How to Elope in Iceland
Congratulations you gorgeous couple on your engagement! Marriage is going to be a lifelong adventure with your favorite person- why not kick it off with another adventure? The land of Fire and Ice has everything you need for the adventure of a lifetime!
Table of Contents
Why You Should Elope in Iceland?
The Best Time to Travel
Breathtaking Elopement Locations
Where to Stay in Iceland
Things to Do in Iceland
Preparing for your Elopement
Packing List
Making your Marriage Legal
Conclusion
Why you should Elope in Iceland?
So first thing first; now that we’ve decided to elope, where should you go? For the couple that wants the most stunning photos, breathtaking views, and the feeling like you’ve stepped into another world then Iceland is the place for you!
Iceland is a beautiful otherworldly place; you can hike a glacier, soak in hot springs, and see waterfalls mostly everywhere you look. It’s easy to get around the island and when you go with me, I have some top-secret spots up my sleeve so you can have a beautiful private moment anywhere!
All couples are welcome in Iceland as well; it’s consistently ranked as one of the top 10 friendliest places for LGBTQ couples. So no matter who you love, you can celebrate and feel supported in Iceland!
We have to mention the incredible food scene as well; you haven’t lived until you’ve had an Icelandic hot dog! Celebrate your wedding with world-class cuisine, stellar street food, and dreamy bakeries.
Best Time to Travel
Now we know where we’re going, the next question is when to go. With Iceland, you really can’t go wrong any time of the year!
If you travel in summer, you will experience the amazing phenomenon of the Nordic summers- you will have 20 hours of sunlight during the days, and even when the sun goes “down” you’ll be wrapped up in the photographer’s favorite time of day, blue light hour. This is peak tourist season so to avoid the crowds, starting your day early or staying out late is best. With endless sunlight, you can elope anytime; you can even get married under the Midnight Sun!
If summers aren’t for you, I would also recommend traveling in early autumn. Yes, you lose those long hours of sunlight, but there is the benefit of fewer crowds. Not to mention, if you travel in late September or October you may get a glimpse of the Northern Lights! What could be more magical than that?
Breathtaking Elopement Locations
There’s no shortage of stunning locations to elope in Iceland, and here are some of my favorite!
Black Sand Beach is the perfect first stop on your wedding day. Running around the beach, and climbing up the basalt columns creates striking photos- especially for brides in white!
We can’t forget about the breathtaking waterfall Skogafoss! This jaw-dropping waterfall is a quick 30-minute drive from Black Sand Beach allowing you time to warm up in the car before you feel the gentle mist of the falls on your face, as you and your partner run around in front of the falls soaking up your love for one another.
Just a short distance away from Skogafoss lies a hidden gem—a secret waterfall location that I personally adore. Its enchanting beauty promises to provide an exquisite backdrop for your wedding ceremony.
Immerse yourself in the enchanting realm of the Lupine Fields—a captivating expanse of wildflowers that transforms into a fairytale-like setting during the summer months. Witness the vibrant bloom of these stunning blossoms, creating a picturesque backdrop that will add a touch of whimsy and natural beauty to your special occasion.
Experience the must-do Icelandic adventure of climbing glaciers, and don't miss out on my personal favorite, Jokulsarlon Glacier. Ascend its icy heights, change into your wedding attire for unforgettable photos, then hike back down and venture to the captivating Diamond Beach to complete your epic loves story.
Get ready for an awe-inspiring spectacle at Diamond Beach, the coolest spot to see floating glaciers in the water. And- if it’s an especially lucky day- some sweet seal friends may witness your wedding!
Where to Stay in Iceland
When you arrive in Iceland, there are plenty of places to stay that work for every occasion. Ten minutes from Black Sand Beach are the lovely Black Beach Suites- a cozy hostel that has the option of private rooms for you and your partner.
Feeling something a little fancier? I recommend the Panorama Glass Lodge, a stunning little home where you can look out your glass roof and sleep under the stars (and sometimes the Northern Lights!)
There are also plenty of local AirBnB that are perfect if you are looking for an immersive experience and see what it’s really like to live in Iceland.
If you are looking for a sense of adventure and you are on a budget, I highly recommended renting a campervan and camping along the Golden Circle. You will be able to cook your meals, be at the most high-demand spots before everyone else, and even see parts of Iceland that others won’t see if they stay in hotels. My top two favorite companies are Happy Camper and Camp Easy.
Things to Do in Iceland
There’s so much to see and do in Iceland; when you book your elopement package with me I’ll tailor your itinerary to fit YOUR personalities as a couple. Whether you want to scale a glacier, tour the streets of Reykjavik, or indulge in the lagoons, here are just a few great experiences Iceland has to offer:
Whale Watching- Get up close and personal with over 20 species of whales that spend time in Iceland’s waters. You may even spot a few puffins!
Glacier Hiking- Capture that adrenaline high on your wedding day by scaling a majestic glacier.
Blue Lagoon- Indulge in the world-famous hot springs and feel your best on your wedding day with complementary face masks and beverages!
Eat a Viking Dinner- Enjoy a traditional Viking meal as you learn about the history and culture of the Vikings that settled Iceland.
Visit Solheimasandur Plane Wreck- I recommend visiting this breathtaking sight in the summer months late at night when the light is still strong but the crowds have dispersed!
Preparing for your Elopement
Time for the important part: let’s make sure you’ve got everything you need to make your elopement official!
First, it’s best to book your flights and accommodation as early as possible. I recommend using a flight tracker like Google Flights or Skyscanner to keep an eye on prices and make sure you’re getting the best possible deal on airfare.
Ready to go? Just about! Before you board that plane, make sure you pack the essentials. I’ve listed some general items here, but remember to bring any personal touches you want with you on your big day!
Packing List:
Boots (Hiking, Rain, and/or Blundstones)
Base Layers
Windproof/Rainproof Jacket or Coat (depending on the season)
Swimsuit
Elopement Outfits
Garment Bags
Rings
Vow Books
Passports
Boarding Passes
Credit/Debit Cards/Króna (Icelandic currency)
Drivers License
Electronics & Outlet converters (F or C)
Making your Marriage Legal
Make sure to visit your state’s or country’s government website to look up the requirements for your marriage certificate. Leave yourself plenty of time as applying for a marriage license can take a few weeks.
The last thing you’ll need is someone to marry you. Luckily, I know just the person- myself! In addition to being your elopement photographer, I’m an ordained celebrant. The day before your wedding, I’ll ask you both a series of questions. I’ll read your responses to one another when I'm behind the lens and capture your reactions in real-time. Then once you’ve exchanged your vows, I’ll snap the shots just as I get to say “You are now bonded for life!” What could be more intimate and special than that?
So what are you waiting for?
Adventure is calling in the land of fire and ice! After all, marriage is the real adventure of a lifetime, and you and your partner deserve to celebrate with all the beauty, enchantment, and wonder that Iceland has to offer!
Contact me today to book your session and start planning your Icelandic elopement!
