Weddings in Gothenburg: The Ultimate Guide to Celebration, Venues, and Planning

Planning a wedding in Gothenburg means choosing a setting that combines the pulse of city life with the romantic calm of the archipelago. Whether you dream of a grand celebration in a historic venue, an intimate seaside ceremony, or a bohemian gathering in a lush garden, Sweden’s second-largest city offers endless possibilities.

Our palace checks many of the boxes when searching for the perfect place to celebrate one of the most important days of your life. Dicksonska Palatset was built with a holistic vision in mind, where courtyards, stables, and a generous number of salons and rooms were designed to host large gatherings with ease.

Gothenburg is a city that comes alive in every season, but perhaps shines brightest when love is being celebrated. In this comprehensive guide, we cover everything you need to know to navigate venues, suppliers, and logistics to create your dream wedding on the Swedish west coast.

Wedding Venues in Gothenburg

The choice of venue sets the tone for the entire wedding. Gothenburg offers an impressive range of locations to suit different styles and budgets. Early on, you should consider whether you want to be in the city center or closer to nature.

Historic and Urban Settings

For couples who love architecture and an urban atmosphere, there are several iconic venues. Auktionsverket Kulturarena on Tredje Långgatan is an excellent example of a space that blends industrial charm with elegance. With high ceilings and flexible layouts, it is perfect for larger guest lists seeking a modern yet timeless ambiance.

Other popular city-center options include banquet halls in the old harbor warehouses or classic hotels such as Hotel Post or Hotel Eggers, offering a sense of luxury and history. One of the main advantages of a city wedding—where Dicksonska Palatset fits perfectly—is the proximity to hotels for out-of-town guests and easy transportation via tram or taxi.

Archipelago and Seaside Weddings

What truly puts Gothenburg on the map is its closeness to the sea. Hosting your celebration on an archipelago boat or at a venue in Långedrag offers unbeatable views of the harbor entrance. Places such as Långedrags Värdshus or venues on the islands of the southern or northern archipelago provide a magical setting, especially during summer evenings when the sunset paints the sky pink over the Vinga lighthouse.

Castles and Manor Houses Around the City

For a fairytale-like atmosphere, there are several castles just outside the city limits. Naturally, Dicksonska Palatset is a perfect option with its roots in the 19th century. Other alternatives include Gunnebo House and Gardens in Mölndal, offering an unparalleled 18th-century setting, or Tjolöholm Castle further south, evoking the British Tudor era. These venues often require more logistical planning but offer a private and exclusive experience in return.

The Ceremony: Church or Civil?

Below is a general overview of average wedding costs in the Gothenburg region:

Service

• Venue & Catering (per guest): 1,000–2,500 SEK per person (excluding drinks, approx. 70 guests) – 40–50% of total budget

• Attire & Rings: 15–20%

• Photography & Videography (full day): 25,000–45,000 SEK – 10–15%

• Flowers & Decorations: Included in “Other” (approx. 20%)

• Music & Entertainment: Included in “Other” (approx. 20%)

• Stationery: Included in “Other” (approx. 20%)

• Transportation: Varies

• Total (approx. 70 guests): 150,000–300,000 SEK

Choosing off-season dates (outside May–September) or Fridays instead of Saturdays can significantly reduce costs.

Church Weddings in Gothenburg

For couples wishing for a church ceremony, the Church of Sweden offers many beautiful churches. Masthugg Church, perched high on a hill, is a city landmark with dramatic views. Gothenburg Cathedral, located in the heart of the shopping district, is another impressive option for larger weddings. For a more intimate atmosphere, many choose Örgryte Old Church, one of the city’s oldest and most romantic buildings.

Civil Ceremonies and Outdoor Weddings

Many couples today opt for a civil ceremony. Gothenburg City Hall at Gustaf Adolfs Square is a classic choice, but outdoor ceremonies are also popular. Trädgårdsföreningen, right in the city center, is an urban oasis where the Palm House offers an exotic setting even if the weather is unpredictable. A ceremony on the cliffs of Saltholmen is another popular and free option that results in stunning wedding photos.

Wedding Fashion and Trends in Gothenburg

Looking ahead to 2025 and 2026, Gothenburg wedding fashion is characterized by sophistication with a relaxed edge.

Minimalist gowns: Clean silhouettes in high-quality fabrics such as silk and crepe are highly popular, favoring sharp lines over heavy lace and embellishments.
Sustainability: More brides in Gothenburg choose vintage dresses or rentals, with several local boutiques specializing in second-hand bridal fashion.
Color palettes: While white remains dominant, muted pastels are increasingly common. For bridesmaids and décor, sea-inspired tones like dusty blue, sage green, and sandy beige are perennial favorites on the west coast.

Food and Catering: Flavors of the West Coast

One of the greatest advantages of a Gothenburg wedding is access to world-class ingredients, especially seafood. Choosing the right catering partner is crucial to the success of the celebration. At our venue, there is no need to hire external catering—fully equipped kitchens and a strong network of chefs are already in place.

A clear trend is serving seafood as a starter—langoustines, oysters, or a classic Skagen shrimp toast are almost mandatory. For the main course, many couples opt for locally sourced meat or seasonal vegetarian dishes based on produce from the surrounding countryside. Book early, as the most popular chefs are often reserved more than a year in advance.

Wedding Photographers and Videographers in Gothenburg

Capturing the day is an investment for life. Gothenburg’s changing weather and light demand experience. A local photographer knows exactly where to find shelter from the wind, where the light is best during golden hour by the harbor, and which cobblestone streets in Haga photograph beautifully.

Videography has grown significantly in recent years. A wedding film that captures speeches, laughter, and the movement of the dress adds a dimension still images cannot. Many couples choose package solutions that include both photography and film.

Floral Design and Styling

Flowers bring color and atmosphere to the celebration. Gothenburg is home to talented floral designers who can transform any space. Current trends favor wild, organic arrangements that look as if they were picked straight from a Swedish summer meadow, often mixed with dried elements for texture.

The bridal bouquet is a key detail. Trends point toward larger, more abundant bouquets with lots of greenery, rather than the compact rose bouquets that were once common. Eucalyptus, peonies, and dahlias are seasonal favorites.

Wedding Budget and Costs in Gothenburg

So how much does a wedding in Gothenburg actually cost? There is no simple answer, but statistics show that an average wedding with around 70 guests in major metropolitan areas typically falls between 150,000 and 300,000 SEK.

• Venue & Catering: approx. 40–50%

• Attire & Rings: approx. 15–20%

• Photography & Film: approx. 10–15%

• Other (flowers, music, stationery): approx. 20%

To reduce costs, consider an off-season date or hosting the celebration on a Friday rather than a Saturday.

Wedding Planning Timeline for Gothenburg

12–18 months before

• Set your budget

• Create a preliminary guest list

• Book venue and ceremony officiant (popular dates in Gothenburg book very early)

9–12 months before

• Book photographer and videographer

• Choose catering if not included

• Start looking for a wedding dress (delivery times can be up to six months)

6–9 months before

• Reserve hotel rooms for out-of-town guests

• Decide on flowers and décor

• Send “Save the Date” notices

3–6 months before

• Send invitations

• Book transportation (limousine, boat, or even a chartered tram)

• Order the cake

• Purchase rings

1–2 months before

• Finalize seating plan

• Confirm details with all suppliers

• Final fitting for attire

Final Thoughts

Hosting a wedding in Gothenburg means inviting guests to celebrate in a city that balances history with a forward-looking spirit. By planning early, taking advantage of the city’s outstanding venues and suppliers, and relying on local expertise, you can create a day that you and your guests will remember forever. Whether you raise a champagne toast on a rooftop along Avenyn or dance barefoot on a pier in the archipelago, Gothenburg is the perfect place to say “I do.”