Canadian music icon, actor, author, and beloved figure Jann Arden’s social media followers often admire the scenic dirt road near her property in Springbank, Alta., known as “Jann’s road.” This picturesque location features in Arden’s posts showcasing video walks, updates, photos of her dogs, reflections on caring for her aging parents, and mourning their loss. Recently, Jann’s road has become a symbol of joy as Arden shared beaming pictures with her partner and now wife, Thordis Elva, an Icelandic author and advocate for digital rights and gender equality.
Arden surprised her fans by revealing her marriage to Elva with a photo of the couple in wedding attire on Jann’s road, captioned “Wife and wife” on Instagram, disclosing their wedding date as Aug. 15, 2026. The announcement garnered positive reactions from followers and celebrities, including TV host Jessica Allen and radio host Meredith Shaw.
In a statement to CBC News, Arden described their wedding as a “beautiful, kickass gathering with dear friends and family,” emphasizing the magical and surreal experience they shared. The couple first met at a writers’ retreat in Iceland, where they were introduced by former Icelandic first lady Eliza Reid, who attended their wedding along with several Canadian celebrities and media personalities like Danny Ramadan, Dani Kind, and Cynthia Loyst.
Notable attendees also included MLA Janis Irwin, CBC chief correspondent Adrienne Arsenault, and American comedian Chelsea Handler, who expressed her joy at the celebration. Congratulations poured in from fellow Canadian singers k.d. Lang and Bif Naked, showcasing the widespread support for the couple.
Elva, recognized for her work in gender equality and the #MeToo movement, shared her excitement for the wedding on Arden’s podcast, where they humorously discussed wedding details. Arden playfully referred to herself as “the groom” but mentioned Elva’s insistence on carrying the bridal bouquet. The couple highlighted the importance of normalizing same-sex love and advocating for societal inclusivity and equality.
Looking ahead, Arden mentioned plans for a honeymoon in Edinburgh, underscoring their commitment to each other and their shared values.