The couple, who had written personal vows for the occasion, struggled to hold back tears as they expressed their love for one another.
The ceremony was officiated by Märtha’s close friend, parish priest Margit Louise Holte.
The Vows
During the exchange of vows, Durek’s voice trembled with emotion as he said, “I promise to always listen to your wisdom. I promise to always hold space for you and your daughters and listen to them as well. I promise to love you with my last breath.”
Märtha, the devoted mother of daughters Maud, 21, Leah, 19, and Emma, 16, tearfully responded, “I promise to love you with all my heart. I promise to take responsibility for my emotions. I promise to love you because I know you know that my girls come first. And I promise I will walk with you to the best of my ability because we are always changed, although we are always the same. Because we are always the past, the present, and the future in one.”
The Rings
After exchanging their beautiful wedding rings and sealing their vows with a kiss, the solemnity of the moment gave way to smiles, applause, and joyful tears. Durek shared with HELLO! that he had their wedding bands crafted in the traditional Viking style. The rose-gold and diamond rings were engraved with runes symbolizing “love’s flame,” representing the fire created when two flames come together.
The ceremony also featured words of wisdom on love and marriage from Michael B. Beckwith, Bible readings by Märtha’s brother Crown Prince Haakon and Durek’s sister Angelina Verrett-Byrne, and emotional renditions of hymns including “Amazing Grace” and “Ave Maria.”
The couple exited the ceremony to the sound of Stevie Wonder’s “As,” performed by the gospel choir HIM, and delighted their guests by dancing to the uplifting music. The entire congregation, including Märtha’s parents, King Harald and Queen Sonja, joined in dancing and clapping.
Around 350 guests traveled to western Norway to attend the high-profile wedding, held at the four-star Hotel Union. The celebrations began on Thursday with a meet-and-greet party, followed by a boat ride and a Latin American-themed pre-wedding bash on Friday.
