Princess Märtha Louise of Norway Marries Shaman Durek Verrett in Lavish Wedding

Norway gave its princess the royal treatment.  

Two years after announcing their engagement, Princess Märtha Louise and her now-husband Durek Verrett tied the knot in a lavish, three-day ceremony in Ålesund—a picturesque port town on the west coast of the country.  

As the Norwegian royal joked with Hello! ahead of the Aug. 31 ceremony, "The surroundings are gorgeous – it's one of the most beautiful places I know. Even if there are a few glitches, we can still gaze at the stunning scenery.” 

The celebration kicked off with welcome drinks on Aug. 29, bucking traditional dress codes and instead asking guests to come in “sexy and cool” outfits. The second day of the extravaganza continued with guests enjoying a boat trip along the Geiranger Fjord, a Unesco World Heritage Site, followed by a Latin American-themed pre-wedding party. 

And for the big day itself, Märtha, 52, and Durek, 49, were married at the historic, four-star Hotel Union with around 350 guests looking on. There to witness their mother’s happy day were her daughters Maud, 21, Leah, 19, and Emma, 16, who she shared with her late ex-husband Ari Behn (The couple divorced in 2017).

But having been married for 15 years previously, Märtha—who is fourth in line for the Norwegian crown and stepped back from royal duties in 2022—never expected to be walking down the aisle once more. 

"I had decided not to get married again,” she told Hello!. “But after meeting Durek in 2018, I changed my mind. For me, getting married will seal the closeness between us. It's a way of elevating the energy and entering into a new phase of our relationship." 

And for Durek, who is originally from California and works as a shaman, cementing their love in a marriage was also of personal importance.  

"It's letting the world know this is the person I love in a declaration before family, friends and God,” he explained to the outlet. “Sealing our relationship in front of the universe is a strong spiritual declaration, and to do that surrounded by the people who love us and who we love, will be wonderful."

So when the big day finally rolled around, they each dressed to impress. For his part, Durek wore a black tuxedo styled with a gold cummerbund and tie knot.  

Märtha, meanwhile, wore a bespoke ivory wedding dress paired with the tiara gifted to her on her 18th birthday by her grandfather King Olav V.  

It was a picture-perfect event on many levels, and not just because it reportedly culminated in a salsa dance party.

As Märtha told Hello! after the ceremony, “Our love has triumphed against all odds and will last forever.”

And for more royal news from around the world, keep reading. 

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