The commitment

Martha and Durek confirmed their romance in May 2019 and announced their engagement in June 2022. At the time, the princess shared a beautiful photo of the happily in love couple, which clearly showed the bride’s diamond and emerald engagement ring.

“I am so happy to announce that I am engaged to Durek, the shaman who makes my heart sing, who sees me and recognizes my highest potential, who makes me laugh and who I can be vulnerable with,” Martha wrote on Instagram.

“Love transcends all and makes us grow. And I’m so happy to continue to grow with this wonderful man. Thank you to all my friends and family who have stood by us and a special thank you to @hegecfossum and @stargatemusic for their generosity and for making our day extra special. @babak_golkar and @max_bouchard.”

The wedding date

Following the news of her engagement, the princess announced her wedding date in September.

“Durek Verrett and I are excited to announce that our upcoming wedding will take place on August 31, 2024 at the historic Hotel Union in Geiranger,” she wrote on Instagram alongside another cozy photo of herself and Durek.

The three-day itinerary

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The big day is planned for Saturday, August 31, but the celebrations will begin the Thursday before. Guests will be taken by shuttle from the nearest airport, Ålesund Airport, to the hotels the bride and groom have booked in the area in the block.

On the first day of the celebrations on Thursday, a meet-and-greet party – with a “sexy and cool” dress code – will take place in the garden of Hotel 1904 in the heart of Ålesund.

On Friday, guests will enjoy a boat trip along the Geirangerfjord to the village of Geiranger, followed by a Latin-style pre-wedding party at the venue, Hotel Union.

The main event on Saturday is the ceremony, followed by the wedding breakfast and reception at the hotel.

The wedding ceremony will be led by parish priest Margit Lovise Holte, who will marry the couple. Rev. Michael B. Beckwith, who has appeared on Oprah Winfrey’s Super Soul podcast, will give a welcoming speech.

The spectacular venue

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Martha explained on Instagram why she chose the Geirangerfjord as the location for her wedding. The fjord, which is on the UNESCO World Heritage List, is a natural spectacle famous for its dramatic mountains and beautiful waters.

“We are incredibly lucky to be able to celebrate our love in the beautiful surroundings of Geiranger,” she wrote. “It means so much to us to gather our loved ones in a place so rich in history and intense natural experiences. Geiranger is the perfect place to embrace our love.”

The ceremony will take place at the historic Hotel Union in the village of Geiranger. The four-star hotel has a spa, three restaurants, indoor and outdoor pools, its own nightclub and even a vintage car museum.

The guests

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Although Martha will give up her title and step back from royal duties in 2022 – a move similar to the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s retirement from royal life – Martha continues to maintain a good relationship with her family and everyone is expected to attend the celebration.

These include her parents King Harald and Queen Sonja, her younger brother Crown Prince Haakon and his wife Crown Princess Mette-Marit, as well as their children Princess Ingrid and Prince Sverre. Mette-Marit also has an older son, Marius, from a previous relationship.

Martha’s three daughters Maud, Leah and Emma from her first marriage to the late author Ari Behn are expected to form the bridal party.

“What was amazing throughout the cycle were the conversations we all had during it,” Martha previously told the BBC after she resigned from her royal duties.

“I remember my mom and dad saying from a young age: we have to stick together. We have to talk things through, even when it’s hard. We have to put all our cards on the table because we’re a family and we have to get by despite all the turmoil.”

The participation of foreign royals is also expected.

The bride’s dress and jewelry

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The bride’s dress and jewelry were kept top secret, although Martha likely asked a local designer to design her wedding outfit. For her first wedding to her late ex-husband Ari Behn in 2002, she opted for a simple sleeveless gown, which she paired with a Swarovski crystal-encrusted coat dress by Norwegian designer Wenche Lyche.

The princess may also choose to wear a tiara at her upcoming wedding, as she did 22 years ago. Back then, she wore a family heirloom, a replica of Queen Maud’s pearl tiara. The original, which belonged to Märtha’s great-grandmother Queen Maud of Norway, was stolen in the 1990s.

The dress code

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As befits a royal wedding, the occasion will be a glamorous affair. Female guests are encouraged to wear long ball gowns. They are strongly advised not to wear white.

Male guests must also look well-groomed as they are asked to wear a tuxedo to the event.