For couples seeking a wedding experience that is anything but ordinary, look no further than the pristine Arctic landscape of Jukkasjärvi, Sweden. Here, the world's original ice hotel offers a breathtaking backdrop for saying "I do," combining surreal art, raw nature, and once-in-a-lifetime adventure into a single, magical day. An Icehotel wedding isn't just an event; it's an immersive journey into a winter fairytale, perfect for those who want their love story to begin with an unforgettable chapter.
The Ceremony Hall: An Ephemeral Masterpiece
The heart of an Icehotel wedding is its annual Ceremony Hall, located inside the hotel itself. This sacred space is entirely crafted from ice and snow, harvested from the nearby Torne River. Each winter, a new cohort of carefully selected international artists arrives to hand-carve the hall into a unique work of art, ensuring no two wedding seasons are ever alike. The design is ephemeral—come spring, the entire structure melts and returns to the river, making the vows exchanged within it feel even more sacred and unique. The play of light through the crystalline ice creates a truly ethereal atmosphere, perfect for a romantic and intimate ceremony.
The Arctic Wedding Package: Everything Included
Icehotel simplifies the daunting task of planning a destination wedding with its comprehensive Arctic Wedding Package. Designed to be tailored for everything from an intimate elopement to a celebration with up to 40 guests, the package ensures every detail is handled. Upon arrival, you and your guests are whisked away from Kiruna Airport via a memorable dog sled transfer. The package includes premium winter clothing to keep everyone warm, a guided tour of the ice art, and a dedicated wedding coordinator with local expertise to guide you through every step.
The experience includes the wedding ceremony in the ice hall, an officiant, a floral bouquet and arrangements, and a professional photographer to capture your day against the stunning Arctic backdrop. The celebration continues with a champagne toast in the iconic ICEBAR, where drinks are served in glasses made of pure ice, and a wedding dinner featuring local delicacies like reindeer and Arctic char, often served on plates carved from river ice.
Your Three-Day Arctic Celebration
Icehotel recommends a three-day stay to fully immerse yourselves in the experience. A typical itinerary allows you to relax and embrace your surroundings before the big day.
Day 1: Arrival & Exploration
Your adventure begins with a dog sled ride from the airport. You'll settle in, enjoy a guided tour of both the seasonal winter hotel and the year-round Icehotel 365, and have a planning meeting with your coordinator. The evening can be spent on a Northern Lights safari by snowmobile or a relaxing dinner.
Day 2: The Wedding Day
After a breakfast buffet, the couple gets styled for the ceremony. A photo shoot amidst the snow-covered landscapes and intricate ice art precedes the main event. Following the ceremony in the ice hall, guests enjoy a champagne toast and a private wedding dinner in a secluded room. The newlyweds then experience the ultimate Arctic night: sleeping in a unique art suite surrounded by ice sculptures, cozy in thermal sleeping bags atop reindeer fur.
Day 3: Farewell & Adventure
A final breakfast buffet is followed by free time to add optional activities like ice sculpting or a final wilderness tour before transferring back to the airport.
What to Wear: From Snowsuits to Gowns
One of the most common questions for a winter wedding is about attire. At Icehotel, the choice is yours. While some couples opt for traditional wedding attire, the practical—and equally memorable—option is to wear a warm snowmobile suit. The hotel provides premium outerwear for all guests, and layers are highly recommended to combat temperatures that can dip to -30°C. A warm hotel room is provided for the couple to prepare in comfort, ensuring you can get ready for your ceremony in a cozy environment.
Legal Details & Planning
For international couples, getting legally married in Sweden requires some paperwork. You must provide a certificate of no impediment from your local authorities, along with copies of passports and birth certificates, at least fourteen weeks before your wedding date. Your Icehotel wedding coordinator will assist with the correspondence with Swedish authorities to ensure everything is processed smoothly. The hotel celebrates all love and welcomes same-sex couples and people of all religions.
While this guide focuses on the unique wedding experience, Icehotel is also a renowned destination for travelers seeking Arctic adventure. You can read our full overview of the hotel and its year-round offerings here.
Photos courtesy of Icehotel.
