Couple marry 'across border' in way round Sweden travel restrictions

Love conquers all! The couple found a 'workaround' for the strict travel restritions. Photo / 123RF

A Norwegian bride and her Swedish fiancée were able to 'save the date' after finding a way for their wedding to go ahead in spite of Covid 19 travel complications.

Holding a ceremony across the border of Sweden and Norway – the bride and groom found an unusual loop hole and a scenic location that allowed them to be legally married in the presence of family and friends from both countries.

"We did not want to change the date… all we wanted was to get married!" the couple told the BBC, who couldn't wait for restrictions to lift.

Due to Sweden's unorthodox approach to the pandemic, encouraging 'herd immunity' without a formal lockdown, neighbouring countries have kept travel restrictions in place.

Bride Camilla Øyjord and groom Alexander Clern met at a spot on the Norwegian border. Photo / Facebook, Marker Community

With both sides of the aisle remaining in their respective country – they were able to hold the wedding in the woods of the south-eastern Holebekk region without the need for any guests to self-isolate for a fortnight.

A ribbon was place to mark the border and two lots of catering was arranged.

Who says you can't have your wedding cake and eat it?

Bride Camilla Oyjord said the idea had been suggested offhandedly has a joke. However, the idea stuck when the date drew closer, and neither party wanted to delay the wedding.
"We wanted to become husband and wife! Love conquers all!" she told the BBC.

As is the tradition - there were some wedding crashers: police officers were on site to make sure no-one crossed the ribbon.

Posted by Katherine Rohan on Tuesday, 21 July 2020

"The police officers asked politely if they could join in and watch. We off course said yes to that," said groom Alexander Clern.

Similar clandestine arrangements might be taking part in the woods across Europe, as the bloc opens selected borders.

Yesterday the Republic of Ireland said it would not be including England, Wales or Scotland on its 'safe list' of travel destinations.

Travellers entering Ireland from these destinations would have to self-isolate - with the notable exception of Northern Ireland.

"There is no change to the current policy in respect of travel from Northern Ireland," said a statement from the Irish government.