Destination Weddings in SwedenMarry in Sweden, one of the northernmost countries in the world, and the perfect destination for a summertime wedding. From June to August, the days are long with almost 20 hours of sunlight, while in the far north of Sweden, they are endless. Unlike other places of similar latitude, Sweden enjoys mild weather with average summer highs in the 70’s due in part to the Gulf Stream and warm westerly winds. It is the pleasant temperatures and the abundance of sunlight that provide a perfect setting for exploration, relaxation, and romance in this region known as the “Land of the Midnight Sun”.
Couples choosing to wed in Sweden will discover a picturesque country with charming cities, fields of flowers, lush forests, rolling hillsides, scenic coastlines, and thousands of pristine lakes. Whether you choose a small countryside church or a medieval castle for your wedding, you will undoubtedly be surrounded by breathtaking beauty.
Swedish Wedding Traditions
You may want to incorporate one or more of the many Swedish wedding traditions into your ceremony. The bridal crown is an age-old tradition in Sweden. Worn directly on the head or over the veil, a simple crown can be made from ribbon or for a more authentic Swedish feel, myrtle leaves. If you have Swedish heritage, you may choose to wear the traditional folk dress of the community. Originally peasant clothing, these colorful costumes are now worn for festive occasions or as formal wear. Wondering who will be the decision maker in the family? The Swedes have the answer. The bride and groom usually enter the church together and whoever steps in first is said to be the one who will have control in the marriage. If you’d rather the groom wait for the bride at the altar, that same tradition holds true for the one who says, “I do” the loudest. Either way, it’s the bride who receives a morgongåva (“morning gift”) the day after the wedding.
A wedding reception in Sweden is the ideal time to enjoy a traditional buffet known as a smörgåsbord. There are many delicious dishes to choose from, but your smörgåsbord won’t be complete without sill (“herring”), lingonsylt (“cowberry jam”), Jansson’s Frestelse (“Jansson’s Temptation”), köttbullar (“ Swedish meatballs”), knäckebröd (“hard bread”) and a smörgåstårta (“sandwich like cake made from layers of bread, egg, and either shrimp or ham”). Throughout dinner snapsvisor (“drinking songs”) are sung and all guests are welcome to give a speech in honor of the new bride and groom. Dads be prepared. It is tradition for both father’s to make a speech during the reception.
Honeymoon in Sweden
A honeymoon in Sweden will be romantic and unique! Stockholm is Sweden’s largest city and one of the most beautiful capitals in the world. Built on 14 islands with water seemingly everywhere, some call it the “Venice of the North”. It is amazingly clean and has something for everyone. Parks, museums, theaters, restaurants and numerous retail stores can be found throughout the city. In the heart of Stockholm is Gamla Stan (“Old Town”). Built in the1300’s, this well-preserved medieval city with its narrow pathways and cobblestone streets makes the perfect setting for a romantic walk along the waterfront. After you have taken in all of the sights and sounds of the city, escape to a place of solitude by renting a secluded Swedish stuga (“cabin”) on one of the 24,000 islands in the archipelago.
An hour north of Stockholm is Uppsala, Sweden’s fourth largest city and the site of Scandinavia’s largest church (“Domkyrkan”). This university town offers more than just an active cultural scene and nightlife. It’s rich Viking history with ancient burial grounds and runes (“archaic script carved on stones”) is both educational and interesting.
Göteborg, Sweden’s second largest city, is an attractive mix of seventeenth-century architecture, water and nature. This seaside port is cosmopolitan in every sense of the word, yet quaint and charming. Like Stockholm, Göteborg offers visitors countless options for dining, lodging and entertainment. The city-center houses museums, the opera, cafés and boutiques. Just minutes outside of town you can find rock climbing, fishing, winding trails and peaceful herrgårds (“manor houses”).
Malmö lies near the southern coast and is the Swedish gateway to mainland Europe thanks to the Øresund Link , a stunning ten mile long road and rail bridge. Indoor markets, antique shops, museums and summer buskers are just a few of the attractions this sixteenth-century city has to offer.
Bustling cities full of culture, history and entertainment. Timeless villages steeped in tradition. Landscapes that you’d only find in pictures. Whether your honeymoon calls for excitement and adventure or romance and relaxation, Sweden is a fairytale come true.
How to have a destination wedding in Sweden
In order to get married in Sweden a couple must first complete a hindersprövning (“an investigation into possible impediments”). The local skattekontoret (“tax office”) handles this procedure. The couple must contact the office in the district where they are staying temporarily or where their wedding is to take place. Both applicants need to appear in person and provide the following documents. (It is suggested that you contact the office ahead of time to make sure that everything is in order. Luckily, most Swedes speak at least a little bit of English so you shouldn’t fret.)
1. An affidavit listing the general impediments to marriage in the state which he/she maintains permanent residence.
2. Evidence regarding the current marital status. An affidavit stating that the person in question is not married is usually considered sufficient. Two individuals who know the applicant well should sign this affidavit. The document should be notarized. A form for the affidavit can be obtained from the Consulate General of Sweden in Los Angeles.
3. An affidavit or a marriage license signed by the applicant stating that no impediments to marriage exist. This affidavit or marriage license is in accordance with the Swedish law.
4. A document of identity. A passport is usually accepted.
|
