Ærø’s lighthouse, named Skjoldnæs Fyr, is located on the North-Western tip of the island.

It was built in 1881 out of Bornholm granite and measures 22 meters to the top, which is where the ceremony takes place. Luckily, there is always a sheltered side to find – depending on the wind - and the view can be enjoyed from all directions. This truly is one of the most unique wedding locations in the world - perfect for your Denmark elopement!

A wedding ceremony with spectacular views, for adventurous couples who want something a little different and value the stunning 180degree views across the archipelago.

This venue is perfect for elopers, with its Nordic-style “hygge” and windswept charm. Due to limited space, not more than 2-3 guests are recommended. Practical shoes will enhance the experience and we recommend an extra layer of clothes for spring and autumn elopements just in case! Our full wedding planning service, styling and day-of coordination is included, as is all fees to local authorities and the registrar.

Every event is customised for your needs of course, but here is how a typical lighthouse elopement plays out:

• The lighthouse is open to the public for a small honesty entrance fee, but for every wedding we have permission to close the lighthouse to visitors for for 1½ hours, offering you complete privacy.

• We arrive well before you to do a bit of cleaning, set up the “closed” sign, and carry everything up the winding stone steps. We light candles, prepare the champagne and sweet treat, make everything super cosy for you, and play music to set the mood.

• It takes about 30-35 minutes by car from Ærøskøbing to the lighthouse, so make sure to schedule enough time for transportation.

• The registrar usually arrives about 10 minutes before the ceremony and we coordinate any last minute changes or personal additions.

• Weather permitting, the ceremony, as well as the champagne toast following, will take place outdoors at the top of the lighthouse, and there is always a semi-sheltered spot to be found (a breeze is to be expected even on the best of days, so tossled hair is part of the experience nomatter what ;-) but sometimes it will be necessary to have the champagne, and cake if you so desire, in the small rustic nook inside the top instead.

• At this location, with very limited space to move around and no room for an “entrance”, all of our couples arrive to the ceremony together.

• The ceremony itself is very uncomplicated, the wording is respectful and contemporary, and the official part lasts no more than five minutes. Many of our couples love this simplicity. But it can be customised in any way you wish. Most choose to add an exchange of rings and some add their own vows, or other personal touches. We’ll discuss this in the planning process so everyone involved (the registrar and photographer etc) are on the same page.

• Immediately following the ceremony you both, as well as your two witnesses (most of the time it will be the two members of our team present) and the registrar sign the marriage license.

• You are married!

• Then we pop the champagne (or sparkling elderflower cordial for a non-alcoholic option) so you can celebrate.

• Many couples order a delicious wedding cake or our savory fingerfood platter to enjoy along with their champagne.

• If you have booked a photographer, we’ll leave you in her capable hands to head out for your portrait session.

• We stay behind to clear everything up and carry it back down. You don’t have to do anything except enjoy your day! :-)

Lighthouse Elopement
from €3600

What exactly is an elopement?
Traditionally, an elopement was a marriage that happened quickly and/or secretly, often running away from home without the family’s approval.

As wedding planners, we do experience couples who marry secretly and tell their families only after the fact. But in most cases an elopement simply refers to a couple choosing to get married with no guests attending and often travelling far away from home.

Many couples, who do not enjoy being the center of attention, enjoy the wedding day and travel experience on their own and then host a more informal party for friends and family after returning home.

For some couples it makes sense to elope to avoid social pressure or conflicting expectations from family members, or to save money (many of our international couples choose to spend that money on travel instead or buying a home).

Adventure elopements have become an entire niche of its own, and while we don’t have the most spectacular vast landscape here on Ærø island, our lighthouse is definitely a wedding location for adventurous souls and we get so excited every time a couple chooses to get married there!