Ultimate Iceland Elopement Guide

Iceland can be an epic elopement location… When you do it right! With reclusive pull offs, black sand beaches, volcanos, hidden waterfalls, and jeep adventures – Iceland is the perfect destination for an international elopement. Not to mention there are a ton of direct (and not super long!) flights from many major US cities and is the safest country in the world!

Planning an Iceland elopement can be challenging with the constantly changing weather and crowds of tourists – which is why it’s so important to have someone that knows the country, its weather patterns, and off the beaten path locations to help you plan a stress-free and intimate adventure wedding!

Meet Your Adventure Guide

Hey, I’m Sydney! Your go-to resource for anything planning related. I lived in Switzerland for a year and traveled to Iceland for the first time then, and immediately knew there was something wildly special about it. Since then, I’ve spent an extended amount of time in Iceland shooting elopements, and have learned quite a few tips and tricks to help us plan an unforgettable Iceland elopement!

I will be your travel guide for all things international travel-related, back up plan creator (for when weather hits the fan!), and location scout (yes, I will show you all the hidden waterfalls and canyons that are free from crowds). But, above all I will be your friend and adventure buddy.

Epic Iceland Elopement Locations

1. Seljalandsfoss Waterfall: The 200-foot Seljalandsfoss waterfall for incredible photos and is a right off the road, making it super accessible!
2. Skaftafell National Park: Say your vows in the meadows and explore the Vatnajökull glacier for a unique and picturesque setting.
3. Reynisfjara Black Sand Beaches: The contrast of black sand, basalt columns, and roaring waves creates such a unique and stunning atmosphere!
4. Thingvellir National Park: Less crowded than some of the Ring Road locations!

Pro-Tip: I have a ton of hidden (and epic!) locations that are off the beaten path that I can’t wait to share with you!

Where to Stay in Iceland

1. Reykjavik: Choose from boutique hotels to budget guesthouses while exploring the vibrant capital city. I recommend staying here the night you fly in! Most of the Iceland elopement spots are further from the city, so I will recommend other stays near those locations for you depending on your adventure!
2. Vik: Enjoy small-town charm near iconic natural wonders in this cozy village.
3. Hrifunesveguer: A more rugged elopement location! Tons of secluded cottages backing up to the Icelandic Highlands!

Where to Eat in Iceland

1. Dill Restaurant, Reykjavik: Indulge in innovative Michelin-starred dishes focusing on local ingredients.
2. Fiskmarkaðurinn, Reykjavik: Seafood and ocean-fresh flavors.
3. Halldorskaffi, Vik: Icelandic comfort food in a cozy atmosphere.

As a reminder, many of the places I will recommend you stay will be relatively remote! Plan to eat in Reykjavik the day you fly in, but plan a dinner in Vik or at your airbnb on the night of your Iceland elopement!

How to Travel Through Iceland

1. Rent a Car – Explore Iceland’s wonders with the flexibility of a rental car.
2. Guided Tours – Plan a jeep tour through Iceland with locals who can off-road and take you to hidden spots. (I can also off-road and know of epic and hidden spots all over the country!)
3. Helicopter Tours – Get the most remote and epic views paired with a wild adventure!
4. From the Airport – Take the Flybus to and from the airport to avoid taxi fees. You can arrange for it to drop you at the city center, or your hotel!

Your Iceland elopement will require an AWD vehicle for most of the locations I have planned for you! I recommend renting a Defender or Jeep at the airport, and driving it to your airbnb or hotel. Having a car makes it a lot easier to get around! Need more help planning a destination elopement? Read the blog!

Best Time of Year For an Iceland Elopement

Iceland is the warmest, and has the most light in the summer! I recommend eloping in the months of June – October for the most sunlight, and to avoid snow and freezing temperatures. The fall is the best time of year to see the northern lights (although it starts to get colder and darker!) Iceland is relatively cold year around, and you can expect rain even in the summer, so make sure to bring your rain jacket, hiking boots, and a light puffy!

What to Pack For Your Iceland Elopement

• Passport, driver’s license, and any other identification you have
• Light puffy coat, beanies, raincoat, leggings for under your dress
• Hiking boots and multiple pairs of socks
• Small waterproof toiletry bag
• Headlamps or flash lights
• Sentimental items (letters from family/friends)
• Vow books
• Marriage license (if applicable!)
• Cufflinks/belt/suspenders/tie/pocket squares
• Craft beer, champagne, wine, or a celebratory drink to have at the end of the hike!
• Quick dry microfiber towel (great for spills, if caught in a rainstorm)
• Sunglasses
• Bathing suits (if soaking!) 
• Light gloves

How to Get Married in Iceland

Legal Marriage

In order to legally get married in advance of your Iceland elopement, you will need to submit documentation (passport info, birth certificates, etc.) to the government so that your marriage may be made legal in Iceland. Read more about the details here!

Symbolic Marriage

I’m a huge fan of the symbolic marriage… I am also here to remind you that your wedding day is yours whether or not you sign a piece of paper, and don’t let that be what holds you back from eloping internationally. There is a lot less stress in planning, a lot less forms, and the legality of it is such a small part of your day you’re bound to not even miss signing a piece of paper.

Iceland Elopement Ideas

Here are some of my favorite Iceland elopement activities for your day!

• Sky Lagoon or Blue Lagoon soak
• Hike to a waterfall
• Hike to the plane crash
• Go horseback riding on Icelandic horses
• Visit the West fjords
• Off roading in the Icelandic Highlands
• Drive the ring road
• Watch the northern lights
• Hike to a canyon
• Explore ice caves
• Visit a volcano eruption

Iceland Elopement Packages

Let’s make the Iceland elopement planning process easy!

Having photographed countless adventure elopements in Iceland… I know how to put together a rad day complete with back up plans, off-the-beaten path locations, and all the recommendations you could need. I’ve designed the planning process will be easy, fun, and most importantly – stress-free!

My all-inclusive Iceland elopement packages are created with all this in mind! The packages include – all day photo coverage, timeline and location planning, vendor recommendations, an heirloom album, and all of my travel fees to Iceland!

Packages range from $8,000 to $12,000!

Ready to plan your epic Iceland elopement?! Check out my Iceland Elopement Photographer page for more resources and information!