Canadian music icon, actor, and author Jann Arden’s social media followers often admire the picturesque dirt road near her property in Springbank, Alta., known as “Jann’s road.” This tranquil rural stretch has been a backdrop for Arden’s heartfelt posts, including videos of her walks, photos of her dogs, reflections on caregiving, and moments of joy with her partner, Icelandic author Thordis Elva.
Arden recently shared the news of her marriage to Elva with a photo on Jann’s road, captioned “Wife and wife.” The couple tied the knot on Aug. 15, 2026, in a beautiful ceremony surrounded by friends and family.
The pair first met at a writers’ retreat in Iceland, where former Icelandic first lady Eliza Reid inadvertently played matchmaker. The wedding was attended by notable guests, including Canadian celebrities and media personalities, with American comedian Chelsea Handler also present.
Elva, a prominent advocate for gender equality and co-author of the book “South of Forgiveness,” was voted Iceland’s Woman of the Year in 2015. In a podcast episode before the wedding, Arden humorously referred to herself as “the groom” but shared that Elva would be the one carrying the bridal bouquet.
The couple emphasized the importance of normalizing same-sex relationships and advocating for societal change. They plan to honeymoon in Edinburgh, continuing their journey together with a commitment to equality and love.
