Royal Opera House Wedding Photography | Alain & Melissa Copenhagen Elopement
From the moment I connected with Melissa and Alain, I could feel their fun, outgoing energy. They reached out just a few weeks before their elopement, and together we planned a relaxed, meaningful day that told their story in about three hours of photography.
Traveling from Germany and expecting their first child in January, they chose to elope in Copenhagen at the Royal Opera House — one of the city’s most iconic wedding venues.
I approached their day with a calm, documentary-led style — guiding gently when needed, but mostly letting their story unfold naturally. This approach allowed us to capture genuine connection, quiet anticipation, and joyful celebration without stiff posing, reflecting how I photograph all Copenhagen weddings and elopements. Their photos combined the Opera’s dramatic architecture with intimate, candid moments, creating a truly unforgettable experience for this warm, adventurous couple.
As a Copenhagen wedding photographer, capturing Melissa & Alain’s Royal Opera House wedding reminded me how powerful intimate celebrations can be. Their elopement wove together the city’s striking backdrops with the kind of real, unscripted moments that make wedding photography timeless.
The ceremony was part of the City of Copenhagen’s I DO CPH open-air wedding program, offering couples the chance to marry in iconic city locations with an official registrar. This program provides a unique alternative to traditional City Hall weddings while highlighting Copenhagen’s charm. See the full program here.
Explore my wedding & elopement photography services to see how I can create a day that feels true to you.
The day began at Tivoli Hotel, where Alain’s quiet anticipation and Melissa’s radiant energy set the tone.
We had originally planned to take the harbor ferry to the Opera, but Melissa couldn’t do up the back of her dress herself. We paused briefly so I could help, a gentle reminder that not everything goes as planned — and that’s perfectly okay. These real, unscripted moments are part of the story, and being there to support couples is exactly what I love about my work.
Once at the Royal Opera House, the couple waited in the grand foyer, taking in the soaring ceilings, geometric lines, and warm light before ascending to the first-floor balcony overlooking the city skyline and harbor — the breathtaking setting for their ceremony. After the ceremony, we captured relaxed, open-air portraits in Operaparken gardens, making the most of the soft light and serene surroundings.
Following the ceremony and portraits in Operaparken gardens, Melissa and Alain enjoyed a quintessential Danish lunch at Broens Street Market, sharing smørrebrød while I joined in for a few craft beers to celebrate.
We finished our time together at Copenhagen’s iconic kissing bridge, overlooking the harbor. Capturing their candid laughter created a romantic finale, highlighting their connection and love while showcasing Copenhagen as a premier wedding destination.
Melissa and Alain’s Royal Opera House elopement in Copenhagen was a day full of love, laughter, and unforgettable cityscapes. From striking architecture to quiet gardens and local street food, their story captures the essence of a Copenhagen elopement.
The Royal Opera House is a landmark of modern Danish design, giving couples a dramatic yet intimate setting for their vows. Whether you’re planning a small elopement or a waterfront open-air wedding with family, the Opera is one of Copenhagen’s most iconic wedding venues and a perfect backdrop for timeless photography.
Every wedding story is unique — whether it unfolds at the Royal Opera House, along Copenhagen’s canals, or in one of the city’s hidden gardens. If you’re dreaming of your own Copenhagen elopement or open air wedding, I’d love to help capture your day with the same relaxed, meaningful approach.