Planning a wedding in Finland offers a magical blend of modern design, pristine nature, and serene traditions. Whether you dream of a lakeside summer celebration or a snowy winter wonderland, Finland’s peaceful atmosphere and high-quality services make it an unforgettable destination for your special day.
Why Choose Finland for Your Wedding?
- Breathtaking Nature: Thousands of lakes, endless forests, and the mystical Northern Lights provide a one-of-a-kind backdrop.
- Peaceful and Private: With a low population density, Finland offers intimate settings perfect for elopements or private ceremonies.
- High Standards: Finland is known for its excellent service, hospitality, and design sensibility.
- Unique Seasons: You can plan a midnight sun wedding in summer or a snowy ceremony with huskies in winter.
Best Regions and Wedding Venues in Finland
- Helsinki: Trendy city weddings with a Nordic twist. Chic design hotels, seafront venues, and stylish restaurants are ideal for modern couples.
- Lapland: For winter fairytales—snowy forests, glass igloos, reindeer rides, and potential sightings of the Northern Lights.
- Lakeland: Romantic lakeside villas, rustic barns, and historic manors. Perfect for summer weddings with a relaxed, natural feel.
- Archipelago: Finland’s thousands of islands offer coastal beauty, unique venues, and boat-access weddings.
Popular venues include:
- Hotel St. George (Helsinki)
- Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort (Lapland)
- Haikko Manor (Porvoo)
- Tertti Manor (Mikkeli)
Wedding in Finland. Legal or Symbolic Ceremony?
- Civil Weddings: Can be performed at a local registry office or on location if you arrange it in advance.
- Religious Ceremonies: Lutheran and Orthodox churches are the most common and can host weddings for foreigners.
- Symbolic Ceremonies: Popular among international couples who want a personalized ceremony without paperwork.
You’ll need to submit a Certificate of Non-Impediment and possibly other documents translated into Finnish, Swedish, or English. Start legal paperwork 2–3 months in advance.
Average Wedding Costs in Finland
| Expense Category | Estimated Cost (EUR) |
|---|---|
| Venue Rental | 1,000–5,000 |
| Catering (per person) | 60–120 |
| Photography | 1,000–3,000 |
| Flowers & Decoration | 500–2,000 |
| Wedding Planner | 800–3,000 |
| Bridal Gown & Attire | 1,000–3,000 |
| Hair & Makeup | 300–700 |
| Entertainment (DJ/Band) | 500–2,000 |
| Legal Fees | 150–300 |
Estimated total for 50 guests: €10,000–20,000
Planning Timeline for a Wedding in Finland
- 12+ Months Before: Choose a date and location, set a budget, and book your venue.
- 9 Months Before: Book photographer, wedding planner, and caterer.
- 6 Months Before: Finalize guest list, order outfits, and plan decor.
- 3 Months Before: Submit paperwork for legal ceremony.
- 1 Month Before: Final confirmations with all vendors and check travel details.
Wedding Trends in Finland
- Eco-conscious weddings with local flowers, sustainable decor, and vegetarian menus.
- Minimalist Nordic design in everything from invitations to venue styling.
- Nature ceremonies held in forests or by lakes, with sauna experiences afterward.
- Seasonal cuisine, such as wild berries, fresh fish, or reindeer meat.
Insider Tips for Your Finnish Wedding
- Consider a Midsummer wedding for magical light and festivities.
- Include a sauna ritual before or after the wedding—it’s a Finnish tradition!
- Plan early for winter weddings in Lapland, as accommodations book up quickly.
- Many Finns speak English fluently, but working with a local planner helps with logistics.
Wedding in Finland. Real Bride Moment
“Our wedding at a lakeside villa in Finland felt like a fairytale. We rowed to the ceremony, danced under the midnight sun, and ended the night with a bonfire. It was so peaceful and personal.” — Emilia, married in Rovaniemi
Is Finland the right destination for your wedding? If you’re dreaming of a serene, nature-filled, and stylish celebration, it just might be.