Plan your dream wedding in the Stockholm archipelago

Top spots & checklist for the perfect archipelago wedding

Was the big question asked and you said yes? Then, first of all, congratulations! Getting engaged is a feeling unlike any other that makes for memories for life. However, after the tears of joy have dried – literally or in a manner of speaking – it’s now time to actually plan the big day. As much fun as planning a wedding is, it’s also a huge task. And one that begins with the question of where the party should actually be. Or, in other words: how can we find the perfect spot for our wedding?
How do you want your wedding to be? How many guests do you want to invite? Religious ceremony or civil service? And, the least romantic but most practical concern, how much do you want to spend on it? There’s a ton of questions – and, thankfully, there will eventually be answers to all of them – you probably have and sorting them all out is half the fun. But the probably biggest one and the one that everything starts with is where you’d like your wedding to take place.

You may have a special place in mind that’s near and dear to you or you’re totally open and are simply looking for the perfect location for the ceremony and reception that makes your special day unforgettable. Tou help you make up your mind, we’ve selected three of our absolute favorite spots, all of which with their very own, unique charm along with a wedding to do list to help you with the planning.

Badholmen – your own archipelago island

Located just a bit off of Vaxholm – the so-called capital of the archipelago – and a one-hour boat trip from central Stockholm, you find the small and fantastically beautiful island Badholmen – think a wedding on your very own little island in the Stockholm archipelago. Should you have a civil ceremony right under the open blue sky and next to the glistening sea in mind, Badholmen is the place for you! The wedding toast is traditionally served under the branches of the old oak tree in the middle of the island, while the dinner and party take place at the restaurant Magasinet with its round tables – perfect for a mixed wedding party to mingle!

Wedding package: Yes – read all about it right here and on the homepage (in Swedish)
Maximum number of guests: 135
Location: Badholmen, Vaxholm
Booking period: May - September

Wedding reception on a classic archipelago boat

Celebrate your love in a unique way and book your reception on the open waters of the Stockholm archipelago aboard a classic boat dating back to the turn of the century, such as the M/S Gustafsberg VII from 1912 or the M/S Enköping from 1868. A more stunning view while the boat glides through the archipelago is hard to imagine. And these boats aren’t just beautiful, they’re also perfect for the reception and party. Enjoy a delicious dinner with perfectly matched drinks before dancing into your new life as a married couple!

Wedding package: Yes – you find it all on the homepage
Maximum number of guests: 300, spread out over various salons
Location: Stockholm archipelago
Booking period: All year round

Cozy wedding in the historical setting of the Vaxholms Kastell

Having your wedding reception in the modern yet historical setting of the Vaxholms Kastell, an old fortification just outside of Vaxholm, is the perfect choice if you’re looking for a location that’s totally out of the ordinary but still easy to reach from Stockholm. And with its vaulted ceilings and red-brick romanticism, the dining hall of the restaurant Pansarbatteriet, where the festivities will take place, sets the perfect mood for the night. A great dinner and choice drinks are of course central to a wedding party for the ages, so the chefs here have drawn up several delicious menus to choose from.

Wedding package: Yes – you find it right here and on their homepage (in Swedish)
Maximum number of guests: 130
Location: Vaxholms Kastell, Vaxholm
Booking period: All year round

Checklist for your perfect wedding

1 year or more in advance

• Set a budget & agree on a theme (if you want one)
• Set the date
• Book the venue
• Draft an invitation list
• Book the location for your religious ceremony and/or civil service
  
  

6-12 months

• Send your Save the date
• Order your wedding gown, suit, and rings
• Book a fotografer
• Book accomodation for the wedding night (if that’s not included)
• Decide on your best man, maid, or maids, of honor, and a toast master

6-3 months

• Order your wedding cake, flowers, and decoration
• Decide on a wedding menu and drinks
• Send out the invitations
• Book a hair and make-up appointment
• Send in the hindersprövning, the Swedish marriage license

1 month

• Decide on and order (or print it yourselves) the program and seating order
• Contact the venue about the number of guests and potential food preferences and allergies
• Meet the person you’d like to hold the ceremony and go over the last details
• Start breaking your shoes in, so there won't be any blisters
• Practice your wedding dance
  
  

The big day

• With everything planned and lined up, there’s only one thing left to do: enjoy your special day!

Keep in mind that planning the wedding – choosing the venue, picking out a song for your wedding dance, deciding on the menu – isn’t just a chore, but can be a lot of fun. And, most importantly, keep in mind that no matter what arrangement you end up choosing, this is your special day, to be enjoyed with those near and dear to you!