Prince Ricardo De La Cerda
Princess Martha Louise of Norway’s wedding to Durek Verrett promises to be the big royal event of the summer with plenty of details already shared. The couple tie the knot on August 31st 2024. And with just weeks to go until the celebration, there’s plenty to look forward to at this special event.
Martha and Durek have chosen the Hotel Union Geiranger for their wedding.
The Hotel Union Geiranger was built in the 1890s to create a luxury hotel for visitors travelling on cruises through the Geirangerfjord, a waterway in Norway known for its beauty. The hotel was built in the same style as another in Øye, with both hotels drawing on several different Norwegian styles of architecture.
In the 1970s, the historic hotel underwent major updates, with the last remnants of the original hotel demolished by 1979. The current hotel features a spa, a nightclub, and a vintage car exhibition.
The Hotel Union is in the town of Geiranger. Geirangerfjord, the waterway that the town is located in, is a UNESCO-protected area.
In her Instagram post announcing the details, the Princess explained why the couple chose the venue: “Geiranger is known for its spectacular fjord and its dramatic mountains. The Geirangerfjord is on the UNESCO World Heritage List and represents Norway’s rich culture and natural beauty.
“We’re so happy to be celebrating our love in the beautiful surroundings of Geiranger. It means a lot to us to gather our loved ones in a place that is so rich in history and intense nature experiences. Geiranger is the perfect place to embrace our love.“
Princess Martha Louise and Durek Verrett have chosen to marry in August, a month favoured by the Norwegian royal family for nuptials.
The bride’s parents, King Harald and Queen Sonja, wed on August 29th 1968. Martha’s brother, Crown Prince Haakon Magnus, married Mette-Marit Tjessem Hjoiby on August 25th 2001.
This might be a royal wedding but it’s also a big family celebratio. Durek Verrett has talked about making sure that Martha’s three daughters from her first marriage are happy and Princess Martha Louise’s parents and brother have spoken of their joy and excitement ahead of the big day.
King Harald and Queen Sonja said ”We are excited to have Durek Verrett join the family and we look forward to celebrating the big day with them. We wish Martha and Durek all the best.”
Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit said ”we are happy for them and look forward to celebrating with them in Gerainger. We wish Martha, Durek and the girls all the best for the future.”
Although this is a more relaxed royal wedding, there are still plenty of regal touches to the celebration.
Princess Martha Louise has long friendships with many members of other royal families and it is expected that some will attend to mark her big day. Durek Verrett has already been invited to royal celebrations himself, taking part in events marking the coming of age of Norway’s second in line to the throne, Princess Ingrid Alexandra, his soon to be niece by marriage.
And ahead of their celebrations, Princess Martha and Durek released their own monogram. They said it wasn’t official, as the princess no longer represents the royal family at events, but rather a ”wonderful emblem embedded with important symbolism”.
Princess Martha Louise and Durek Verrett will marry on August 31st 2024.