“Dancing Lights, Eternal Vows: The Ultimate Guide to Your Northern Lights Proposal, Elopement, or Wedding ”

When to Plan Your Northern Lights Elopement

The best times to witness the Northern Lights are during the colder months, from late September to early March. During this period, the nights are longest in the polar regions, providing a dark canvas for the lights to display their ethereal beauty. However,the pinnacle of solar activity is predicted to occur in July 2025, making this an exceptionally magical time to plan your elopement, as the auroras will be at their most vibrant and dynamic.

Understanding Solar Cycles

The solar storms that cause the Northern Lights are hard to predict, according to the Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC). However, scientists know that the next few years will bring more viewing opportunities as the sun reaches solar maximum. This latest solar cycle began in December 2019, and the peak is predicted to happen at some point between November 2024 and March 2026. Space weather modeling shows that this peak will likely be in July 2025, but it could occur months sooner or later.

Where to Elope Under the Northern Lights in the USA

For adventure-seekers, romantic couples, and travel enthusiasts alike, eloping under the mesmerizing northern lights can feel like a dream come true. The aurora borealis, with its ethereal glow, provides a stunningly unique and memorable backdrop for your special day. While typically associated with far northern latitudes, certain states in the USA offer splendid opportunities to catch this natural wonder. Here’s our curated list of 20 states where you can elope under the northern lights.

Continue scrolling to see where to go internationally.

Alaska

Alaska is arguably the best place in the USA to witness the northern lights. With vast wilderness areas and minimal light pollution, places like Fairbanks and Denali National Park provide prime viewing spots. For an extraordinary experience, consider a winter elopement in a cozy, remote lodge.

Maine

Maine offers a picturesque setting with its charming coastal towns and dense forests. The northern regions, particularly around Baxter State Park, are ideal for catching the aurora during the fall and winter months.

Minnesota

The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness in Minnesota is a serene and secluded location perfect for an intimate elopement. The clear night skies and pristine lakes make it an excellent spot for viewing the northern lights.

Michigan

Michigan's Upper Peninsula, particularly around the Keweenaw Peninsula, offers some of the darkest skies in the Midwest. Combine the beauty of Lake Superior with the northern lights for a truly magical experience.

Wisconsin

Head to the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore in Wisconsin for a unique elopement. The islands' remote locations and the surrounding waters provide a stunning contrast to the vivid colors of the aurora borealis.

North Dakota

The expansive plains and low population density of North Dakota make it an excellent place to witness the northern lights. Theodore Roosevelt National Park and Fort Union Trading Post are top spots.

Montana

Montana’s Glacier National Park offers breathtaking scenery and a high likelihood of seeing the northern lights. The park's rugged mountains and pristine lakes create a perfect ambiance for a romantic elopement.

Idaho

Idaho's Craters of the Moon National Monument offers an otherworldly landscape that pairs beautifully with the northern lights. This unique location makes for memorable wedding photos and an unforgettable experience.

Washington

Mount Rainier and the Cascade Mountains in Washington provide scenic vistas and dark skies ideal for northern light sightings. Consider eloping during the winter for the best chances of catching the aurora.

Oregon

While not typically known for the northern lights, Oregon’s Crater Lake National Park offers some of the darkest skies in the Pacific Northwest, making it a good candidate for aurora viewing.

New Hampshire

New Hampshire's White Mountains offer a charming and rustic setting for an elopement. The northern regions, especially around Mount Washington, are prime spots for witnessing the northern lights.

Vermont

Vermont's Green Mountains and remote countryside offer a picturesque setting for eloping. The northern areas of the state, particularly near the Canadian border, provide good opportunities for aurora sightings.

New York

Head to the Adirondack Mountains in New York for a secluded and romantic elopement. The dark skies in this region make it possible to see the northern lights on clear nights.

Maine

Maine offers a picturesque setting with its charming coastal towns and dense forests. The northern regions, particularly around Baxter State Park, are ideal for catching the aurora during the fall and winter months.

Wyoming

Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming offers dramatic landscapes and some of the darkest skies in the country. An elopement here during the winter months could provide a magical northern lights display.

Colorado

The northern parts of Colorado, especially around Rocky Mountain National Park, offer stunning mountain scenery and dark skies for northern light sightings.

South Dakota

The Black Hills in South Dakota provide a unique and rugged landscape for an elopement. The area’s low light pollution makes it a good spot for catching the aurora borealis

Minnesota

The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness in Minnesota is a serene and secluded location perfect for an intimate elopement. The clear night skies and pristine lakes make it an excellent spot for viewing the northern lights.

Michigan

Michigan's Upper Peninsula, particularly around the Keweenaw Peninsula, offers some of the darkest skies in the Midwest. Combine the beauty of Lake Superior with the northern lights for a truly magical experience.

Nevada

While not the first state that comes to mind for northern lights, Nevada’s Great Basin National Park offers some of the darkest skies in the lower 48 states, providing a surprising but excellent opportunity for an aurora-filled elopement.

Where to Elope Under the Northern Lights Internationally

Iceland

With its dramatic landscapes of ice and fire, Iceland offers a stunning backdrop for the Northern Lights. Prime viewing spots include Thingvellir National Park and the Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon. Iceland’s diverse terrain, from volcanic deserts to glacial lagoons, provides an array of otherworldly settings for your special day.

Norway

The northern town of Tromsø, known as the Gateway to the Arctic, offers some of the best chances to see the Aurora, along with the Lofoten Islands, where the lights reflect off the open sea. Norway’s fjords and mountains create a majestic stage for your vows, enveloped by the pristine Arctic wilderness.

Finland

Finnish Lapland, especially around the area of Rovaniemi, provides a magical setting with its snow-covered forests and cozy glass igloos, perfect for aurora watching. Imagine a ceremony beneath the stars, with the Northern Lights dancing above, followed by a stay in a luxurious igloo hotel.

Sweden

Abisko National Park, with its unique microclimate, boasts clear skies and excellent visibility for Northern Lights viewing. The park’s remote beauty and serene environment make it an ideal spot for an intimate elopement.

Canada

The Yukon, with its pristine wilderness, offers spectacular views of the Aurora. Other notable spots include Yellowknife in the Northwest Territories and Churchill in Manitoba. These locations promise rugged, untouched landscapes where the Northern Lights can shine their brightest.

Greenland

The town of Kulusuk and the area around Ilulissat Icefjord offer dramatic icy landscapes under the Northern Lights. Greenland’s remote and spectacular scenery provides a truly unique setting for your wedding ceremony.

Scotland, UK

The Shetland and Orkney Islands, as well as the Scottish Highlands, occasionally offer glimpses of the Northern Lights during strong solar activity. These historic and rugged landscapes add a touch of ancient mystique to your elopement.

Denmark

The Faroe Islands, though more of a challenge for sightings, can offer unique views of the Aurora against rugged landscapes. Their isolation and raw beauty make for a memorable and adventurous wedding location.

Chasing the Aurora: 5 Best Apps to Help You Track the

Witnessing the ethereal dance of the Northern Lights is a bucket-list experience for many. Whether you're an adventure-seeker, a romantic couple looking for a memorable getaway, or a travel enthusiast eager to explore the wonders of our planet, tracking the Northern Lights can be both thrilling and challenging. Fortunately, technology has made it easier than ever to catch a glimpse of this natural phenomenon. Here are the five best-rated apps to help you track the Northern Lights and make your aurora dreams come true.

1. My Aurora Forecast & Alerts

My Aurora Forecast & Alerts is a user-friendly app designed to help you catch the Northern Lights. It provides real-time aurora forecasts, alerts, and even a map of the best viewing spots.

Key Features

• Aurora Forecast: Get detailed, hour-by-hour predictions on aurora activity.
• Alerts: Receive push notifications for high aurora activity in your area.
• Weather Conditions:Check the cloud cover and weather forecast to ensure clear skies.
• Viewing Guides:Learn about the best times and locations to see the Northern Lights.

Why You'll Love It

With its intuitive design and accurate forecasts, My Aurora Forecast & Alerts is perfect for both seasoned aurora chasers and beginners. The alerts ensure you never miss an opportunity, making it a must-have for anyone serious about experiencing the Northern Lights.

Aurora Forecast

Aurora Forecast is an app that provides comprehensive information on aurora borealis activity, making it easier for users to plan their viewing expeditions.

• Aurora Map: Get detailed, hour-by-hour predictions on aurora activity.
• Customizable Notifications: Receive push notifications for high aurora activity in your area.
• Solar Activity Data:Check the cloud cover and weather forecast to ensure clear skies.
• Cloud Cover Information:Learn about the best times and locations to see the Northern Lights.

Why You'll Love It

Aurora Forecast combines scientific data with an easy-to-use interface, making it ideal for those who want detailed insights into aurora activity. Its customizable notifications ensure you're always informed, enhancing your chances of witnessing the auroras.

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