The ultimate guide to elope in the Faroe Islands
TIPS. VENUES & LOCATION IDEAS
for an adventure elopement in the Faroe Islands
The Faroe Islands are a wild, unspoiled collection of eighteen islands that are part of the Kingdom of Denmark. Though they’re triangled by Norway, Iceland, and the United Kingdom, the Faroe Islands have managed to stay remote as travelers skip past the islands.
Big mistake, but that means you can elope in the Faroe Islands and have a beautiful view and a private place to say your vows all to yourself! With landscapes similar to Iceland, but with less tourists and crowds, you definitely don’t want to miss out on these islands. To plan your Faroe Islands elopement, there are a few things that you should know – but luckily I’ve got all the important stuff. Keep reading to learn how to elope in the Faroe Islands!
The Grind in the Faroe Islands
I want every couple to love their elopement location, which means you deserve to know all the facts – every place has pros and cons, but I want to insert a disclaimer to this guide. In the Faroe Islands, there’s a controversial tradition that takes place each year. An annual whale hunt called the grindadráp (the grind) takes place sometime between July and September, whenever a pod of whales is spotted and the hunt can begin.
The grind has taken place for several centuries, but has drawn tons of criticism from both locals and foreigners, as well as several environmental protection agencies for the inhumane killing of the whales and the damage it does to the populations.
If this is a deal breaker for you, there are plenty of other gorgeous places to elope if you’d like to avoid supporting this terrible tradition. Places with similar landscapes include Iceland, the Scottish Isles, and New Zealand!
If you do elope in the Faroe Islands and book your elopement with me, I will donate 500€ to the Sea Shepherds – an organization working to stop this practice.
Let’s dive in…
First, let’s be sure we’re talking about the same thing:
What is an elopement?
It seems like somewhere along the way, weddings became about throwing a party for everyone else to enjoy instead of a way to truly celebrate two people committing to spend forever together. Couples spend all that time planning and stressing, not to mention all that money, and then the big day comes and they hardly get to enjoy it because they’re busy running around to make sure they greet all their guests and that everything is going according to plan. but not anymore!
But isn’t this supposed to be the best day of your life? Shouldn’t it be about you?
Elopements are a way to reclaim your wedding day and to start your marriage by doing something you love! You get to decide what feels right and what matters to you, and you get to have a wedding day that actually reflects the two of you and your relationship.
How to Legally Elope in the Faroe Islands
If you’re traveling internationally to elope in the Faroe Islands, some couples choose to do the paperwork and legal stuff at home before or after their ceremony. Your marriage doesn’t start until you actually say your vows, and it may be easier to get it out of the way and done close to home, and it allows you to focus your elopement day on the fun stuff!
To elope in the Faroe Islands, you’ll need to obtain a Notice of Marriage (similar to a marriage license in other countries) from the capital city. This must be done at least 4 weeks before the ceremony, so make sure to plan ahead! To get your Notice of Marriage, you’ll need to email torshavn@torshavn.fo, and they will also require that you send copies of your birth certificates and proof of divorce or widow(er) status, if applicable. These need to be in English (unless you happen to have a Faroese copy), so get them translated if needed!
Ceremonies in the Faroe Islands are officiated by a mayor or by a minister, and require two witnesses to be present! If you’re eloping just the two of you, your photographer can serve as a witness, as can any other vendors!
Why Elope in the Faroe Islands?
Incredible Scenery
Needless to say, the Faroe Islands are incredibly beautiful. The vibrant green mountains, crashing waterfalls, shaggy sheep and adorable puffins, and colorful villages make it impossible to find a spot in the Faroe Islands that wouldn’t make a great backdrop for your elopement photos!
Unspoiled Beauty
Not only are the Faroe Islands beautiful, but they’re also not overrun by tourists and travelers. The islands have managed to stay remote, which means the beauty of nature on the islands is wild and untouched. You’ll have no problem finding a private place to say your vows!
Friendly Locals
The locals of the Faroe Islands are welcoming and friendly, and eager to share the beauty of their home! If you spend any time exploring the villages, restaurants, or breweries of the Faroe Islands, you’re bound to make new friends and get recommendations for places to visit.
Where to Elope in the Faroe Islands
Stunning coastlines, towering fjords, beautiful mountains… where do you begin to look for a spot for your Faroe Islands elopement? It will definitely be hard to narrow it down – but don’t worry, there will be plenty of time to explore on your elopement day! Here are some good places to elope in the Faroe Islands to get you inspired..
Saksun Church
On the island of Streymoy, about an hour from Torshavn (the capital city), lies a tiny village on the inlet. There are just a few houses, and a lot of sheep, but the church stands out with its cobblestone wall and overgrown, moss covered rooftop. The quiet village and the views of waterfalls and the Norwegian sea make this a perfect, serene backdrop for your Faroe Islands elopement.
Lake Sørvágsvatn
This lake is nestled on the edge of a few of the tallest cliffs on the Faroe Islands. After an easy hike that shouldn’t take more than an hour, you’ll be at the top, standing at the cliff’s edge(if you’re brave enough) for an incredible view of the lake.
Fossa Waterfall
This waterfall is also located on Streymoy, and is actually the highest waterfall in the country! The water runs off of a cliff, hitting the rocky surface below. There’s nothing more majestic and powerful than a waterfall, and this one would be a jaw dropping spot to say your vows.
Bøssdalafossur Waterfall
After a short hike up to the top of the cliff, you’ll be greeted with Bøssdalafossur Waterfall cascading from a lake down into the Atlantic Ocean. This is the perfect elopement location for those who want to be by the ocean, and to experience the rugged coastline of the Faroe Islands.
Saksun
Saksun is one of the most remote locations in the Faroe Islands. There is a small village with tiny, moss-covered houses tucked in lush green fields and surrounded by towering mountain peaks. Elope amongst the silence and beauty of Saksun, and you’ll feel like you stepped into a storybook.
When to Elope in the Faroe Islands
Santorini’s weather rarely dips below 10 degrees Celsius (50 degrees Fahrenheit), so this island paradise is a wonderful getaway any time of year.
WINTER
Days are very short in the winter – as short as just five hours. Few people explore the Faroe Islands during the colder months, but if you aren’t afraid of rain, you’ll be greeted with snow capped peaks and solitude throughout the islands.
SPRING
The weather warms up a lot in the spring, but many days are still rainy. Flowers bloom across the islands, and spring is a great time for spotting puffins!
SUMMER
June through August is the most popular time to visit the Faroe Islands, and because the weather is less temperamental, summer is a great time to elope here. Some days can reach up to 19 hours of daylight, giving you plenty of time to hike, explore, and adventure on your elopement day! With great weather come more tourists, so be prepared to share your elopement location.
FALL
Starting in September, the Faroe Islands see significantly less traffic, and eloping during the fall can give you more of a chance to find a private spot to say your vows. The views will be just as beautiful, with some yellow and orange sprinkled into the landscape as the leaves turn.
How Much Does it Cost to Elope in the Faroe Islands?
HIGH – END ELOPEMENT
Travel to and from the Faroe Islands: $2 000
5 nights in a high-end accomodation // $1 000
Elopement photographer // $7 000
Private chef or full board // $2 000
Officiant // $1 000
Florist // $500
Rentals // $500
Wedding dress and accessories // $4 000
Suit and accessories // $1 000
TOTAL FOR A HIGH – END ELOPEMENT IN the Faroe Islands :
$19 000
BUDGET ELOPEMENT
Travel to and from the Faroe Islands: $2 000
5 nights in an airbnb // $600
Elopement photographer // $7 000
Food // $600
Officiant // $500
Florist // $300
Wedding dress and accessories // $2 000
Suit and accessories // $400
TOTAL FOR A BUDGET ELOPEMENT IN the Faroe Islands :
$13 400
What To Wear When Eloping In the Faroe Islands
The key to a great elopement day is to make sure that you’re comfortable! That means dressing in clothes that let you sit down, walk, and move around, and also in layering up to be prepared for any weather!e moving around!
The Dress
The weather in the Faroe Islands can be unpredictable – it may be cold the morning of your elopement, and then warm up later, so layers are key! A lightweight dress will let you move around easily and freely throughout the day, and adding a shawl or a cape will keep you warm. Capes also look amazing blowing in the wind!
The Shoes
Uncomfortable shoes will ruin your whole day – and you definitely don’t want that to happen on your elopement day! I recommend hiking boots, and if you buy new kicks for the occasion, make sure to break them in! Comfortable hiking boots will keep your feet warm and dry as you explore the Faroe Islands.
The Suit
Layers are key in the Faroe Islands! If it gets warm during the day, a button down shirt and dress pants will be perfect, but in case the weather turns (as it often does), bring a jacket or tux along! It’ll do wonders for keeping you warm.
Elope in the Faroe Islands – Your Checklist
Think about where you’d like to go
This is probably the hardest part – the Faroe Islands are beautiful everywhere you look! Decide what kind of scenery you want on your elopement day, how much hiking you want to do, and how far you want to travel.
As an elopement photographer, a big part of my job is to help couples find the perfect place to say their vows. As a travel planner, I’m ready to go with all the best secret spots! Once you’ve decided to elope in the Faroe Islands, don’t hesitate to get in touch for planning assistance.
Pick a date
I always recommend eloping on a weekday – you’ll run into much fewer crowds than you would on the weekend! Make sure to research the weather, then decide on an elopement date.
Find more information about travel visas and wedding documentation
To visit the Faroe Islands, you won’t need a Visa! But, make sure you know where your passport is, and that it’s up to date.
Book your flights and accommodation
Booking flights and accommodation early gives you better chances of finding a great deal,and especially during busy season, helps guarantee that you’ll be able to stay close to your elopement location!
Book your vendors
Many wedding and elopement vendors fill their calendars as far as a year or two out – so don’t hesitate to inquire! It’s never too early to start contacting your favorites.
Live your dream elopement
Woohoo! This is it – tie the knot, relax, and spend the day adventuring.
Does the Faroe Islands sound like your dream?
How to plan your peaceful elopement in the Faroe Islands with me
SCHEDULE A NON-SALES CALL
You probably don’t like sales calls, but don’t worry! Neither do I. That’s not what this is – I’m just getting to know you, and working with you to figure out how we can make your elopement everything you dreamed of and more.
BOOK YOUR DATE
After you sign your contract and pay the deposit, you’re booked! All we need to do is decide on a date.
i’ll plan your elopement
From itinerary planning to vendor suggestions all the way to helping you with permits, I plan everything.
LIVE YOUR ADVENTURE
The moment you’ve been waiting for! Time to marry the love of your life in a beautiful place, and have the most amazing day ever.
RELIVE YOUR TRIP FOREVER
And you can remember the best day of your life by looking at your photos! You get to relive the day over and over, and remember every moment!
Let’s plan your peaceful elopement
Where you can be you. Feel. Breathe in each other’s love.
Experience a place close to your hearts, or a bucket list dream.
Let’s chat!
Are you eager to start planning your elopement in the Faroe Islands? I’m here to help you envision, plan and immortalize this beautiful adventure! Contact me now for a free consultation!
