426 Couples Tie the Knot in Church on Valentine's Day

A record 426 couples married in churches across Norway on Valentine's Day, according to preliminary figures from the Church of Norway. This marks an increase from last year’s 277 weddings and continues a sharp upward trend compared to 60 couples in 2024 and just 38 in 2023. The drop-in weddings required no advance booking and were available in more than 120 churches throughout the country. Harald Hegstad, leader of the Church Council, described the turnout as “fantastic” in a press statement. He emphasized that although the ceremonies were simplified, they remained full church weddings centered on the couple’s vows and God’s blessing. “The ceremonies today have had the most important thing in focus: the promise between two people and God’s blessing over their marriage,” Hegstad said. Nidaros Cathedral in Trondheim hosted the highest number of weddings, with 27 couples exchanging vows. In Oslo Cathedral, Bishop Sunniva Gylver led the services. Regionally, Vestland county recorded the most marriages with 68 couples, followed by 55 in Akershus. Only two couples married in Finnmark. The Church of Norway clarified that in the drop-in format, each ceremony included the essential elements of a traditional church wedding, focusing on the commitment between the two individuals and the religious blessing of their union.