Wedding in Kviteseid: Maria & Karl-inge

When Maria and Karl-Inge asked me to travel to their half-day wedding in Kviteseid and told me about their plans, I had a good feeling. And how could I not?

They were planning a beautiful wedding at Kviteseid Bygdetun, a historic museum located in the heart of Kviteseid municipality, and the couple said «I do» while Øivind Klausen, a blacksmith, performed the ceremony and released the couple with iron and fire. This tradition symbolizes the spontaneity and love that weddings represent, and it is an honor to be a part of this historical practice in Maria and Karl-Inge’s wedding.

For some, the idea of being married by a blacksmith adds a touch of romance and uniqueness to their wedding. It evokes images of old-world charm and tradition, which can appeal to couples seeking a non-traditional ceremony. The act of a blacksmith forging a bond between two people using metal and fire can be seen as a powerful metaphor for the strength and endurance of marriage. It symbolizes the couple’s commitment to facing life’s challenges together and emerging stronger from them.

This tradition comes from Gretna Green in Scotland, a wedding venue with a long history associated with the blacksmith tradition. In the old days, especially in the 18th century, Gretna Green was a popular place for marriages due to its liberal marriage laws. Couples could marry quickly and easily, and it was often the blacksmith who performed the ceremony.