic skies and sunlight shimmering on the water. The local mayor led the vows, but it was nature that framed the moment – the breeze lifting the veil, birds singing in the background, and gentle waves rolling onto the shore. It felt as if the world stood still, and only they existed.

After the ceremony, we traveled deeper into the woods to a hidden place in Brandval, where wild forests, bogs, and lakes created a magical backdrop. Here they could simply be themselves – laughing, kissing, holding hands – surrounded by nothing but silence and nature.

Just imagine – the only ones who knew what was really happening that day were this little group and me!

The next day, they hosted a big party for friends and family, surprising everyone with the news that they were already married. The joy, the laughter, the tears – it was the perfect way to balance intimacy with celebration.

What does it mean to elope?

Eloping today is not about running away – it’s about choosing a wedding day that feels completely your own. It’s about intimacy, freedom, and presence. No long guest lists, no overwhelming expectations – just the two of you, your love, and the experience you want to create together.

For some couples, that means a quiet lake shore. For others, it’s a mountain top, a dramatic forest, or even a cozy cabin. An elopement can be just the two of you, or you can bring along a handful of your closest people. The beauty is: you set the rules.

Why choose Kongsvinger & Finnskogen for your elopement?

You don’t have to travel to faraway destinations to find breathtaking backdrops for your vows. In fact, some of the most magical locations are hidden in southern Norway, just 90 minutes from Oslo.

The Kongsvinger region is rich with lakes, rolling hills, and quiet forests. But perhaps the most special is Finnskogen – “The Forest of the Finns.” This area is known for its mystical beauty: deep pine forests, misty mornings, wild marshes, and ancient stories that give the landscape a sense of timelessness. Couples who choose to elope here often describe it as stepping into a fairytale – untouched, peaceful, and full of Nordic magic.

Why elopement might be right for you

Because it allows you to strip away everything unnecessary and focus on what matters most: your love and the promises you make to each other.

Elopement is not about doing less – it’s about doing more of what makes your day feel authentic. More freedom, more intimacy, more adventure, more meaning.

And here in Norway, with its wild landscapes and mystical forests, you don’t just get married. You create a story you’ll never forget.

Dreaming of eloping in Norway?

I would love to help you plan and capture your intimate wedding in Finnskogen – so you can experience a day that feels wild, free, and completely your own.

Bryllupsfotografering