Is visiting an Ice Hotel on your bucket list? Sleeping on a bed made out of ice may sound crazy for some, but for others, it’s a dream come true.
What if I told you we were married in the church next to the original ICEHOTEL in Sweden, and spent our wedding night in a Deluxe Suite surrounded with art carved out of ice?
We like to do things differently, break out of the usual stereo-type of life, experience the unusual, go where no man has gone before (well that is a little exaggeration) – and our wedding was no different!
There is something magical about snow, it touches our hearts and makes us feel happy, so wouldn’t it be fantastic to marry in a place with a pure white, powder soft landscape?
Yes it would be amazing, but hang on a minute, doesn’t that mean standing in -33°c shivering on our wedding day?
How about we marry in the ICEHOTEL where it’s only -5°c … toasty in comparison.
That is exactly what we did!
What if I told you we were married in the church next to the original ICEHOTEL in Sweden, and spent our wedding night in a Deluxe Suite surrounded with art carved out of ice?
We like to do things differently, break out of the usual stereo-type of life, experience the unusual, go where no man has gone before (well that is a little exaggeration) – and our wedding was no different!
There is something magical about snow, it touches our hearts and makes us feel happy, so wouldn’t it be fantastic to marry in a place with a pure white, powder soft landscape?
Yes it would be amazing, but hang on a minute, doesn’t that mean standing in -33°c shivering on our wedding day?
How about we marry in the ICEHOTEL where it’s only -5°c … toasty in comparison.
That is exactly what we did!
The Swedish Flag
The Proposal
Our engagement was unconventional. I made the decision to propose to Simon on leap year day whilst watching the World Cup rugby – it’s clearly an inspirational sport for women to ask their partner to marry them!?!
We had been together three months - but hey, once you know, you know right? It was still another three months away, so I thought I would have time to get used to the idea.
I thought wrong!
Somehow Simon guessed! We hadn’t discussed getting engaged, I hadn’t even hinted at him, strewth I was only just getting used to the idea myself!!
Ah well, if he had guessed then what the heck! So I asked him there and then and we were “unofficially” engaged. We decided we would still keep to the proposal date of 29 February to give us time to feel comfortable with the idea and to keep it to ourselves.
So the proposal happened – I asked in three different ways – writing “will you marry me?” in tea lights on our living room floor, I wrote a poem asking the same question and finally, I painted a dinner plate with the words “Say Yes!” which would only be revealed when he finished his evening meal! The rest, as they say, is history.
Time to start the wedding preparations!!
Our engagement was unconventional. I made the decision to propose to Simon on leap year day whilst watching the World Cup rugby – it’s clearly an inspirational sport for women to ask their partner to marry them!?!
We had been together three months - but hey, once you know, you know right? It was still another three months away, so I thought I would have time to get used to the idea.
I thought wrong!
Somehow Simon guessed! We hadn’t discussed getting engaged, I hadn’t even hinted at him, strewth I was only just getting used to the idea myself!!
Ah well, if he had guessed then what the heck! So I asked him there and then and we were “unofficially” engaged. We decided we would still keep to the proposal date of 29 February to give us time to feel comfortable with the idea and to keep it to ourselves.
So the proposal happened – I asked in three different ways – writing “will you marry me?” in tea lights on our living room floor, I wrote a poem asking the same question and finally, I painted a dinner plate with the words “Say Yes!” which would only be revealed when he finished his evening meal! The rest, as they say, is history.
Time to start the wedding preparations!!
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We’re getting married!
We already knew we would marry overseas following a casual discussion three weeks into our relationship (as you do) – but the question was, where? If we opted opt for a white sand beach, there is the possibility we would be disappointed because the sand isn’t white enough... I am a self-confessed beach snob after all.
We both love the snow and thought we wouldn’t be disappointed if we chose to marry somewhere in the Arctic... how about we add the novelty factor of a church made of ice?
And so the idea of marrying in the ICEHOTEL was born.
Fast forward two years (oh yes, we may have become engaged quickly but we weren’t going to rush the wedding!).... our wedding countdown clock flashed “0 days” remaining!
The day of our wedding had finally arrived!!
We already knew we would marry overseas following a casual discussion three weeks into our relationship (as you do) – but the question was, where? If we opted opt for a white sand beach, there is the possibility we would be disappointed because the sand isn’t white enough... I am a self-confessed beach snob after all.
We both love the snow and thought we wouldn’t be disappointed if we chose to marry somewhere in the Arctic... how about we add the novelty factor of a church made of ice?
And so the idea of marrying in the ICEHOTEL was born.
Fast forward two years (oh yes, we may have become engaged quickly but we weren’t going to rush the wedding!).... our wedding countdown clock flashed “0 days” remaining!
The day of our wedding had finally arrived!!
A white blanket as far as the eye can see
The ICEHOTEL is in the heart of Swedish Lapland – the land where Father Christmas lives!!
As someone who is passionate about conservation, it pleases us to know the ICEHOTEL has been classified as an eco hotel and a Sustainable Arctic Destination.
When we first arrived at Kiruna airport 19 miles away (30km), the scenery was just breathtaking - a truly magical winter wonderland that lived up to (if not exceeded!) our expectations. Miles upon miles of crisp white snow glistened in the sun like diamonds.
The ICEHOTEL is in the heart of Swedish Lapland – the land where Father Christmas lives!!
As someone who is passionate about conservation, it pleases us to know the ICEHOTEL has been classified as an eco hotel and a Sustainable Arctic Destination.
When we first arrived at Kiruna airport 19 miles away (30km), the scenery was just breathtaking - a truly magical winter wonderland that lived up to (if not exceeded!) our expectations. Miles upon miles of crisp white snow glistened in the sun like diamonds.
The small village of Jukkasjärvi where the ICEHOTEL complex is situated lies 200km north of the Arctic Circle, so it is cold!! The temperature was a biting -33°c, however inside the ICEHOTEL complex, insulated by the surrounding snow it was a mere -5°c. Thankfully we didn't spend every night in these cold temperatures, we booked a hut (known as the Kaamos room) which is toasty and warm, it even has heated floors so don’t put your chocolate down otherwise it will melt (we found this out the hard way!)
Sy in the "warm" accommodation with heated floors that will melt your chocolate
To simply walk around outside I wore two pairs of gloves, two pairs of socks, snow boots, salopettes, thermals, t-shirt, a polar neck, a wool jumper, thin coat, a ski-jacket, thick scarf and hat – but nothing stopped the icicles forming on our eye lashes!!
Angie and all her layers just to try and keep warm
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Our thermometer showing just how cold it is!
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Even though it was very cold, wrapping up in many layers trapped the heat in. Although I wouldn't say I didn’t feel how cold it was, I kind of learned to live with it. I accepted the temperature because I knew I wouldn’t see anything as beautiful as this landscape without some discomfort - I mean, if you want to experience the Sahara Desert, you would have to melt in +50 degree heat right? So grin and bear it – it’s worth it!
The ICEHOTEL complex is re-built every winter with a completely new design. When the river Torne freezes over, a magical hotel emerges sculpted from the river ice itself. Around 42 world-class artists begin its construction in November and chisel the ice church where we were to marry. They also build the world-famous Absolut ice bar, 150 beds, table, chairs and even a chandelier consisting of 1,000 hand cut ice crystals. By April, it slowly starts to melt away back into the river- its original source.
The ICEHOTEL complex is re-built every winter with a completely new design. When the river Torne freezes over, a magical hotel emerges sculpted from the river ice itself. Around 42 world-class artists begin its construction in November and chisel the ice church where we were to marry. They also build the world-famous Absolut ice bar, 150 beds, table, chairs and even a chandelier consisting of 1,000 hand cut ice crystals. By April, it slowly starts to melt away back into the river- its original source.
Lappland is where Santa lives right?
The original Ice Bar
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Even the glasses are made out of ice
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The Ice Church where we were married
Our Wedding Ceremony
For the wedding ceremony, I wore a dress and a thermal-lined faux-fur coat complete with hood, my “something blue” was ski-socks which I wore inside faux-fur boots - I wasn’t cold! On the other hand, Sy wore an ordinary suit, shirt, shoes and with a shaved head – he was definitely feeling the temperature despite the thermals underneath!
Our wedding party consisted of Sy’s parents of which his father was best man, my best friend Sharon was Matron of Honour, her husband Bobby gave me away and their son Jack was page boy.
I was so calm all day. I was so sure and confident that marrying Sy was absolutely the right thing to do, I felt no reason to be nervous or scared... That was true, right up to the moment I walked into the candle lit ice church - then it all changed!
The time had come. It was 4pm – time to marry my Mr Right!
For the wedding ceremony, I wore a dress and a thermal-lined faux-fur coat complete with hood, my “something blue” was ski-socks which I wore inside faux-fur boots - I wasn’t cold! On the other hand, Sy wore an ordinary suit, shirt, shoes and with a shaved head – he was definitely feeling the temperature despite the thermals underneath!
Our wedding party consisted of Sy’s parents of which his father was best man, my best friend Sharon was Matron of Honour, her husband Bobby gave me away and their son Jack was page boy.
I was so calm all day. I was so sure and confident that marrying Sy was absolutely the right thing to do, I felt no reason to be nervous or scared... That was true, right up to the moment I walked into the candle lit ice church - then it all changed!
The time had come. It was 4pm – time to marry my Mr Right!
I walked into the entrance of the church on Bobby’s arm, Sharon & Jack behind me. Bobby insisted on wearing proper shoes because he wanted everything to be perfect, however, when walking towards the aisle, he slid on the ice! Thankfully I was able to ensure he didn’t fall over - it was quite amusing and we had a giggle which “broke the ice” (sorry, couldn’t resist that pun!)
We reached the beginning of the aisle and I could see my husband-to-be waiting at the alter, he smiled and that’s when I fell apart!
Welling up, as I beamed back at him, a lump was forming in my throat and I desperately tried not to cry. I attempted to walk graciously down the aisle, but as the female priest sung a sweet, soft hymn, the tears flowed unashamedly - the reality hit us both!
We reached the beginning of the aisle and I could see my husband-to-be waiting at the alter, he smiled and that’s when I fell apart!
Welling up, as I beamed back at him, a lump was forming in my throat and I desperately tried not to cry. I attempted to walk graciously down the aisle, but as the female priest sung a sweet, soft hymn, the tears flowed unashamedly - the reality hit us both!
The ceremony itself was, well, I can't actually put it into words! The ceremonial readings were genuine, loving and true and we didn’t pay attention to anything around us other than one another. All we could see was each other’s eyes and we exchanged vows through tears - Sy's Mum had to pass a tissue at one point and I tried not to smudge the make-up I had applied not 30 minutes before. I am so glad I used waterproof mascara!!
We tried to take in the moment, listen to the priest's words, mentally record the quickest and most precious 20 minutes of our lives in addition to repeating (and meaning) the vows - all rather difficult when you are also trying to stop crying and a photographer is snapping away! Wonder what those photos will be like!!
All too soon, the ceremony was over, we were pronounced “Husband and Wife” and were walking back down the aisle to the angel-like voice of our priest.
An hour of photos then followed in the ice church – it doesn’t usually take that long but those of you who have travelled with me know how many photos I take, and I know what I want! I encouraged the photographer to be creative, I even offered suggestions as to what I would like.
All too soon, the ceremony was over, we were pronounced “Husband and Wife” and were walking back down the aisle to the angel-like voice of our priest.
An hour of photos then followed in the ice church – it doesn’t usually take that long but those of you who have travelled with me know how many photos I take, and I know what I want! I encouraged the photographer to be creative, I even offered suggestions as to what I would like.
We knew which ice suite we would be spending our wedding evening, so had some photos taken there, he also suggested his favourite ice suite – a room filled with snow balls which I have to admit is one of my favourite photos.
After the obligatory group shots, our party wanted to have a cup of tea and put on warmer clothes (don’t blame them!) When they returned around 30 minutes later, all cosy in their hats and gloves, we were just finishing up - still with no hats, gloves, or coats. Instead we were holding freezing cold ice glasses in the Absolut bar! I swear some of the smiles in the photos are more grimaces - especially when we sat for ages on the ice table and chairs for a few photos!!
The wedding party - Dad, Mum, Sy, Angie, The Vicar, Bobby, Sharon & Page Boy Jack
What a great idea - holding a glass of ice without wearing gloves!
The Wedding Celebrations
There is a warm restaurant on-site at the ICEHOTEL so we pre-booked a table for the reception. As the champagne flowed next to the stunning ice sculpture at the foot of our table, the speeches brought tears to everyone's eyes.
Food was amazing - most of us ordered topside of reindeer with mash and juniper berry sauce - a gorgeous, lean meat which tasted even better knowing the animals roam free all day.
There is a warm restaurant on-site at the ICEHOTEL so we pre-booked a table for the reception. As the champagne flowed next to the stunning ice sculpture at the foot of our table, the speeches brought tears to everyone's eyes.
Food was amazing - most of us ordered topside of reindeer with mash and juniper berry sauce - a gorgeous, lean meat which tasted even better knowing the animals roam free all day.
I later regretted drinking too much champagne!
We chose to spend our wedding evening in a Deluxe Ice Suite as opposed to an ice room. The difference is the suites have ice carvings and, although ours was visually stunning with the most beautiful sculpted bed, it was situated in a larger room filled with ice and snow. Our bed was also made out of ice and covered with reindeer skins, and yes, if you are wondering, it was bloody cold!
Upon reflection - not the brightest idea to stay in a room that cold, I only managed two hours sleep! Despite wearing socks, pyjamas, gloves, a hat and being inside a thermal sleeping bag, I was so darn cold and fidgeted that much, I pushed the mattress off and was "sleeping" on the wooden slats. Sy, on the other hand, said he was lovely and warm and slept perfectly well!
What made matters worse was having to get up in the night to use the toilet! I started to regret celebrating with copious amounts of champagne! Nothing wakes you up like walking from -5°c into – 33°c I can tell you!!
Upon reflection - not the brightest idea to stay in a room that cold, I only managed two hours sleep! Despite wearing socks, pyjamas, gloves, a hat and being inside a thermal sleeping bag, I was so darn cold and fidgeted that much, I pushed the mattress off and was "sleeping" on the wooden slats. Sy, on the other hand, said he was lovely and warm and slept perfectly well!
What made matters worse was having to get up in the night to use the toilet! I started to regret celebrating with copious amounts of champagne! Nothing wakes you up like walking from -5°c into – 33°c I can tell you!!
Our wedding night suite - and a bed made of ice
At 8am the following morning, we were brought hot lingonberry juice to warm us up – aaaaaaah, that went down a treat! Now we were ready for the day!
Lapland Activities
The whole experience in Lapland was astounding and we tried to make the most of our time because we didn’t know if we would ever return!
The night before our wedding, we booked a snowmobile trip to view the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) and were lucky enough to see them! A green band of light slowly formed then changed shape before disappearing in front of our eyes – it really is one of nature’s natural wonders.
Lapland Activities
The whole experience in Lapland was astounding and we tried to make the most of our time because we didn’t know if we would ever return!
The night before our wedding, we booked a snowmobile trip to view the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) and were lucky enough to see them! A green band of light slowly formed then changed shape before disappearing in front of our eyes – it really is one of nature’s natural wonders.
The Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) are a phenomenal sight
Sy and Angie on their snowmobile
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Beautiful landscape lit up by the snowmobile lights
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The day after our wedding we booked a morning of ice carving! Oh yes, after copious amounts of champagne and hardly any sleep, we thought it would be a good idea to hack away at some ice with a chisel! Thankfully there was a big fire in the room and it was actually a lot of fun.
I managed to carve out a heart during the one-hour lesson and was happy with my creation, Sy made an "inspirational" giant “S” shape!
When we had finished, we ran around taking lots of photographs like excited school children, well that warmed us up!
The day after our wedding we booked a morning of ice carving! Oh yes, after copious amounts of champagne and hardly any sleep, we thought it would be a good idea to hack away at some ice with a chisel! Thankfully there was a big fire in the room and it was actually a lot of fun.
I managed to carve out a heart during the one-hour lesson and was happy with my creation, Sy made an "inspirational" giant “S” shape!
When we had finished, we ran around taking lots of photographs like excited school children, well that warmed us up!
The ice carving tent - Sy and his most imaginative giant "S"
Husky sledging was my absolute favourite activity. Listening to the rushing sound of the sleigh being pulled along the snowy tundra by 12 over-excited huskies was surreal. We drove through a snow-clad pristine pine forest, some trees were over 200 years old! The sound of excited barks from eager huskies was in stark contrast to the absolute silence of the frozen lake upon which we travelled.
The huskies had such character and loved to run! When we were stationary, our dogs yelped and pulled with excitement; if you remember the 80’s cartoon show Scooby-Doo, and recall his nephew Scrappy-Doo, they reminded me of him! They would only stop barking whilst running, even then their long floppy tongues would dangle excitedly out of their mouth – just like any dog sticking his head out of a car window along a motorway.
This husky just wanted his tummy rubbed - so Angie obliged
Two of the huskies on our sleigh had extreme personalities – when stationery, the one on the right had its eyes wide open, tongue eagerly hanging out like a mad-dog with rabies and he would pull on the harness, whereas its partner on the left sat still, eyes half shut, head tucked under, shivering away with a look of "I wish I wouldn't have partied so long last night, and can someone take this other husky away from me in a straight jacket!"
The sleigh ride was to a Sami Camp, the indigenous people of Lapland. When we arrived, we had an opportunity to drive a reindeer sleigh – well that was interesting!! We had our instruction lesson and I managed to do everything you are NOT supposed to do!!
Angie & Sy with Aleana the reindeer and Pedro the guide
Our reindeer was named Aleana; she was very pretty and docile ... until it was my turn to drive her sleigh! First of all, I missed the rope which was thrown at me, then screamed with fear which is the sign to the reindeer to "GO FASTER!!".
Aleana galloped away with me in tow, hat flopping over my eyes and I wobbled all over the sleigh. Thank goodness for Pedro (our guide) who came running over like a hero, jumped onto my sleigh, pulled on Aleana’s "reins" to stop her. I bet she had the ride of her life (and so did I!!).
Aleana galloped away with me in tow, hat flopping over my eyes and I wobbled all over the sleigh. Thank goodness for Pedro (our guide) who came running over like a hero, jumped onto my sleigh, pulled on Aleana’s "reins" to stop her. I bet she had the ride of her life (and so did I!!).
After all that excitement, we sat in a Lavvu (a traditional Sami tent), and drunk hot lingonberry juice whilst sitting around a blazing fire – perfect!
Inside a traditional Lavvu, Jack our page boy is the little one in red, he looks sooooo cold
Lapland is enchanting. Even if you don’t like the cold, you should still visit, just for a short break to experience its stunning, simplistic beauty.
Not many people can say they had a truly white wedding, but ours wasn’t just “white” it was snow-white –and something out of a fairytale!
Update: Since our wedding, in November 2016 the ICEHOTEL opened up Icehotel 365, a permanent structure you can visit all year round, not just between November - April. The structure is kept at a year-round temperature of -5°c powered by solar panels. As this is the land of the "Midnight Sun", solar power isn't a problem because the sun doesn't dip below the horizon for 100 consecutive days during the summer months. This Hotel was featured in Time Magazine's Top 100 World's Greatest Places in 2018.
Inspired to stay at the ICEHOTEL? Book a room here (prices vary and they do sell out months in advance).
Not many people can say they had a truly white wedding, but ours wasn’t just “white” it was snow-white –and something out of a fairytale!
Update: Since our wedding, in November 2016 the ICEHOTEL opened up Icehotel 365, a permanent structure you can visit all year round, not just between November - April. The structure is kept at a year-round temperature of -5°c powered by solar panels. As this is the land of the "Midnight Sun", solar power isn't a problem because the sun doesn't dip below the horizon for 100 consecutive days during the summer months. This Hotel was featured in Time Magazine's Top 100 World's Greatest Places in 2018.
Inspired to stay at the ICEHOTEL? Book a room here (prices vary and they do sell out months in advance).
Travel Facts
- The region of Lapland is made up of Sweden, Norway and Finland and part of Russia's Kola Peninsula.
- For three weeks during December the sun doesn’t rise at all, whereas in June, it is the home of the Midnight Sun where it shines for 24 hours of the day and doesn’t set for the entire month.
- The nearest airport to the ICEHOTEL is in Sweden’s most northerly town of Kiruna, 19 miles away from the town of jukkasjärvi. You can pre-book a dog-sled airport transfer which takes 75 minutes.
- Official currency at the ICEHOTEL is Swedish Krona.
- Swedish is the official language but English is widely spoken with a perfect accent!
- ICEHOTEL was the first hotel made entirely of snow and ice and has been running since 1990.
- It’s not just a hotel but an art exhibition – each of the ice suites is carved with a different theme by around 43 artists who are especially invited to design particular areas of the hotel.
- The ICEHOTEL complex covers 5,500 square metres and is constructed from 1,000 tonnes of ice and 30,000 tons of "snice", a mixture of snow and ice that strengthens the structure.
- You don’t have to stay in an ice-room, within the complex are comfortable chalets which have heated floors.
- The stereo in the Absolute Ice Bar is kept in the fridge because it’s warmer in there!
- The staple foods in Lapland are reindeer, fish and game meats.
- Some desserts in the ICEHOTEL restaurant are served in bowls made from ice.
Activities and what attracted us
What attracted us to the ICEHOTEL was its uniqueness – we didn’t know anyone who had been there , and for the Wow! Factor, it really does have it all!
- Husky sledging across the frozen lake.
- Ice carving.
- Cross-Country ski-ing across the Narnia-esque woodland.
- Snowmobile tours – either during the day or in the evening in search of the Northern Lights.
- Sauna ritual including ice bath experience.
- Winter wilderness survival lesson.
- Horseback riding through the pine-clad forest.
Inspired to have your own ice-wedding? Here is some basic information
Marriages are legal for all nationalities as are same-sex wedding and civil ceremonies. The wedding co-ordinator will assist with the paperwork, you will just need to make a personal visit to the Tax Office in Kiruna to finalise.
You can either marry at the Ice church or Jukkasjärvi Village Church which dates back to the 1600’s and is the oldest church in Swedish Lapland.
For your reception, there are two restaurants to chose from; one in the ICEHOTEL Complex, alternatively there is The Old Homestead which dates back to 1768 and is situated 10 minutes away.
The wedding co-ordinator can either arrange or give guidance on the following services but you will need to ask her, she didn’t volunteer this information for us and I had to find out some things the hard way.
Photographer
Florist
Cake
Hairdresser
Make-up artist
Wedding co-ordinator: [email protected]
The wedding co-ordinator can either arrange or give guidance on the following services but you will need to ask her, she didn’t volunteer this information for us and I had to find out some things the hard way.
Photographer
Florist
Cake
Hairdresser
Make-up artist
Wedding co-ordinator: [email protected]
Disclaimer: This post contains some affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, it won't cost you any extra, the small commission we may earn will help support the FeetDoTravel community.
When visiting cold destinations, the best advice is to layer up, this means wearing a few layers of clothing to trap in the heat as opposed to just large thick items. Keeping your extremities warm is also important; a hat (you lose more heat from your head than any other part of your body), your fingers and toes. We have chosen a couple of products below to help you keep warm.
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